Abstract
Simple SummaryThe process of semen cryopreservation can have multiple advantages in an ex situ conservation program. However, there is a necessity to adapt the protocol to the specificity of each species. With that in mind, we aimed to optimize the sperm freezing/thawing process and study the effect of different cryoprotectants in the peregrine falcon.Sperm cryopreservation is a complex process that needs to be adapted to wild and domestic avian species to ensure proper efficiency. Because of its accessibility, the peregrine falcon may be used as a good model for studying other raptor species. To find the most optimal cryopreservation protocol for peregrine falcon ejaculates, sperm parameters such as motility, viability, DNA fragmentation, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity were analyzed under different conditions by varying the freezing method (slow freezing in straws vs. ultrarapid freezing in pellets), thawing conditions (37 °C for 30 s vs. 5 °C for 1 min), type of cryoprotectant (DMA vs. DMSO), and concentration of DMSO (4% vs. 8%). Results show that slow cryopreservation in straws yielded greater percentages (p < 0.05) of motile spermatozoa (22.5% ± 4.4% vs. 0.0% ± 4.1%), viable spermatozoa with intact acrosomes (84.6% ± 4.3% vs. 77.4% ± 4.3%), and spermatozoa with active mitochondria (41.0% ± 6.7% vs.12.8% ± 6.7%), compared with those obtained by the ultrarapid freezing in pellets. However, no differences were found between different thawing conditions. Moreover, all sperm motility parameters were greater (p < 0.05) when DMSO was used during freezing compared with DMA, although the use of 3% and 8% DMSO produced similar results. In conclusion, these results represent important progress in the study of falcon semen cryopreservation protocol, highlighting the crucial steps of the process and the most suitable conditions.
Highlights
At present, the number of species threatened with extinction is above 28,000, of which 14%correspond to avian species [1]
Semen cryopreservation is a complex process with atonumber of unanswered questions, and this is true in bird species
The slow freezing method in better results in terms of sperm quality compared with ultrarapid freezing in pellets, which straws could showed better in terms of sperm quality compared with ultrarapid freezing in pellets, which potentially leadresults to better fertility outcomes
Summary
The number of species threatened with extinction is above 28,000, of which 14%. Correspond to avian species [1]. With fast changes currently occurring in the climate and habitats, thousands of species of wild animals are in danger of disappearing [1]. A global effort is being made to create a solution for potential emergencies that could lead to the rapid extinction of species. Captive breeding and the exchange of individuals between zoos are common practices around the world. Space is limited, and it is impossible to maintain significant numbers of each. A viable presented solution is the creation of a germplasm bank that contains the sperm, oocytes, or even embryos of the largest possible number of species [2,3]
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