Evaluation of a semen extender from a bioenergetic perspective

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Sperm Preservation

Background:

• Sperm preservation is crucial for avian breeding programs.
• Previous premises for sperm preservation efficacy require empirical testing.
• Understanding factors affecting sperm viability post-manipulation is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if sperm mobility phenotype impacts the efficacy of preservation procedures.
• To evaluate if the sperm mobility assay can predict mitochondrial status during sperm manipulation.
• To investigate the role of extender composition and application in chicken sperm preservation.

Main Methods:

• Rooster sperm were phenotyped for mobility, categorized as high (>51%) or below average (19-35%).
• Sperm were washed, suspended in Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), and stored at 10°C for 24 hours.
• Sperm mitochondrial status was assessed by observing mobility loss in saline versus extender under stress conditions.

Main Results:

• Highly mobile sperm exhibited exponential decay in motility (53% asymptote), while below-average sperm showed linear decay (17% endpoint).
• Extender efficacy varied with sperm phenotype, with differences attributed to cytotoxic edema.
• Sperm mobility loss was slower in BPSE compared to saline, suggesting protection against cellular edema.

Conclusions:

• Sperm mobility phenotype significantly affects chicken sperm preservation outcomes.
• The method of extender application (washing vs. direct extension) influences sperm viability.
• The sperm mobility assay can provide insights into sperm response to preservation stressors and extender effects.