Effect of different extenders for preservation of ram semen at 4°C

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different extenders viz. Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk (TCFEY), Tris citric acid glucose egg yolk (TCGEY), Egg yolk citrate fructose (EYCF) and Egg yolk citrate glucose (EYCG) on the quality of ram spermatozoa during preservation at 4°C. Semen samples showing more than 3+ mass motility and 70% progressive motility were pooled and subsequently divided into four aliquots. Each aliquot was extended separately in four different extenders viz. TCFEY, TCGEY, EYCF and EYCG and stored at 4°C up to 72h. The quality of spermatozoa on the basis of percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, morphological abnormalities, intact acrosome and hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST) reacted spermatozoa was evaluated immediately after extension in particular extenders (0 h), 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after preservation at 4°C. The percent sperm motility was significantly (P<0.01) higher for TCFEY and TCGEY than EYCF and EYCG at 72 h of preservation at 4°C. The percent HOST reacted spermatozoa and intact acrosomes were significantly (P<0.01) higher and morphological abnormalities were significantly (P<0.01) lower for Tris based fructose extender than other three extenders at 72 h at 4°C. In conclusion, Tris citric acid fructose egg yolk (TCFEY) was found the best in maintaining the quality of ejaculated ram spermatozoa during preservation for 72 h at 4°C.