Improvement in sperm functional competence through modified low-dose packaging in French mini straws of bull semen

To achieve the targeted artificial insemination coverage with the current rate of semen production, without affecting the conception rate, it needs to reduce the number of spermatozoa per insemination dose in India as per international practice. Therefore, this study was planned to perform different levels of semen dilution, compare in vitro post-thaw semen quality and develop a modified low-dose semen packaging method in French mini straw to minimise semen dilution effect. Sixteen ejaculates were collected from Karan Fries bulls (n = 4). The mean percentage post-thaw motility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, lipid peroxidation and capacitation status were estimated as post-thaw sperm function assays in semen sample diluted to 20, 15, 10 and 5 million spermatozoa per 0.25 ml and filled in the French mini straw by conventional packaging. No significant (p > .05) difference in post-thaw sperm quality was observed between 15 and 20 million doses; however, below 15 million sperm quality get reduced. There was no significant difference in post-thaw semen quality traits between 20 million conventional packaging and 5 million spermatozoa/dose in modified packaging. In conclusions, the modified packaging is a very effective method for low-dose cryopreservation with acceptable post-thaw semen quality.