Abstract
The aim of the present study was the modification and evaluation of three different semen extenders for cockatiel semen in order to achieve a long survival time for transport, examination purpose and for potential cryopreservation, respectively. Therefore, individual and pooled semen samples of 30 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) were investigated for pH and osmolality values and subsequently pH and osmolality values of the semen extenders were adjusted to those values in the semen. Pooled semen samples were then partitioned into four equal parts and diluted with the three different semen extenders in 1:4 and 1:8 dilution. 1 % glucose-Ringer’s solution was used as control, respectively. A total of 64 incremental diluted semen samples were obtained for investigation. Each dilution was investigated regarding sperm motility immediately after dilution and another four times every 30 minutes. Sperm viability was evaluated 0 and 120 minutes after dilution via eosin B-stain on the diluted semen samples and in pure semen samples. Additionally, the fluorescence stain SYBR® Green/propidium iodide was used to assess sperm viability. The results indicate that cockatiel spermatozoa are highly sensitive to variations in pH and osmolality, requiring adjustment of commercial diluents to pH = 7.42 and osmolality = 300 mOsm/kg. Modified Lake diluent maintained higher viability and motility than other diluents tested. Sperm morphology was indicated to be least adversely affected by modified Lake diluent in 1:4 concentration compared to other semen extenders and concentrations used.
Highlights
More than one third of all psittacine species are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN 2014)
Evaluation of semen extenders: By partitioning of the 16 pooled semen samples 64 samples were investigated for sperm motility, sperm viability and sperm morphology
Our findings demonstrate that every semen extender seems to have a significant influence on abnormalities of the sperm head, a region which is known to be highly sensitive to osmotic variances (Bakst 1980)
Summary
More than one third of all psittacine species are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN 2014). Lake diluent and modified Biggers, Whitten and Whittinghams medium have been evaluated (Samour et al 1988) whereas in cockatiels 1% glucoseRinger’s solution (1% G) demonstrated best results in PMOT in comparison with five other semen extenders after a storage time of 120 minutes (Stelzer 2004). Semen analysis and adjustment of semen extenders Initial semen analysis and osmolality measurements: Collecting the semen in a microcapillary tube permitted evaluation of volume, semen color, sperm density and estimated sperm motility. Sperm density and motility were evaluated immediately after semen collection by placing the microcapillary tube onto a slide using a Leica DM2500 microscope (Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and X 100 magnification.
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