Freezing of equine semen is influenced by exposure time and concentration of the cryoprotectant glycerol.
Abstract: Glycerol is a cryoprotectant widely used in the freezing of mammalian semen, but no study has demonstrated its optimum concentration and the appropriate exposure time for equine species. Objective: To demonstrate that the exposure time (15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 min) versus concentration (2, 3, 4 and 5%) of the cryoprotectant glycerol influences the freezing success of equine semen. Methods: The ejaculate of 12 stallions were frozen in different glycerol concentrations following different exposure times. The thawed sperm was evaluated for kinetic parameters using a Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) system and cell feature parameters were assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Considering the total and progressive motility of the spermatozoa, we concluded that protocols using 5% glycerol for 15 and 30 min exposure, 4% glycerol for 45 min exposure and 3% glycerol for 90 min exposure generated the best results. Conclusions: We suggest the use of any of these protocols for a better cryopreservation of equine semen. Doi: 10.54680/fr23410110412.
Publication Date: 2023-10-26 PubMed ID: 37883141
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research reveals how the concentration and exposure time to the cryoprotectant glycerol influences the successful freezing of equine semen.
Research Objective and Methods
The main goal of the research was to explore the optimal concentration of the cryoprotectant glycerol and the best exposure time necessary for freezing equine semen efficiently. There has been no prior comprehensive study focusing on this topic.
- The semen from 12 stallions was utilised for the study.
- The semen samples were frozen in different concentrations of glycerol and at different exposure times.
- The researchers evaluated the thawed sperm for kinetic parameters using the Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) system.
- Additionally, cell feature parameters were also assessed using flow cytometry, a technique used for measuring physical and chemical characteristics of a population of cells or particles.
Key Results
The study found the total and progressive motility of the spermatozoa, which are key indicators of sperm vitality and viability, were influenced by the exposure time and the concentration of glycerol used.
- Protocols using 5% glycerol for 15 and 30 minutes exposure time yielded the best results.
- When exposure time was increased to 45 minutes, a lower glycerol concentration of 4% was more effective.
- For the longest exposure time of 90 minutes, the best results were found with a 3% glycerol concentration.
Conclusions and Recommendations
Based on the data and analysis, the researchers concluded that the concentration of glycerol and the exposure time are substantial factors affecting the successful freezing of equine semen for cryopreservation.
- They suggested usage of protocols that involve 5% glycerol for exposure times of 15 and 30 minutes.
- If exposure time increases to 45 minutes, the glycerol concentration should be reduced to 4%.
- For maximum exposure time of 90 minutes, a glycerol concentration of 3% is recommended.
These recommendations could greatly improve the effectiveness of equine semen cryopreservation methods moving forward.
Cite This Article
APA
Fracaro PL, Corcini CD, Souza Gatti NL, Filho JS, Acosta IB, Filho JS, Hartwig FP, Rosa Curcio BD, Varela Junior AS.
(2023).
Freezing of equine semen is influenced by exposure time and concentration of the cryoprotectant glycerol.
Cryo Letters, 44(4), 234-239.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Reproducao Animal Comparada- RAC, Instituto de Ciencias Biologicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande; ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil. corcinicd@gmail.com.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Programa de pos graduacao em Veterinaria, Faculdade de Veterinaria, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
- Reprodução Animal Comparada- RAC, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande; ReproPel, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
MeSH Terms
- Horses
- Male
- Animals
- Freezing
- Glycerol / pharmacology
- Semen
- Cryopreservation / veterinary
- Cryopreservation / methods
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Semen Preservation / methods
- Sperm Motility
- Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
- Spermatozoa
- Mammals
Citations
This article has been cited 0 times.Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
