Cushioned centrifugation improves recovery rate and viability of canine sperm

Abstract

The objective was to compare recovery rate, motility and viability of canine sperm after cushioned and conventional (non-cushioned) centrifugation. Our hypothesis was that cushioned centrifugation improves sperm recovery rate relative to conventional, non-cushioned centrifugation without detrimental effects on sperm total motility or viability. Five adult dogs of varying breeds were collected weekly for 3 weeks. Each sample was processed, divided, and aliquots were centrifuged with and without cushion media. The aliquots were resuspended and analyzed for percent recovery, percent viability, and change in total motility. Cushion centrifugation had significant effects on recovery rate, and a numerical yet not statistically significant effect on total motility relative to conventional, non-cushion centrifugation of canine semen. Percent recovery was higher (p = 0.041) in cushioned centrifugation samples and a greater loss in viability (p = 0.003) was observed in non-cushioned centrifugation samples.