Effects of Extenders and Cryoprotectants on Cryopreservation of Duck Semen

Abstract

In this study, it was aimed to determine the usability of different diluents and cry protectants in cryopreservation of Peking duck semen. Semen samples were collected from five male ducks, twice a week for four weeks, using the abdominal massage method. In the study, 40 semen samples were used. Semen samples from ducks were combined (mixed) after being evaluated individually. Mix semen volume (ml), density (×109 / mL), pH, motility (%) and vitality (%) values were determined as 1.84±0.04, 1.72±0.8, 6.88±0.29, 71.55±3.28 and 74.27±4.67 respectively. In the study, as cry protectant, Glucose I (Gâ… ) containing 6%DMF (dimethylformamide), Tris-Glucose I (TI), Lactated Ringer's-Glucose I (LGI), Lactated Ringer's I (LI) and Glucose II (Gâ… I) containing 5% DMSO, Tris-Glucose II (TII), Lactated Ringer's-Glucose II (LGII), Lactated Ringer's II (LII) were used as diluents. The mixed semen was divided into eight equal parts and 1:3 ratio diluent was added and equilibrated in straws for 90 minutes at + 4°C. The straws were first frozen to -80°C with liquid nitrogen vapour, and then stored in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. After freezing and thawing, the highest motility value was determined in diluent LGI with 41.91%. In other diluents used, the mortality values were determined as LII (33.10%), LGII (32.80%), LI (29.00%), GI (23.66%), TI (12.91%), GII (11.22%) and TII (6.90%). Vitality (%) values were determined as LGI (44.08%), LII (38.50%), LGII (35.10%), LI (33.58), GI (30.91%), GII (23.10%), TI (20.66%) and TII (14.80%) respectively. In this study, it has been determined that the lactated Ringer's-Glucose diluent containing 6% DMF is more advantageous in terms of semen vitality and mortality values when compared to other diluents and that it can be used for long-term storage of duck sperm.