RESUMO
PURPOSE: In-situ preservation of cauda epididymal spermatozoa at -10 degrees C with electrolyte free media for obtaining maximum functional gametes than preservation at 5 degrees C. METHODS: Electrolyte free media prepared with soybean lecithin-glycerol, Coenzyme Q10 - glycerol and soybean lecithin - Coenzyme Q10- glycerol were inoculated separately into ligated cauda epididymides, equilibrated 2 h at 5 degrees C, wrapped with aluminium foil and freezed at - 10 degrees C. Spermatozoan characters were evaluated 7 and 21 days after thawing at 38.5 degrees C in a water bath for 5 min. RESULTS: Spermatozoan characteristics were diminished gradually and significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.05) between the media and observation days. Soybean lecithin-CoenzymeQ10-glycerol effectively protected spermatozoa against cold shock where spermatozoan progressive motility, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling positivity were 30.2 +/- 0.62; 45.2 +/- 0.82 and 41.6 +/- 0.79 percent respectively on day 21. CONCLUSION: This method can be adopted in field conditions for transportation of frozen epididymides and re-utilization of maximum functional gametes to conserve valuable animals after postmortem / slaughter.