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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Booneville, Arkansas » Dale Bumpers Small Farms Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #327287
Title: Effect of semen extender and storage temperature on ram sperm motility over time

Author
item ACHARYA, MOHAN - University Of Arkansas
item Burke, Joan
item Wood, Erin
item DAVIS, AMANDA - University Of Arkansas
item LESTER, TOBY - University Of Arkansas
item RORIE, RICK - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Journal of Animal Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/30/2015
Publication Date: 3/4/2016
Citation: Acharya, M., Burke, J.M., Smyth, E.L., Davis, A., Lester, T., Rorie, R. 2016. Effect of semen extender and storage temperature on ram sperm motility over time. Journal of Animal Science. 94 (E-Suppl. 1). 53.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Storage of ram semen for long period of time depends on a number of factors, including type of extender and storage temperature. A study compared the effect of semen extender and storage temperature on motility of ram semen stored for 72 h. Semen collected via electroejaculator from 5 mature Katahdin rams was distributed across milk (Mi), Tris-citrate (Tc), Tes-tris (Tt), and sodium-free (CJ2) extenders, diluted to 600 million sperm/ml and loaded into 0.25 ml straws for storage at 4°C and 15°C. All extenders were supplemented with 5% egg yolk. Percentage motile and progressive sperm were determined initially and again at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage, using computer assisted system analysis (CASA). Data were analyzed in JMP (SAS institute) software using analysis of variance (ANOVA) method. Percentage motile sperm decreased (P < 0.01) over time, regardless of extender. The decrease in motile and progressive sperm motility was similar (P ' 0.14) across storage temperatures. Sperm motility was higher in Tc (49.5%) than other extenders, but similar (P > 0.05) between Tt (39%) and Mi (34.8%). Sperm in Tt extender had greater motility than those in CJ2 (27.4%). Within 24 h of storage, the percentage of progressively motile sperm decreased (P < 0.01) from a mean of 35.2% to a mean of 8.6%. From 24 to 72 h of storage, the percentage of progressively motile sperm decreased (P < 0.01) to 3.3%. The decrease in progressive motility was noted across all extenders. Results of this study indicate that progressive motility of ram semen is greatly reduced within 24 h or storage, regardless of extender or storage temperature.