A arte de inseminar éguas com sêmen congelado / The art of inseminating mares with frozen semen

Nos últimos quinze anos, a equideocultura foi uma atividade em destaque com significativo crescimento no Brasil e no mundo. O Brasil é o segundo país no mundo que mais utiliza transporte de sêmen equino, ficando atrás apenas dos Estados Unidos e a utilização do sêmen congelado no país vem expandido a cada dia. O índice de prenhez por ciclo, com sêmen equino congelado é variável e oscila entre 25 e 40%. Adicionalmente, sabe-se que o sêmen de alguns garanhões apresenta baixa viabilidade após o descongelamento. A primeira prenhez obtida com sêmen equino congelado foi relatada há cinco décadas. Segundo Cazalez, 2020, é muito difícil recomendar uma dose inseminante padrão para sêmen congelado em equinos. A maioria dos estudos científicos não consegue controlar o efeito de outros fatores "de confusão" como método de processo, fator égua, fator garanhão, técnica de inseminação etc., tornando difícil uma comparação crítica dos mesmos. Rigby et al. (2001) obtiveram taxas de prenhez similares ao se comparar a inseminação artificial profunda em corno uterino com endoscópio e pipeta flexível.(AU)

In the last fifteen years, equine breeding has been a prominent activity with significant growth in Brazil and in the world. Brazil is the second country in the world that most uses equine semen transport, second only to the United States, and the use of frozen semen in the country is expanding every day. The pregnancy rate per cycle with frozen equine semen is variable and ranges from 25 to 40%. Additionally, it is known that the semen of some stallions has low viability after thawing. The first pregnancy obtained with frozen equine semen was reported five decades ago. According to Cazalez, 2020, it is very difficult to recommend a standard insemination dose for frozen semen in horses. Most scientific studies cannot control for the effect of other "confounding" factors such as processing method, mare factor, stallion factor, insemination technique, etc., making it difficult to critically compare them. Rigby et al. (2001) obtained similar pregnancy rates when comparing deep artificial insemination in the uterine horn with an endoscope and flexible pipette.(AU)

L-carnitine added to post-thawed semen acts as an antioxidant and a stimulator of equine sperm metabolism.

The objective of this study was to enhance the in vitro sperm quality and in vivo fertility of frozen-thawed equine semen by the addition of l-carnitine (LC) to post-thawed semen. Different concentrations of LC were added to thawed samples to obtain four treatments control and 0.5, 1 and 2 mM LC. In the in vitro experiments, sperm motility and kinematics, membrane integrity and intracellular calcium ion concentration ([Ca2+ ]i ) were investigated, and the antioxidant bioactivity of LC was assessed by measuring hydrogen peroxide and nitrite concentrations (NO2 - ). The fertility rate was assessed via the artificial insemination of mares. The treatment with 1 mM LC increased sperm [Ca2+ ]i (60.6 ± 0.05 AU), reduced nitrite concentration (39.1 ± 14.9 µM/µg protein), increased the sperm straightness percentage (STR: 78.3 ± 5.3%) and increased the pregnancy rate (75%) as compared to the control ([Ca2+ ]i 48.4 ± 0.05 AU, NO2 - concentration 63.1 ± 14.4 µM/µg protein, STR 67.5 ± 7.9%, 12.5% pregnancy rate, p < 0.05). These results suggest that 1 mM LC acts as an antioxidant and stimulator of sperm metabolism in post-thawed equine semen, increasing the fertility rate. Thus, addition of LC might be an alternative to improve the fertility of poor quality post-thawed equine semen.

Improvement of in vitro fertilization by a tannin rich vegetal extract addition to frozen thawed boar sperm.

Boar spermatozoa are very susceptible to cryopreservation injuries and, for this reason, pig remains one of the few species in which fresh semen is still preferred to thawed one for routine artificial insemination (AI). The present work evaluated the effect of supplementing boar sperm thawing medium with Silvafeed SP (SSP), a mixture of Chestnut and Quebracho wood extracts (60/40 w/w) rich in polyphenols (92.4% tannin content) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and on the following sperm parameters: sperm motility (assessed by CASA), viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function and lipid peroxidation (assessed by flow cytometry) and capacitation status (immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins). Thawed spermatozoa were incubated 1 h at 37°C in BTS without (CTR) or with (5, 10, 20 µg/mL) SSP. After incubation sperm suspension was divided in three aliquots: one was used for IVF trials, one for sperm analysis, and the last one was capacitated for 1 h at 39°C 5% CO2 in IVF medium. Sperm motility parameters, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial functionality, lipid peroxidation and tyrosine phosphorylated protein immunolocalization, used as capacitation parameter, were not influenced by SSP. However, oocytes inseminated with thawed spermatozoa pretreated with all the different SSP concentrations presented a significant (P < 0.01) increase in penetration rate compared to CTR. In addition, 5 µg/mL SSP exerted a positive effect (P<0.05) on the total efficiency of fertilization. These results encourage the use of SSP in the thawing medium since post-thawing fertility is a limit for the large-scale use of boar frozen semen.

Sodium caseinate improves longevity and fertility of frozen bull semen.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sodium caseinate added into freezing extender on the sperm parameters of cryopreserved bull semen and in vitro and in vivo fertility. One ejaculate of 30 bulls was used and processed using Botu-Bov (Botupharma, Botucatu, Brazil) with the addition of 20% egg yolk (EY) or 15% egg yolk with 2% sodium caseinate (EY + SC), subsequently submitted to freezing. Semen from both groups were evaluated immediately after thawing (T0) and after thermic stress at 37 °C for 90 min (T90), for sperm kinetics, by CASA method, and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), superoxide (O2-) concentration and high mitochondrial potential (HMP) by flow cytometry. In vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed to assess embryo cleavage rate on day 3, and blastocyst rate on day 8. The in vivo fertility test was performed using fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). In sperm evaluation, trajectory velocity, linear velocity, curvilinear velocity, and lateral head movement were higher (P < 0.05) in EY + SC at T0. At T90, while rectilinearity and linearity did not differ between EY and EY + SC (P > 0.05), the other parameters evaluated were higher in EY + SC. Similarly, the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes (iPAM) was higher (P < 0.05) at T90 in EY + SC, but did not differ (P > 0.05) between the groups at T0. For O2- and HMP, the values were lower (P < 0.05) in EY + SC group in both moments; furthermore, EY + SC showed higher cleavage and blastocyst rates in IVF. Likewise, pregnancy rates by FTAI were higher (P < 0.05) in the EY + SC group. In conclusion, the addition of sodium caseinate into freezing extender improves sperm parameters of frozen-thawed bull semen and fertility rates on during in vitro and in vivo tests.

Influence of different extenders on morphological and functional parameters of frozen-thawed spermatozoa of jaguar (Panthera onca).

Due to the global decrease in jaguar population, conservation strategies are essential and the development of effective semen cryopreservation protocols would contribute to the formation of germplasm banks. Therefore, the objectives were to (1) evaluate the use of TRIS and ACP-117c extenders for jaguar semen freezing, (2) describe the ultrastructural changes in sperm after cryopreservation, and (3) evaluate the binding capacity of the thawed sperm. Eight ejaculates from five mature individuals were collected by electroejaculation, extended in TRIS or a coconut based-extender (ACP-117c), and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Samples were evaluated for sperm motility, vigor, membrane functionality, mitochondrial activity, morphology (using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy - SEM and transmission electron microscopy - TEM), sperm kinetic parameters (by computerized analysis - CASA), and sperm binding capability using an egg yolk perivitelline membrane assay. Samples preserved in TRIS presented better post-thaw motility (46.0 ±â€¯7.7%) and membrane functionality (60.5 ±â€¯4.2%) and higher mitochondrial activity (21.5 ±â€¯3.7%) than those preserved in ACP-117c (20.9 ±â€¯5.4% motile sperm; 47.1 ±â€¯2.5% functional membrane; 11.8 ±â€¯1.7% mitochondrial activity). Regarding ultrastructural evaluations, SEM showed that both extenders were able to preserve the superficial membrane of the sperm, but TEM revealed the occurrence of nuclear electron lucent points, especially in samples extended in ACP-117c. Additionally, TRIS also provided a higher number of sperm bound to the perivitelline membrane (29.5 ±â€¯3.3%) in comparison to samples diluted in ACP-117c (18.6 ±â€¯1.5%). Overall, we suggest the use of a TRIS-based extender for cryopreservation of jaguar semen.

Improvement of in vitro fertilization by a tannin rich vegetal extract addition to frozen thawed boar sperm

Boar spermatozoa are very susceptible to cryopreservation injuries and, for this reason, pig remains one of the few species in which fresh semen is still preferred to thawed one for routine artificial insemination (AI). The present work evaluated the effect of supplementing boar sperm thawing medium with Silvafeed SP (SSP), a mixture of Chestnut and Quebracho wood extracts (60/40 w/w) rich in polyphenols (92.4% tannin content) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and on the following sperm parameters: sperm motility (assessed by CASA), viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function and lipid peroxidation (assessed by flow cytometry) and capacitation status (immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins). Thawed spermatozoa were incubated 1 h at 37°C in BTS without (CTR) or with (5, 10, 20 µg/mL) SSP. After incubation sperm suspension was divided in three aliquots: one was used for IVF trials, one for sperm analysis, and the last one was capacitated for 1 h at 39°C 5% CO2 in IVF medium. Sperm motility parameters, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial functionality, lipid peroxidation and tyrosine phosphorylated protein immunolocalization, used as capacitation parameter, were not influenced by SSP. However, oocytes inseminated with thawed spermatozoa pretreated with all the different SSP concentrations presented a significant (P < 0.01) increase in penetration rate compared to CTR. In addition, 5 µg/mL SSP exerted a positive effect (P<0.05) on the total efficiency of fertilization. These results encourage the use of SSP in the thawing medium since post-thawing fertility is a limit for the large-scale use of boar frozen semen.

Improvement of in vitro fertilization by a tannin rich vegetal extract addition to frozen thawed boar sperm

Boar spermatozoa are very susceptible to cryopreservation injuries and, for this reason, pig remains one of the few species in which fresh semen is still preferred to thawed one for routine artificial insemination (AI). The present work evaluated the effect of supplementing boar sperm thawing medium with Silvafeed SP (SSP), a mixture of Chestnut and Quebracho wood extracts (60/40 w/w) rich in polyphenols (92.4% tannin content) on in vitro fertilization (IVF) and on the following sperm parameters: sperm motility (assessed by CASA), viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial function and lipid peroxidation (assessed by flow cytometry) and capacitation status (immunolocalization of tyrosine phosphorylated proteins). Thawed spermatozoa were incubated 1 h at 37°C in BTS without (CTR) or with (5, 10, 20 µg/mL) SSP. After incubation sperm suspension was divided in three aliquots: one was used for IVF trials, one for sperm analysis, and the last one was capacitated for 1 h at 39°C 5% CO2 in IVF medium. Sperm motility parameters, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial functionality, lipid peroxidation and tyrosine phosphorylated protein immunolocalization, used as capacitation parameter, were not influenced by SSP. However, oocytes inseminated with thawed spermatozoa pretreated with all the different SSP concentrations presented a significant (P < 0.01) increase in penetration rate compared to CTR. In addition, 5 µg/mL SSP exerted a positive effect (P<0.05) on the total efficiency of fertilization. These results encourage the use of SSP in the thawing medium since post-thawing fertility is a limit for the large-scale use of boar frozen semen.(AU)

Criopreservación de semen de bagre rayado Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum con tres diferentes crioprotectores / Evaluation of three cryoprotectants to preserve striped catfish (Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum) semen

RESUMEN El objetivo fue criopreservar semen de bagre rayado Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum con tres crioprotectores internos diferentes: dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), dimetilacetamida (DMA) y etilenglicol (ETG) a dos porcentajes de inclusiones (5 y 10%), combinados con glucosa 6%, leche en polvo descremada 3% y vitamina E (0,4%). Cinco machos en fase de espermiación fueron inducidos con 0,4 ml de Ovaprim®/Kg. El semen fue diluido en la solución crioprotectora (1:3) en tubos de 2,5 ml, congelado en vapores de nitrógeno y descongelado a 35°C durante 90 segundos. El análisis estadístico incluyó un diseño factorial 3x2 y semen fresco (SF) como tratamiento testigo. En semen fresco, precongelado y descongelado se evaluó la movilidad total (Mt), tipos de movilidad, progresividad total y velocidades espermáticas con la ayuda de Sperm Class Analyzer SCA®. El SF registró volumen de 6,1±4,3 ml, Mt de 72,6±17,1%, activación de 31,2±2,1 segundos y concentración espermática de 54,7±22,9 millones/μl. En semen precongelado, el crioprotector (p<0,05) y porcentaje de inclusión (p<0,01), pero no su interacción, tuvieron un efecto significativo en la Mt, velocidad curvilínea (VCL) y velocidad lineal (VSL); mientras que en semen descongelado sólo la interacción de los factores (p<0,05) fue significativa en Mt, porcentajes de espermatozoide estáticos y VCL. La Mt cayó entre 36-67% en semen precongelado y entre 7486% en semen descongelado con relación a SF. Los resultados sugieren que DMSO, DMA y ETG incluidos a 5 o 10%, combinados con leche en polvo 3%, glucosa 6% y vitamina E 0,4% son alternativas viables de criopreservación del semen de bagre rayado.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate three internal cryoprotectants to preserve semen of striped catfish (Pseudoplatystoma magdaleniatum). The cryoprotectants tested were: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), dimethylacetamide (DMA) and ethylene glycol (ETG) at two inclusion percentages (5 and 10%), mixed with 6% glucose, 3% skim milk powder, and 0.4% vitamin E. Five males in the spermiation phase were induced with Ovaprim® (0.4 ml/kg). The semen was diluted in the cryoprotective solution (1: 3) in 2.5 ml tubes, frozen in nitrogen vapors and thawed at 35°C for 90 seconds. A 3x2 factorial design was used, and the control treatment was fresh semen (SF). Total motility (Mt), type of motility total progressivity, and spermatic velocities were evaluated in fresh, pre-frozen and post-thawed semen using the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®) software. The SF volume was 6.1 ± 4.3 ml, with Mt of 72.6 ± 17.1%, activation of 31.2 ± 2.1 seconds and sperm concentration of 54.7 ± 22.9 million/μl. In the pre-frozen semen, the cryoprotectant (p <0.05) and the percentage of inclusion (p <0.01) -but not their interaction- had a significant negative effect on Mt, curvilinear velocity (VCL), and linear velocity (VSL); whereas in thawed semen only the interaction of the factors (p <0.05) was significant for Mt, static sperm percentages and VCL. The Mt decreased between 36-67% in pre-frozen semen and between 74-86% in thawed semen compared to SF. These results suggest that 5 or 10% inclusion levels of DMSO, DMA, and ETG, in combination with 3% powdered milk, 6% glucose, and 0.4% vitamin E are viable alternatives to cryopreserve semen of striped catfish.

Relationship between morphological abnormalities in commercial bull frozen semen doses and conception rate.

Commercial doses of frozen bull semen for artificial insemination may have a certain percentage of morphological defects, despite being subject to prior selection. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of morphological abnormalities in commercial doses (n = 55, r = 2) of dairy and beef bulls, from AI Centers and to determine the possible existence of differences between them, regarding the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. At least 200 spermatozoa per sample were evaluated using Bengal Rose stain (3% m/v) and light microscopy (×1000 magnification). The mean percentage of abnormal sperm samples from dairy breeds was 7.19% ± 4.91% and from beef breeds was 15.83% ± 9.28%. Significant differences between biotypes were found in the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa, abnormal heads and abnormal midpieces; it could be due to different selection pressure. It was observed that the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was not a good fertility level predictor for the commercial samples of frozen bovine semen used in this study. In both biotypes, the midpiece abnormalities were the most frequent, mainly its distal flexion (compensable defect). This could be as a result of the effects of freezing and thawing on spermatozoa.

Effect of sperm selection techniques in frozen/thawed cat spermatozoa on sperm motility analyzed by CASA system / Efecto de técnicas de selección espermática en espermatozoides congelados/descongelados de gato sobre la motilidad espermática analizada mediante sistema CASA

SUMMARY: Freeze/thawing process reduces sperm survival and fertilizing ability of cat spermatozoa, with sperm motility being the most sensitive sperm parameter altered, due to cryo-damage. In this context, swim-up and density gradient processing methods can help to recover high motile and normal spermatozoa. Maximizing the use of frozen semen sample is essential, especially in endangered felids or high value cats in which sample size, number of samples or access to semen collection is reduced. To our knowledge, there is no previous report describing an in depth analysis of sperm motility improvement, after sperm selection techniques in frozen cat semen. Accordingly, we evaluated the effect of percoll gradient (PG) and swim up (SU) sperm selection techniques on sperm motility parameters and sperm recovery rate in frozen/thawed spermatozoa of domestic cat. Next, we evaluated the individual effect of the cat over sperm motility after PG sperm selection of frozen/thawed spermatozoa. SU and PG improved significantly all sperm motility parameters of frozen/thawed cat spermatozoa compared to simple washing. However, PG allows better sperm recovery from the original frozen sample and works mostly homogeneously among individual cats. This new information could help to maximize the use of frozen semen in endangered felids or high value domestic cats for its subsequent application on in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination.

RESUMEN: El proceso de congelación/descongelación reduce la sobrevivencia espermática y la habilidad para fertilizar en los espermatozoides de gato, siendo la motilidad espermática el parámetro más sensiblemente alterado debido al daño por frío. En este contexto, los métodos de procesamiento de swim-up y gradiente de densidad pueden ayudar a recuperar los espermatozoides normales y de alta motilidad. Maximizar el uso de una muestra de semen congelado es esencial, especialmente en felinos amenazados o en gatos de alto valor en los cuales el tamaño de muestra, número de muestras o el acceso a la colecta de semen son reducidos. Para nuestro conocimiento, no hay reportes previos que describan un análisis profundo del mejoramiento de la motilidad luego de técnicas de selección espermática en semen congelado de gato. De acuerdo a esto, evaluamos el efecto de las técnicas de selección espermática gradiente de percoll (PG) y swim up (SU) sobre los parámetros de motilidad y porcentaje de recuperación de espermatozoides congelados/descongelados de gato doméstico. Luego, evaluamos el efecto individual del gato sobre la motilidad espermática luego de la selección espermática con PG en espermatozoides congelados/descongelados. SU y PG mejoraron significativamente todos los parámetros de motilidad espermática de los espermatozoides congelados/descongelados comparado con el lavado simple. Sin embargo, PG permitió una mejor recuperación de espermatozoides desde la muestra congelada original y funcionó en su mayoría de manera homogénea entre los gatos individualmente. Esta nueva información puede ayudar a maximizar el uso del semen congelado en felinos amenazados o en gatos de alto valor para su posterior aplicación en fecundación in vitro e inseminación artificial.

Effect of honey supplementation on Egyptian buffalo semen

This study testified the effect of honey supplementation (0.5-4.0%) in milk on the quality of chilled and frozen buffalo spermatozoa. Semen was chilled with/without honey and examined for motility, viability, plasma membranes integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS) at 0, 1, 2 and 4 h. Frozen-thawed semen was examined for the same criteria beside the viability index and in vitro cleavage rate. The motility, livability and HOS of chilled semen upsurge with honey supplementation 1.0-2.0%. The normality of chilled spermatozoa was improved in the presence of 2.0-4.0% of honey at 4 h. Tail abnormalities decreased with milk honey 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% at 2, 1 and 4 h, respectively. Incorporation of honey in milk extenders at levels of 0.5-2.0% was associated with an enhanced post equilibration motility. The post-thawing motility showed a steady increase with honey levels. The viability index increased (P < 0.001) with milk-honey 2.0% (109.00 ± 9.91) and 4.0% (112.00 ± 14.41). In vitro cleavage rate was clearly (P 0.001) enhanced in the co-existence of milk-honey 2.0% compared with control (74.00 vs. 45.83). In the meantime, a reasonable high cleavage rate (67.00%) was encountered with milk honey 0.5%. In conclusion, incorporation of honey in skim milk extenders is promising to enhance the characteristics and fertilizing potential of stored buffalo’s semen due to its nutritive and protective properties.

Effect of honey supplementation on Egyptian buffalo semen

This study testified the effect of honey supplementation (0.5-4.0%) in milk on the quality of chilled and frozen buffalo spermatozoa. Semen was chilled with/without honey and examined for motility, viability, plasma membranes integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS) at 0, 1, 2 and 4 h. Frozen-thawed semen was examined for the same criteria beside the viability index and in vitro cleavage rate. The motility, livability and HOS of chilled semen upsurge with honey supplementation 1.0-2.0%. The normality of chilled spermatozoa was improved in the presence of 2.0-4.0% of honey at 4 h. Tail abnormalities decreased with milk honey 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% at 2, 1 and 4 h, respectively. Incorporation of honey in milk extenders at levels of 0.5-2.0% was associated with an enhanced post equilibration motility. The post-thawing motility showed a steady increase with honey levels. The viability index increased (P < 0.001) with milk-honey 2.0% (109.00 ± 9.91) and 4.0% (112.00 ± 14.41). In vitro cleavage rate was clearly (P 0.001) enhanced in the co-existence of milk-honey 2.0% compared with control (74.00 vs. 45.83). In the meantime, a reasonable high cleavage rate (67.00%) was encountered with milk honey 0.5%. In conclusion, incorporation of honey in skim milk extenders is promising to enhance the characteristics and fertilizing potential of stored buffalos semen due to its nutritive and protective properties.(AU)

Sperm membrane proteins associated with the boar semen cryopreservation.

This study aimed to define sperm membrane protein markers of semen freezability of boars with the aid of a proteomic approach. Semen from fourteen adult boars were subjected to slow freezing and rapid thawing. After thawing, sperm vigor and motility were analyzed, and based on these results, animals were separated into two groups: good (GFEs) and poor freezability (PFEs). Sperm membrane proteins were extracted and subjected to two-dimensional electrophoresis. Stained gels were analyzed by computerized resources to indicate differentially expressed protein spots, that were identified by mass spectrometry. Six animals showed good freezability with average sperm vigor and motility of 2.2±0.8 and 41.8±22.9, respectively, whereas eight boars showed poor freezability, with 1.9±0.6 and 26.8±17.5 of sperm vigor sperm motility, respectively. An average of 263±62.2 spots per gel and 234.2±54.6 of spots consistently present in all gels were detected. The intensities of five spots were significantly different between groups. Fc fragment of IgG binding protein and lactadherin were more intense in the PFE group, while Arylsulfatase A and F-actin capping protein subunit alpha 1 were more expressed in the GEF group. Based on their functions and interactions with other proteins, we conclude that these four sperm membrane proteins may act as potential markers of boar semen freezability.

Influence of the addition of vitamin E in extenders in the quality of fresh semen diluted, refrigerated and frozen semen in dogs of French Bulldog breed / Influência da adição de vitamina E em meios diluentes na qualidade do sêmen fresco diluído, refrigerado e congelado em cães da raça Bulldog Francês

Background: Researches have been conducted in order to maintain the quality of the fresh semen which is diluted, refrigerated or frozen in liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination purposes in dogs. The semen biotechnology cooperates with the development of new formulations of types of extenders which minimize the death of the sperms due to thermal stress during temperature reduction of the refrigeration and freezing curves of the semen. The objective was to study the influence of the addition of vitamin E in types of extenders in the quality of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in dogs of French Bulldog breed. Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples by digital manipulation were performed on 5 adult dogs, French bulldog breed, five on each dog, totaling 25 ejaculated. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: Volume (mL), color, aspect, concentration (x106/mL), sperm motility (%), vigor (1-5) and sperm morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen, motility (%), vigor (1-5) and morphology (%) were analyzed. The ejaculated ones were fractionated in 4 equal parts and diluted in the ratio 1: 1 in the following extenders: 1 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid + 200 mM of vitamin E; 2 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid; 3 - coconut water (ACP-106®) + 200 mM of vitamin E; and 4 coconut water (ACP-106®). The four aliquots of semen, diluted in the four respective extenders were centrifuged at 1500 g/10 min and the “pellets” formed of sperm from every ejaculated, detached from the tubes wall were diluted homogeneously with the four extenders to the volume of 1.5 mL and filled into 0.5 mL French straws kept under refrigeration at 5oC/4 h after placed in a nitrogen vapor at -120ºC/15 min, and immersed in liquidnitrogen at -196ºC in the sequence stored in identified racks and stored in liquid nitrogen container until the time of thawing in a water bath at 37ºC/30 s for microscopic semen analysis. [...]

Effect of oral administration of selenium and vitamin E on the quality of fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in French Bulldog breed dogs / Efeito da administração via oral de selênio e vitamina E na qualidade do sêmen fresco, refrigerado e congelado em cães da raça Bulldog Francês

Background: New methodologies have been developed seeking to maximize pregnancy rate in female dogs created in commercial kennels, and also in order to maintain the quality of canine semen after dilution, refrigeration or freezing. One of the main factors that generate damage to sperm is oxidative stress, to minimize sperm damage, selenium and antioxidants like vitamin E are administered, by oral administration, seeking to improve the quality of semen. The objective was to study the effect of vitamin E and selenium, by oral administration, in the quality of fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in adult dogs French Bulldog breed. Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples were collected from 5 adult dogs, French Bulldog breed, being 2 semen drawing before the daily oral supplementation with vitamin E and selenium (ESE®) and semen drawing at 20, 40 and 60 days after the beginning of oral supplement. The ejaculated samples were diluted in TRIS - fructose citric acid (3.28 g TRIS-hydroxy-methyl-amino-methane, 1.78 g of citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g of D - fructose, dissolved in 100 mL of distilled water and added of 20% egg yolk and 6% of glycerol. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: volume (mL), color, appearance, concentration (x106 / mL), sperm motility (%), sperm strength (1 to 5) and morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen were analyzed: [...]

Influence of the Addition of Vitamin E in Extenders in the Quality of Fresh Semen Diluted, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in Dogs of French Bulldog Breed

Background: Researches have been conducted in order to maintain the quality of the fresh semen which is diluted, refrigerated or frozen in liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination purposes in dogs. The semen biotechnology cooperates with the development of new formulations of types of extenders which minimize the death of the sperms due to thermal stress during temperature reduction of the refrigeration and freezing curves of the semen. The objective was to study the influence of the addition of vitamin E in types of extenders in the quality of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in dogs of French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples by digital manipulation were performed on 5 adult dogs, French bulldog breed, five on each dog, totaling 25 ejaculated. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: Volume (mL), color, aspect, concentration (x106/mL), sperm motility (%), vigor (1-5) and sperm morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen, motility (%), vigor (1-5) and morphology (%) were analyzed. The ejaculated ones were fractionated in 4 equal parts and diluted in the ratio 1: 1 in the following extenders: 1 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid + 200 mM of vitamin E; 2 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid; 3 - coconut water (ACP-106®) + 200 mM of vitamin E; and 4 coconut water (ACP-106®). The four aliquots of semen, diluted in the four respective ex

Effect of Oral Administration of Selenium and Vitamin E on the Quality of Fresh, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in French Bulldog Breed Dogs

Background: New methodologies have been developed seeking to maximize pregnancy rate in female dogs created in commercial kennels, and also in order to maintain the quality of canine semen after dilution, refrigeration or freezing. One of the main factors that generate damage to sperm is oxidative stress, to minimize sperm damage, selenium and antioxidants like vitamin E are administered, by oral administration, seeking to improve the quality of semen. The objective was to study the effect of vitamin E and selenium, by oral administration, in the quality of fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in adult dogs French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples were collected from 5 adult dogs, French Bulldog breed, being 2 semen drawing before the daily oral supplementation with vitamin E and selenium (ESE®) and semen drawing at 20, 40 and 60 days after the beginning of oral supplement. The ejaculated samples were diluted in TRIS - fructose citric acid (3.28 g TRIS-hydroxy-methyl-amino-methane, 1.78 g of citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g of D - fructose, dissolved in 100 mL of distilled water and added of 20% egg yolk and 6% of glycerol. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: volume (mL), color, appearance, concentration (x106 / mL), sperm motility (%), sperm strength (1 to 5) and morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen were analyzed: sperm

Effect of Oral Administration of Selenium and Vitamin E on the Quality of Fresh, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in French Bulldog Breed Dogs

Background: New methodologies have been developed seeking to maximize pregnancy rate in female dogs created in commercial kennels, and also in order to maintain the quality of canine semen after dilution, refrigeration or freezing. One of the main factors that generate damage to sperm is oxidative stress, to minimize sperm damage, selenium and antioxidants like vitamin E are administered, by oral administration, seeking to improve the quality of semen. The objective was to study the effect of vitamin E and selenium, by oral administration, in the quality of fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in adult dogs French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples were collected from 5 adult dogs, French Bulldog breed, being 2 semen drawing before the daily oral supplementation with vitamin E and selenium (ESE®) and semen drawing at 20, 40 and 60 days after the beginning of oral supplement. The ejaculated samples were diluted in TRIS - fructose citric acid (3.28 g TRIS-hydroxy-methyl-amino-methane, 1.78 g of citric acid monohydrate and 1.25 g of D - fructose, dissolved in 100 mL of distilled water and added of 20% egg yolk and 6% of glycerol. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: volume (mL), color, appearance, concentration (x106 / mL), sperm motility (%), sperm strength (1 to 5) and morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen were analyzed: sperm

Influence of the Addition of Vitamin E in Extenders in the Quality of Fresh Semen Diluted, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in Dogs of French Bulldog Breed

Background: Researches have been conducted in order to maintain the quality of the fresh semen which is diluted, refrigerated or frozen in liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination purposes in dogs. The semen biotechnology cooperates with the development of new formulations of types of extenders which minimize the death of the sperms due to thermal stress during temperature reduction of the refrigeration and freezing curves of the semen. The objective was to study the influence of the addition of vitamin E in types of extenders in the quality of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in dogs of French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples by digital manipulation were performed on 5 adult dogs, French bulldog breed, five on each dog, totaling 25 ejaculated. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: Volume (mL), color, aspect, concentration (x106/mL), sperm motility (%), vigor (1-5) and sperm morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen, motility (%), vigor (1-5) and morphology (%) were analyzed. The ejaculated ones were fractionated in 4 equal parts and diluted in the ratio 1: 1 in the following extenders: 1 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid + 200 mM of vitamin E; 2 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid; 3 - coconut water (ACP-106®) + 200 mM of vitamin E; and 4 coconut water (ACP-106®). The four aliquots of semen, diluted in the four respective ex

Influence of the Addition of Vitamin E in Extenders in the Quality of Fresh Semen Diluted, Refrigerated and Frozen Semen in Dogs of French Bulldog Breed

Background: Researches have been conducted in order to maintain the quality of the fresh semen which is diluted, refrigerated or frozen in liquid nitrogen for artificial insemination purposes in dogs. The semen biotechnology cooperates with the development of new formulations of types of extenders which minimize the death of the sperms due to thermal stress during temperature reduction of the refrigeration and freezing curves of the semen. The objective was to study the influence of the addition of vitamin E in types of extenders in the quality of the fresh, refrigerated and frozen semen in dogs of French Bulldog breed.Materials, Methods & Results: Semen samples by digital manipulation were performed on 5 adult dogs, French bulldog breed, five on each dog, totaling 25 ejaculated. The characteristics evaluated in fresh semen were: Volume (mL), color, aspect, concentration (x106/mL), sperm motility (%), vigor (1-5) and sperm morphology (%). For refrigerated and frozen semen, motility (%), vigor (1-5) and morphology (%) were analyzed. The ejaculated ones were fractionated in 4 equal parts and diluted in the ratio 1: 1 in the following extenders: 1 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid + 200 mM of vitamin E; 2 TRIS - Fructose Citric acid; 3 - coconut water (ACP-106®) + 200 mM of vitamin E; and 4 coconut water (ACP-106®). The four aliquots of semen, diluted in the four respective ex