Cryopreservation alters buffalo sperm kinematics and mitochondrial parameters, acrosome and intra-cellular calcium status.

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the effects of different seasons on the cryopreservation success of buffalo sperm in terms of kinematics and sperm functional parameters.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of three seasons (winter, comfort and summer) and cryopreservation on sperm kinematics and functional properties in buffalo bulls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semen ejaculates (n = 90) collected during three seasons i.e. winter (n = 30), comfort (n = 30), summer (n = 30) were evaluated for sperm kinematics and functional properties.

RESULTS

Sperm kinematics with respect to total (TM), progressive (PM) and rapid motility (RM) was higher (P < 0.05) in fresh sperm compared to sperm that had been frozen-thawed. Similarly, all kinematic parameters [viz. average path velocity (VAP), straight linear velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), beats cross frequency (BCF), lateral head displacement (ALH), linearity (LIN) and straightness (STR)] were higher (P < 0.01) at the fresh stage. With respect to season, frozen-thawed semen TM (57.67 ± 115 %), PM (50.2 ± 1.15 %) and RM (51.6 ± 1.19 %) were higher (P < 0.01) when using sperm collected during winter. The stage of cryopreservation (i.e., equilibration and freeze-thawing) also showed significant effects (P < 0.01) on mitochondrial superoxide positive status (MSPS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), acrosome status and intra-cellular calcium status.

CONCLUSION

The season of sperm collection and cryopreservation have significant effects on buffalo bull sperm kinematics and functional properties. Doi.org/10.54680/fr24410110612.