Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
Mouse Sperm Cryopreservation and Recovery using the I·Cryo Kit
Published on: December 12, 2011
The survivability of Mycoplasma meleagridis in frozen-thawed turkey semen
Abstract:
Semen from 15 turkeys was pooled and divided into two groups and diluted with glycerated freezing medium. One group contained naturally occurring levels of Mycoplasma meleagridis while the other was inoculated with a 24-hr culture of the organism. Both groups were frozen under identical conditions. Semen was evaluated for motility and life-dead analysis during various stages of cryopreservation. The number of viable mycoplasmas in both groups was determined prior to and at 1-, 2-, and 6-months frozen storage. The experiment was repeated twice. Semen motility and live-dead evaluation showed no apparent trends outside of the normal decline seen during various stages of cryopreservation. There was no significant decline in M. meleagridis levels in either treatment group in either trial when samples were tested at intervals up to 6 months. The naturally infected semen contained approximately 10(3) cfu/ml, while the inoculated semen had 10(5) cfu/ml. It was concluded that viable numbers of M. meleagridis do not substantially decline in turkey semen during cryopreservation and subsequent thawing. Consideration must be given to potential pathogens in turkey semen cryopreserved for long-term storage.
Insights
Cryopreservation of turkey semen does not significantly reduce Mycoplasma meleagridis levels. This finding highlights the need to consider potential pathogens in long-term stored turkey semen.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Reproduction
Background:
- Mycoplasma meleagridis is a significant pathogen in turkeys.
- Cryopreservation of avian semen is crucial for genetic preservation and artificial insemination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the viability of Mycoplasma meleagridis in cryopreserved turkey semen.
- To determine the impact of cryopreservation on M. meleagridis populations in turkey semen.
Main Methods:
- Turkey semen was collected, pooled, and divided into naturally infected and inoculated groups with M. meleagridis.
- Semen was cryopreserved using a glycerated freezing medium.
- Semen quality (motility, live-dead analysis) and M. meleagridis viable counts were assessed at various time points up to 6 months.
Main Results:
- Semen motility and live-dead evaluations showed normal declines during cryopreservation.
- No significant decline in M. meleagridis viable counts was observed in either naturally infected or inoculated semen up to 6 months of frozen storage.
- Initial M. meleagridis levels were approximately 10(3) cfu/ml in naturally infected semen and 10(5) cfu/ml in inoculated semen.
Conclusions:
- Viable Mycoplasma meleagridis numbers remain stable in cryopreserved turkey semen.
- Long-term cryopreservation of turkey semen necessitates consideration of potential bacterial pathogens like M. meleagridis.
