INRA96 Supplemented With Phospholipids Liposomes, A Promising Approach for Stallion Sperm Chilling.

The research article investigates the use of liposomes produced from egg yolk phospholipids in stallion sperm storage and suggests that this method provides better protection for the sperm cells compared to the standard INRA96 extender.

Introduction

• The research is focused on improving the methods of stallion sperm storage for use in artificial insemination. The current technology primarily uses a storage extender known as INRA96. This extender preserves sperm for a longer period at the temperatures of 4°C or 15°C.
• However, some stallions, categorized as “bad coolers,” are not suitable for this technic. The researchers previously showed that liposomes produced from egg yolk phospholids could be a potent alternative for these specific cases.

Objective of the Study

• The purpose of the study is to evaluate the protective effect of liposomes produced from egg yolk phospholipids on stallion sperm storage at 4°C.
• The researchers aim to develop a new extender consisting of INRA96 supplemented with liposomes of egg yolk phospholipids for the preservation of sperm.

Methodology

• The sperm of stallions from two different studs were diluted in two different extenders: the standard INRA96 extender and an experimental extender (EE) composed of INRA96 supplemented with liposomes of egg yolk phospholipids.
• The motility parameters of the sperm were evaluated at intervals of 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, and 7 days using a Computer Assisted Semen Analyzer.

Results

• The results of the study showed a significant decrease in both total and progressive motility after dilution and storage in INRA96 between the first and the third day.
• However, no significant decrease was observed between the first and the third day with the experimental extender. Furthermore, the total and progressive motility were maintained at a significantly higher level when the sperm was stored in the experimental extender as compared to INRA96 at the third, sixth and seventh days.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that supplementation of INRA96 extender with egg-yolk phospholipids liposomes enhances the protection of stallion sperm cells.
• This demonstrates a promising approach towards improving sperm chilling technology for stallions that are not suited for the traditional INRA96 extender method.