Acta Veterinaria Eurasia
Research Article

THE EFFECTS OF THAWING TIME, POST-THAWED THERMAL APPLICATIONS AND RESISTANCE TEST ON SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN BULLS

1.

Istanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, 34320, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey.

2.

Istanbul University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination

Acta Vet Eurasia 2007; 33: 12-22
Read: 1238 Downloads: 671 Published: 24 December 2019

The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the relationship between short- and longthawing procedures and post-thawing thermal conditions. Semen samples of 4 Holstein bulls, frozen in straws of 0.25 ml, were used. Straws were thawed in water baths at 37°C using two different thawing techniques, the 12- (Group A) and 30-second (Group B) thawing, and 6 subgroups (A1-A6 / B1-B6) were established for each technique. Semen samples of the first subgroup were used as control, which were subjected to spermatological tests without any post-thawing processes. Those in the second group were kept in 2±1°C water bath for 300 seconds after thawing. Following the thawing, samples in the third and the fourth groups were kept at 5°C for 45 and 150 seconds, respectively. Samples in the fifth and the sixth groups were also kept at 20°C for 45 and 150 seconds, respectively. Spermatological evaluations (motility, acrosomal and membrane integrity) were carried out after the applications. Then, in order to perform resistance test, the semen samples were diluted with modified buffered hepes and incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. Following the incubation, motility and acrosomal integrity were re-evaluated. No significant difference was observed between two different thawing techniques, with respect to all criteria, prior to and after the incubation. The only exception was found in the motility in groups A5 and B5 kept at 20°C for 45 second post-incubation. When thawed semen is kept under the mentioned thermal conditions; sperm motility at 12-second technique (A5) is higher than the 30-second technique (B5, P < 0.01). Following the incubation, repetition of routine tests used to determine the potential fertility may be useful. Special attention should be paid in performing the artificial insemination immediately after the thawing, especially at seasonal temperatures below 20°C. The shorter technique of thawing in 12 seconds can be easily used especially at 20°C and lower temperatures.

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