Plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of fresh and frozen Bali bull semen based on different ejaculate volume

Abstract

Semen volume is one of the measuring points used to determine the quality of a bull’s semen in one ejaculate. Plasma Membrane Integrity (PMI) and Acrosomal Integrity (AI) are more detailed microscopic examinations and are used to determine the ability of spermatozoa to fertilize. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PMI and AI of fresh and frozen semen of Bali bull based on different ejaculate volumes. This research was conducted in March-April at Artificial Insemination Centre (AIC) in Pucak, South Sulawesi. The method used in this study was an experimental method with 4 treatments of ejaculate volume 1-3 ml; 3.1-5 ml; 5.1-7 ml; and 7.1-9 ml for 3 replicates each. The observed variables were PMI and AI. The results showed that the volume variation had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the PMI and AI values of fresh Bali cattle semen, as well as post-thawing frozen semen. The average percentage of PMI in fresh semen was 63.49±1.46% and post thawing was 37.66±2.82%, while the average AI percentage for fresh semen was 73.17±2.06% and post thawing was 50.92±2.64%. The conclusion of this study is the volume of ejaculate does not affect the plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity of Bali cattle semen, both fresh and frozen.