Abstract
ABSTRACT The objectives of this study were to verify the time during which viable ovine spermatozoa could be recovered from the cauda epididymis kept at ambient temperature (18-25°C). Sperm collected in an artificial vagina (AV) were used as control. Spermatozoa samples were collected with an AV and from epididymis at 0 (G0), 6 (G6), 12 (G12), 24 (G24), and 48 (G48) hours post mortem. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), hypo-osmotic membrane integrity test (HOST) and morphological changes were assessed. TM decreased (P<0.05) from 24 hours post mortem (70.0±1.9%) compared to AV (86.4±1.0%). PM decreased (P<0.05) from 12 hours after death (31.3±4.0%) compared to AV group (73.2±1.4%). The percentage of viable cells in HOST decreased (P<0.05) in the G48 (60.0±8.9%). Spermatozoa recovery was lower (P<0.05) 48 hours after death (2064.2±230.7 x 106 spermatozoa) compared to G0(2623.6±288.4 x 106 spermatozoa). In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, it would be possible to use epididymal spermatozoa recovered up to 24 hours after death for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization; however, fertility trials are necessary to prove this hypothesis.
Highlights
In livestock breeding, the preservation of gametes after the death of a genetically valuable animal can be important
The objective of this study was to evaluate the duration of viability of ovine spermatozoa stored in the cauda epididymis at room temperature (1825°C) up to 48 hours post mortem compared to semen collected in an artificial vagina
The total motility of spermatozoa collected from the cauda epididymis decreased (P
Summary
The preservation of gametes after the death of a genetically valuable animal can be important. Recovery of spermatozoa after death may offer the last chance to preserve genetic material from breeding animals which have died unexpectedly. The use of genetic material obtained from the epididymis is important following the sudden death of breeding livestock or in the preservation of endangered species. There is a consensus among the authors that when epididymis is refrigerated at 5°C, before spermatozoa recovery, the viability period increases (Fernández-Santos et al, 2009; Maroto-Morales et al, 2010; O'Hara et al, 2010; Nichi et al, 2016). In sheep, when the epididymis is refrigerated, the recovered spermatozoa do not present significant changes up to 24 hours post mortem (Kaabi et al, 2003; Tamayo-Canul et al, 2011). We hypothesized that spermatozoa viability would decrease as death time increased
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
