Short-term storage and cryopreservation of black grouse Tetrao tetrix and capercaillie T. urogallus semen

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technologies can be an important part of programs directed for maintenance and protection of genetic variability. The objective of this study was to develop methods for liquid storage and cryopreservation of semen capercaillie and black grouse semen. Our results provide for the first time evidence for successful short-term storage and cryopreservation of capercaillie and black grouse semen using criteria of sperm motility characteristics as quality indices. Sperm motility could be protected up to 48 h liquid storage; however, 24-h storage should be preferable. Cryopreservation secured 40-60% post-thaw motility (as compared with control), both for freshly collected and 24-h-stored semen. In conclusion, a procedure for short-term and cryopreservation of capercaillie and black grouse semen are now available. These assisted reproductive technologies can be implemented into captive breeding programs for these species.

Simple and Effective Methods of Freezing Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus L.) Semen

“…keeping them with or without female access [ 17 ]. The quantitative and qualitative traits of semen used in this experiment were at a high level, comparable to those presented in our previous publications [ 8 ], [ 22 ].…”

“…The survival rate and percentage of live intact cells obtained by the mentioned authors in the pellet method were comparable to our earlier results of an experiment carried out on capercaillie semen [ 8 ]. Ciereszko et al [ 22 ], freezing capercaillie semen with the pellet method (using Ovodyl as an extender and 6% DMA), obtained higher (by 14.2%) sperm motility, and better motility parameters (VCL, VSL and ALH). The observed differences within the same species, in number of cells that withstood cryopreservation performed in a similar manner, might result from individual capercaillie resistance to cryoinjury stress, which has already been demonstrated in relation to gander semen [ 31 ].…”

Use of native chicken breeds (Gallus gallus domesticus) for the development of suitable methods of Cantabrian capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus cantabricus) semen cryopreservation

“…The initial quality of fresh semen sample plays a relevant role in freezing-thawing suitability. The Cantabrian capercaillie volumes were lower in comparison with previous studies in European capercaillie (Ciereszko et al, 2011;Łukaszewicz et al, 2011). Also, sperm concentrations obtained in Cantabrian capercaillie were lower than those found in European capercaillie by Kowalczyk et al (2012) and Kowalczyk and Łukaszewicz (2015).…”

Effect of selenium and vitamin E addition to the extender on liquid stored capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) semen quality

“…() and Ciereszko et al. (), using basic EK diluent to store capercaillie semen for 24 hr, did not find its negative effect on sperm motility. Similar conclusions arise from experiments carried out on turkey semen stored 24 hr in BPSE enriched by vit.…”

“…By the Decree of Polish Ministry of the Environment (“The protection of animal species,” October 12, 2011), the capercaillie ex situ in vivo breeding centres and reintroduction programmes were established (Merta, Kobielski, Krzywiński, & Rzońca, ; Rzońca, Łukaszewicz, & Kowalczyk, ; Strzała, Kowalczyk, & Łukaszewicz, ). An increasing the reproductive efficiency of captive kept capercaillie by the use of biotechnological methods contributes significantly to the achievement of this goal (Ciereszko, Dietrich, Liszewska, Krzywiński, & Kobus, ; Kowalczyk & Łukaszewicz, ; Kowalczyk, Łukaszewicz, & Rzońca, ; Łukaszewicz & Kowalczyk, ; Łukaszewicz, Kowalczyk, & Rzońca, ). The possibility of short‐term semen storage will expand the applicability of assisted reproduction technology in capercaillie breeding centres.…”