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Refining freezing techniques to enhance post-thaw sperm functionality in bovine semen
1 , 1 , 1 , * 2
1  Animal Reproduction Laboratory, Costa Rica Institute of Technology (TEC), Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica
2  Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, San Carlos Campus, 223-21001, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Academic Editor: Jalil Ghassemi Nejad

Abstract:

Genetic improvement of the Brahman breed is critical for increasing meat production and optimizing farming practices, thereby contributing to sustainable and efficient livestock development. This study evaluates two protocols for bovine semen cryopreservation by analysing post-thaw sperm quality using Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) technology. Six bulls, with an average age of 48.6 ± 11.5 months, were used. Two ejaculates were collected from each bull, and semen was diluted with three extenders: Andromed®, BioXcell®, and OptiXcell®. The samples were equilibrated for either four or six hours and frozen using static/manual or controlled programable methods. Results showed significant differences (p<0.05) in sperm motility and kinematics based on the extender used. The highest sperm motility was obtained with OptiXcell® (31.61 ± 0.61%). Semen diluted with BioXcell® exhibited a more linear and progressive kinematic pattern, whereas Andromed® resulted in the lowest motility and kinematic values. Bull age had a significant effect (p<0.05) on the percentage of fast and medium sperm. Bulls over 48 months showed higher progressive motility, while bulls under 48 months had higher curvilinear velocity (VCL = 80.15 ± 0.43 µm·s-1). Cooling time did not affect motility variables (p>0.05), but significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in progressive motility variables. No differences were found in total motility rate between freezing methods, but significant differences (p<0.05) were noted in sperm kinematic variables. The findings suggest that male age, extender type, cooling time, and freezing method significantly influence post-thaw sperm quality in the Brahman breed, with implications for optimizing cryopreservation protocols.

Keywords: Reproduction; cattle; spermatozoa; cryopreservation

 
 
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