Cryopreservation of in situ cool stored buffalo [Bubalus bubalis] epididymal sperm

ABSTRACT

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of testis-epididymis cool storage on viability and progressive motility of buffalo epididymal sperm [EP] and to compare the influences of two basic semen extenders on post thaw EP viability and progressive motility. Abattoir collected buffalo testicles were allotted to three storage times [0 h n = 10; 24 h n = 10 and 48 h n = 12]. Following storage, isolated sperm were subjected to cryopreservation with two different cryoprotective media whole cow milk-7%glycerol [MG] or egg yolk-tris-citrate-7% glycerol [EYG]. Pre freeze and post thaw sperm progressive motility and viability were evaluated. Results indicated that viability and progressive motility of sperm decreased after 24 h cool storage of the epididymis [P<0.05]. There was no difference between 24 and 48 h of storage on sperm viability [P>0.05], but progressive motility decreased across storage times [24 h versus 48 h P<0.05]. Cryopreservation severely influenced viability and progressive motility of EP [P<0.05]. Milk-7% glycerol protected viability and progressive motility of EP against cold shock more efficiently than EYG [P<0.05]. The results of this study demonstrate that it is possible to preserve buffalo EP within the epididymis at 4°C short term, but that it has poor freezability upon recovery by basic semen freezing protocols