Effect of pre-freeze semen quality, extender and cryoprotectant on the post-thaw quality of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) semen

Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination (AI) are potentially valuable methods for supporting the breeding management of endangered species like the Asian elephant. Cryopreservation of Asian elephant semen has however proven problematic with respect to maintenance of both adequate semen qu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Cryobiology 2013-02, Vol.66 (1), p.52-59
Main Authors: Imrat, P., Suthanmapinanth, P., Saikhun, K., Mahasawangkul, S., Sostaric, E., Sombutputorn, P., Jansittiwate, S., Thongtip, N., Pinyopummin, A., Colenbrander, B., Holt, W.V., Stout, T.A.E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Asian elephant semen
Cryopreservation - methods
Cryopreservation - veterinary
Cryoprotective Agents - metabolism
Elephantidae
Elephants - physiology
Elephas maximus
Formamides - metabolism
Freezability
Glycerol - metabolism
Male
Semen - cytology
Semen - drug effects
Semen - metabolism
Semen Analysis
Semen cryopreservation
Semen Preservation - methods
Semen Preservation - veterinary
Semen quality
Sperm Motility
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Summary:Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination (AI) are potentially valuable methods for supporting the breeding management of endangered species like the Asian elephant. Cryopreservation of Asian elephant semen has however proven problematic with respect to maintenance of both adequate semen quality and fertility post-thaw. In this study, nine ejaculates from three adult bulls were used to compare the influence of extender (TEST versus INRA96®) and penetrating cryoprotectants (3% glycerol, 5% glycerol and 4% methylformamide) on post-thaw semen quality. We demonstrate that not only the freezing process, but also the quality of the semen before freezing, significantly influences the freezability of Asian elephant semen. Pre-freeze motility, viability, semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration and the incidence of sperm mid-piece and tail abnormalities all significantly (p
ISSN:0011-2240
1090-2392
DOI:10.1016/j.cryobiol.2012.11.003