EFFECT OF SOLID MEDIUM DURING COOLED STORAGE ON STALLION SPERM PARAMETERS

Area of Science:

• Animal Reproduction
• Sperm Biology
• Cryopreservation

Background:

• Solid storage media prevent sperm sedimentation and reduce metabolic needs.
• This method has shown promise in extending mammalian sperm viability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of solid phase extender with varying gelatin concentrations on stallion sperm during cool storage.

Main Methods:

• Semen from 10 Crioulo stallions was analyzed.
• Treatments included control (semen extender) and extenders with 1%, 2%, or 3% gelatin.
• Sperm parameters (motility, mitochondrial function, membrane integrity, DNA, acrosome) were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 hours at 5°C.

Main Results:

• Sperm motility, mitochondrial function, plasma membrane, and acrosome integrity decreased over the 72-hour storage period.
• No significant differences in these parameters were observed between the control and gelatin-treated groups.
• Stallion sperm DNA integrity remained stable throughout the storage duration.

Conclusions:

• Solid phase extenders with gelatin did not enhance stallion sperm parameters during cooled storage.
• The addition of gelatin was not detrimental to sperm quality under these conditions.