Effect of different cryoprotectants on post-thaw semen parameters and fertility in Nicobari chicken

Abstract

Three different cryoprotectants were evaluated for Nicobari chicken semen cryopreservation. Semen mixed with any one of the cryoprotectants, 12% methylacetamide (MA), 9% dimethylacetamide (DMA) or 4% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) was cryopreserved in 0.5ml French straws by exposing to nitrogen vapours for 30 min followed by plunging into liquid nitrogen. The semen straws were thawed at 5°C for 100 sec in ice water for in vitro evaluation and insemination. Post-thaw semen samples were assessed for different in vitro semen parameters and fertility. Post-thaw sperm motility, live sperm, MTT dye reduction test and fertility were significantly (P<0.05) lower in cryopreservation treatments. The abnormal sperm percent was significantly (P<0.05) higher in all cryopreservation treatments. The seminal plasma lipid peroxidation was significantly (P<0.05) higher in 9% DMA and 4% DMSO treatments. No fertile egg was obtained in 12% MA and 9% DMA treatments. In conclusion, the three cryoprotectants at the tested concentrations are not useful for cryopreserving Nicobari chicken semen.