INRA82 extender enhances semen quality in ram under cooled and cryopreserved stages

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effect of INRA82 extender on ram semen quality preserved in cooled and frozen conditions in comparison with Tris-based extenders and to select the suitable extender for ram semen preservation. Methods: Semen samples were collected and pooled from Awassi rams (n=5) and divided into three aliquots. Each aliquot was diluted with one of the following extenders: 1) Tris-citrate glucose, 2) Tris-citrate fructose, and 3) INRA-82. For liquid storage, diluted samples were kept at 5 °C for 72 h. Progressive motility was measured at 0, 24, 48 and 72 h after cooling. Besides, viability, morphology, membrane, acrosome and DNA integrities were evaluated at 24 h post-cooling. For cryopreservation, diluted samples were cooled, equilibrated, loaded and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Thawed samples were evaluated in the same manner as cooled conditions. Results: Seminal characteristics were improved after cooling and thawing in samples diluted with INRA-82 compared to those diluted with Tris-citrate glucose or Tris-citrate fructose (P<0.05). Conclusions: Dilution of ram semen with INRA-82 improves semen parameters. Hence, INRA-82, as a stimulating diluent, can be successfully used to reserve viability and sustainability of cooled and cryopreserved ram semen.