Cryopreservation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen in Bioxcell extender

Area of Science:

• Animal Reproduction
• Cryobiology
• Semen Preservation

Background:

• Cryopreservation of buffalo semen is crucial for genetic conservation and artificial insemination programs.
• Optimizing semen extenders is essential for maintaining sperm quality and fertility post-thaw.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of Bioxcell with tris-citric egg yolk extender for cryopreserving buffalo semen.
• To evaluate the impact of these extenders on post-thaw semen quality and in vivo fertility.

Main Methods:

• Buffalo semen was cryopreserved using either tris-citric egg yolk or Bioxcell extender.
• Post-thaw semen quality parameters including motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity were assessed.
• In vivo fertility was evaluated through artificial insemination trials under field conditions.

Main Results:

• No significant differences (P > 0.05) were observed in post-thaw sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, or normal apical ridge between the two extenders.
• Sperm abnormality rates (head, mid piece, tail) were similar for both tris-citric egg yolk and Bioxcell extenders.
• In vivo fertility rates were comparable, with 44% for tris-citric egg yolk and 47% for Bioxcell.

Conclusions:

• Commercially available Bioxcell extender is an effective alternative to tris-citric egg yolk for cryopreservation of buffalo semen.
• Bioxcell maintains semen quality and in vivo fertility comparable to the traditional tris-citric egg yolk extender.