Semen collection methods and cooling rates affect post-thaw sperm motility and kinematic parameters of Saanen goat

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of semen collection methods and different cooling rates on cooled and frozen-thawed Saanen goat semen. METHODS: Twenty bucks were divided into two groups of 10 animals per group based on semen collection methods: artificial vagina and electro-ejaculator. Samples from each collection method were pooled and diluted with Tris-based extender. The pooled semen was divided into two cooling methods: slow cooling and fast cooling. Sperm motility and velocity, sperm plasma membrane integrity, sperm viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and DNA integrity were evaluated before dilution, immediately after cooling at 4 °C and at 24 h after freezing by using computer assisted sperm analyser method and epifluorescence microscope. RESULTS: Mean values for total motility, rapid-speed and progressive motile spermatozoa were significantly higher in semen collected with artificial vagina than electro-ejaculator (P0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of artificial vagina and slow cooling rate in cryopreservation protocol improves the cooled and post-thaw sperm quality of Saanen buck semen.https://www.apjr.netpm2021Animal and Wildlife Science