Efficacy of Semen Microencapsulation Technique on the Quality of Spermatozoa From Canindé Goats Kept Under...

For approximately 40 years, microencapsulation technology has been utilised across various species due to its ability to release semen gradually after artificial insemination. This study aimed to establish the use of the alginate microencapsulation procedure for goat semen and to investigate whether this method enhances longevity during cold storage compared to the traditional straw method. Semen was collected from Canindé bucks and analysed using Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). The semen was then diluted in a commercial extender and packaged either in straws or microcapsules (using 1% sodium alginate). Both groups were refrigerated at 4°C-5°C and assessed at 24, 48 and 72 h after dilution. The evaluation included assessments of sperm viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, and DNA integrity. Data were analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA at p < 0.05. Concerning the parameters straight line (VSL) and average path (VAP), no statistical differences (p > 0.05) were observed. However, the microcapsule group showed significantly higher results (p < 0.05) for straightness (STR), beat cross frequency (BCF), and wobble (WOB) at 24 and 48 h of storage. Sperm viability was also higher (p < 0.05) in the microcapsule group at 24 and 48 h of storage. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the feasibility of microencapsulating goat semen. Further in vivo and/or in vitro fertility trials are needed to confirm these findings.