Effect of packaging method on quality and functional parameters in cryopreserved porcine spermatozoa with alpha tocopherol

Abstract

Objectives: Evaluate the effect of the packaging method in porcine semen cryopreserved with α-tocopherol on quality and functional sperm parameters. In porcine production, although the use of frozen semen is very limited, there are obvious advantages to use this technology. Material and Methods: Sperm samples were cryopreserved in pellets or straws with or without α-tocopherol and quality and functional parameters were determined in all groups. Results: As regards quality parameters, a significant individual effect was observed, with a similar behavior despite the packaging system evaluated. The same results were obtained in functional tests. Both packaging systems, pellets and straws, showed a similar behavior with respect to the effect of the antioxidant α-tocopherol on the quality and functional sperm parameters. Interestingly, the better results were obtained in pellets than in straws. Conclusion: The results obtained allow us to suppose that this efficient, economical and simple method, with little expensive equipment or supplies, can be used to cryopreserve boar spermatozoa for research. In fact, since the results have been better in tablets, if identification and storage problems of pellets were solved, this freezing method could be used for production purposes.