Rooster semen cryopreservation: Effect of pedigree line and male age on postthaw sperm function

Abstract

The fertility rates of cryopreserved poultry semen are highly variable and not reliable for use in preservation of commercial genetic stocks. Our objective was to evaluate the cryosurvival of semen from 8 pedigreed layer lines at 2 different ages: the onset and end of commercial production. Semen from 160 roosters (20/line) was frozen individually with 11% glycerol at 6 and 12 mo of age. Glycerol was removed from thawed semen by Accudenz gradient centrifugation. The viability of thawed sperm from each male was determined using fluorescent live-dead staining and flow cytometry; sperm velocity parameters were measured using computerized motion analysis. The fertilizing ability of thawed sperm was evaluated in vitro by assessing hydrolysis of the inner perivitelline membrane. The postthaw function of sperm from the elite lines varied widely, despite the fact that fresh semen from all of these lines typically yielded high fertility rates. The percentage of thawed sperm with intact plasma membranes ranged from 27.8 + or - 2.1 to 49.6 + or - 1.9 and varied among lines and between age groups. Thawed sperm from 2 lines consistently demonstrated the highest and lowest motility parameters, whereas the velocity parameters of the remaining 6 lines varied widely. The mean number of hydrolysis points per square millimeter of inner perivitelline membrane ranged from 12.5 + or - 4.1 (line 2) to 103.3 + or - 30.2 (line 6). Age effects were observed for 4 out of 8 lines; however, improved postthaw sperm function at 12 mo of age was not consistent for all 3 assays. These results demonstrate variability among pedigreed lines in withstanding glycerol-based semen cryopreservation and provide a model for delineating genotypic and phenotypic factors affecting sperm cryosurvival.

Influence of Season on the Freezability of Free‐Range Poultry Semen

“…1997) may also influence freezability. For instance, an effect of age on rooster sperm freezability has been observed in some pedigree lines (Long et al. 2010).…”

Predicting ejaculate quality and libido in male ostriches: Effect of season and age

“…In addition, the proportion of various lipid components in sperm has been shown to be age-related and to influence freezability, and ultimately the cryopreservation process (Cerolini et al, 1997;Long et al, 2010). Interestingly, Long et al (2010) also found evidence that sperm from elite rooster lines differ in their ability to undergo cryopreservation while retaining sperm function. All these elements stress the impact of seasonal variation in ostrich sperm quantity and quality, as well as the male and male age effects onto the development of a viable protocol for assisted reproduction technology in this species.…”

“…For instance, in free-range roosters, the season of collection influenced almost all frozen-thawed sperm motility values: the percentage of immotile frozen-thawed sperm was lower in spring-collected samples compared to those collected during the autumn and winter (Santiago-Moreno et al, 2012). In addition, the proportion of various lipid components in sperm has been shown to be age-related and to influence freezability, and ultimately the cryopreservation process (Cerolini et al, 1997;Long et al, 2010). Interestingly, Long et al (2010) also found evidence that sperm from elite rooster lines differ in their ability to undergo cryopreservation while retaining sperm function.…”

A Procedure-Spanning Analysis of Plasma Membrane Integrity for Assessment of Cell Viability in Sperm Cryopreservation of ZebrafishDanio rerio

“…13,38 In contrast, farm-raised fish have never experienced such selection events in the farm environment. Similarly, mouse, 39 turkey, 40 and rooster, 41 animals from different lines showed inconsistent and even completely different post-thaw sperm viabilities although the same cryopreservation protocols were used. In this study, data analysis was based on 40 total males from the two populations, and we cannot exclude the possibility that more individuals and a tighter control of fish age between the two populations are needed for further analysis.…”