Effect of liposome-containing diluent and centrifugation on motion parameters and membrane integrity of electroejaculated cooled bovine spermatozoa

Abstract

The objectives were to evaluate the effect of OptiXcell diluent and centrifugation on cooled bovine sperm viability. It was hypothesized that motility and membrane integrity of cooled spermatozoa diluted in OptiXcell would be higher than in frozen semen for at least 48 h, and removing seminal plasma by centrifugation would improve cooled sperm viability. First, semen was collected from nine bulls and extended in OptiXcell. An aliquot was frozen, while the remaining semen was refrigerated for 96 h. Motility and membrane integrity were higher in spermatozoa cooled for up to 48 h than in frozen semen. Sperm motility, VSL, DSL, STR and BCF did not differ between 0 and 72 h of cooling, but decreased at 96 h. Next, semen was collected from 11 bulls and refrigerated for 72 h with (control) or without (centrifuged) seminal plasma. Motion parameters did not differ with treatment. In non-centrifuged samples, motility, VAP, DSL and BCF decreased at 72 h. In centrifuged samples, motility decreased at 72 h and velocity at 48 h. Viability of cooled bovine semen diluted in OptiXcell was superior than in frozen semen for 48 h. Removal of seminal plasma by centrifugation did not improve preservation of cooled sperm viability.