• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.59-67
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• 1984

In vitro fertilization have been performed to know whether the frozen semen has fertilizing ability and can be used clinically. The results of cultured and developed embryos obtained are as follows: 1. The semen was frozen in three media for the good viability. The viability was more than 50% and the motility was also moderate (grade III), 2. As the 33 oocytes were collected from 45 follicles, the oocyte recovery rate was 73.3%. Among them, mature and immature ova were 5% each, and premature ova were 69.7%, When the first polar body was appeared, above ova were inseminated after adequate incubation with activated sperms. 3. The main components of three freezing medium containing egg yolk, glycerol and pyruvate respectively were the best for sperm viability, and Ham's F-10 medium was used for the fertilization and culture of eggs. 4. The results of in vitro fertilization of 33 ova, showed the second polar body developed in 12%, polyspermia in 24%, 1-cell embryo in 21% and 2-cell embryo in 9%. One mature ova developed to blastocyst via 16-cell to 32-cell embryo. The fertilization rate was 66%. 5. Above mentioned results represent that the frozen semen has fertilizing ability and can be used practically in the clinic.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.55-60
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• 2011

The objective of this study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of sperm collection methods on the post-thaw viability of cat semen. The cat semen was collected by artificial virginal (AV) and electronic ejaculate (EE) methods. The composition of semen extender was consisted of Tris-buffer supplemented with 20% egg yolk and 1% P/S antibiotics in Ext I, and more added 8% glycerol, 1.0% Equex STM paste of total volume in Ext II. The collected semen was adjusted the concentration and then diluted in Ext I for optimal concentration. The diluted semen was cooling to $5^{\circ}C$ temperature in refrigerator for at least 2 hrs and then diluted stepwise with Ext II for at least 1 hrs. After an equilibration for 1 hrs, the cooled semen was packaged in 0.5 ml straw and then freezing on the $LN_2$ vapor over 5 cm above from $LN_2$ and then immersed directly in $LN_2$ for cryopreservation. The frozen semen was thawed in $38^{\circ}C$ water for 15 sec and then evaluated the motility, viability, and morphology. Post-thaw semen were calculated the motility by SMI (sperm motility index). The live-dead sperm was evaluated by Eosin-B and morphological evaluation was by Diff-quik kit staining. The post-thaw concentration ($89{\times}10^6$ /ml vs. $128{\times}10^6$ /ml), viability ($22.6{\pm}10.6%$ vs. $37.1{\pm}26.1%$), morphological normality ($27.0{\pm}50.2%$ vs. $45.6{\pm}123.0%$) of EE and AV groups were not significant different, but the post-thaw motility was significant lower in EE than that in AV group ($53.1{\pm}3.6$ vs. $73.6{\pm}5.7$) (p<0.05). In conclusion, semen collection methods did not significant different between EE and AV groups except of post-thaw motility and so both semen collection methods could be applied in feline semen collection methods.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.195-204
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• 2019

In this study, we examined the effect of a liposome-based extender (Optixcell) and a tris-citric egg-yolk extender (Triladyl) on the frozen-thawed spermatozoa characteristics and the calving rate. The percentages for the total motility of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa were similar in the Optixcell and Triladyl groups. However, among the motile spermatozoa with a straight line velocity (VSL) ${\geq}25{\mu}m/sec$, the curvilinear velocity (VCL, ${\mu}m/sec$), VSL (${\mu}m/sec$), average path velocity (VAP, ${\mu}m/sec$), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, ${\mu}m$), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), and plasma membrane integrity of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa for the Optixcell group were significantly higher than those for the Triladyl group. Furthermore, the calving rate in the Optixcell group (79.0%) was higher than that of the Triladyl group (62.8%). However, the acrosomal membrane integrity of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa in the Optixcell and Triladyl groups was not significantly different. These results indicate that semen freezing with Optixcell improved the motility and plasma membrane integrity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa and the calving rate of Hanwoo cows (native Korean cattle). In conclusion, our results suggest that semen freezing with the liposome-based extender Optixcell is more efficient than with the tris-citric egg-yolk extender Triladyl for improved offspring production.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.59-65
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• 2017

This study examined factors affecting the analysis of motility of chicken semen. The viability of spermatozoa was estimated using varying dilution ratios and supplementation with BSA or fatty acid free (FAF)-BSA as protein sources in semen diluent. Fresh semen was examined after preparing dilutions in beltsvile poultry semen extender (BPSE) of 1/8, 1/16 and 1/32 at $25^{\circ}C$. The motility of incubated semen at each dilution was observed at 3 min (89.9%, 69.9% and 53.2%), 30 min (86.7%, 71.4% and 51.7%), 1 h (89.5%, 74.0% and 53.5%) and 3 h (78.5%, 66.5% and 45.7%), respectively. The addition of BSA or FAF-BSA to BPSE diluent significantly increased the viability of semen in 1/32 dilution with results of 53.2% (control), 84.8% (BSA) and 92.9% (FAF-BSA) (p<0.05). This phenomenon was also observed in the dilution of frozen semen, where FAF-BSA treatment increased the viability of thawed semen from 17.6% to 34.0% in a 1/8 dilution (p<0.05). When the protein sources were used in the dilution, the survival rates of diluted chicken semen were also increased with time lapse. These results show that FAF-BSA may act to protect chicken semen and is suitable as a basic component of chicken semen diluent for the method of analyzing rooster semen after freezing.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.450-455
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• 2010

The study had two objectives, namely, to estimate the andrological disorders leading to disposal of Karan Fries (KF), Sahiwal cattle and Murrah buffalo bulls and to study the effect of various factors (species/breeds, season of birth and period of birth) on male reproductive parameters. Records on occurrence of subfertility problems and disposal pattern of bulls maintained at the National Dairy Research Institute herd were collected for 15 years (1991 to 2005). Percentage of bulls producing freezable semen was less in the crossbred cattle (58.46%) as compared to Sahiwal (81.69%) and Murrah bulls (81.05%). Various subfertility traits like poor libido and unacceptable seminal profile were found to be the significant reasons (p<0.01) for culling of the breeding bulls. Inadequate sex drive was the main contributing factor for bull disposal in Sahiwal (22.55%) and Murrah bulls (15.12%) whereas poor semen quality and freezability were most frequently observed in KF bulls (24.29 and 7.29 percent, respectively). Least squares analyses of different male reproductive parameters showed that species/breeds had significant effect (p<0.05) on all traits except for frozen semen production periods (FSPP). Periods of birth were significantly different (p<0.05) for all traits except for semen volume. Age at first semen collection (AFSC), age at first semen freezing (AFSF) and age at disposal (AD) were highest in Murrah, while frozen semen production period (FSPP) and semen production period (SPP) were highest in KF and lowest in Sahiwal. The age at first semen donation and breeding period could be reduced by introducing the bulls to training at an early age. These results revealed a declining trend in AFSC, AFSF, FSPP, SPP and AD, thereby indicating an improvement in reproductive performance over the years. The age at first semen donation in bovines can be reduced by introducing the young male calves to training at an early age, which could increase the dosage of semen obtained from each male.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.1553-1558
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• 2002

This study was carried out to obtain informations regarding the effect of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the LEY (lactoseegg yolk) diluent according to incubation time in 5 ml maxi-straw and the effects of freezing rate, thawing temperature and thawing time in the LEN (lactose-egg yolk and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) diluent on acrosome morphology and motility of frozen-thawed boar sperm. The study showed that the LEN diluent was higher post-thaw NAR (normal apical ridge) acrosome than the LEY diluent for 0.5 h incubation at 37$^{\circ}C$. However, there were no differences between the LEN and LEY diluents on post-thaw sperm motility according to incubation time. The straws frozen from 5.0 cm (20$^{\circ}C$/min) to 17.0 cm (1$^{\circ}C$/min) above the liquid nitrogen surface did not show any significant differences on post-thaw sperm motility. However, the straws frozen above 5.0 cm from the liquid nitrogen surface were higher NAR acrosome than those frozen above 17.0 cm. The post-thaw percentages of motile sperm and NAR acrosome were significantly higher (p<0.05) for the maxi-straws submerged for 40 or 45 sec in a 52$^{\circ}C$ water bath than for 30, 35, 50 or 55 sec. The mean sample temperatures of maxi-straws after 40 or 45 sec submersion were 20.7 or 26.4$^{\circ}C$. In conclusion, the sample temperature of the thawed semen was very important for post-thaw sperm survival in the LEN diluent of 5 ml maxi-straw. When the temperature of the thawed semen was 20.7$^{\circ}C$, the percentages of motile sperm and NAR acrosome were highest.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2017

Cryopreservation of germ cells from genetically proven animals could be a source of restoration tools from the risk of extinction or disappearance of wanted characteristics. Using frozen semen, the genetic gains of Korean native cattle have been increased greatly for 70 years. The preservation of genetic resources as a form of frozen semen straw has limited availability due to the numbers. To circumvent this weakness of frozen semen, we tested two re-freezing methods with different initial thawing temperatures using frozen Korean proven semen and rare breed semen from albino, black and chikso breeders. It has been known that human sperm could resist to cryo-damages by repeated freeze-thaw cycles, but not for Korean proven bulls number (KPN) or for rare breeds. Total 7 frozen semem from brindled(2), black(1), Korean Albino(2) and KPN(1) bulls were used for our research. After thawing straws under $5^{\circ}C/2min$ or $37^{\circ}C/40sec$ with low temperature water bath and thermo jug, spermatozoa were re-diluted with triladyl diluents after first thawing and re-frozen. Sperm motilities were compared between animals and treated groups after re-thawing. Mean values of motility and viability of refrozen/thawed sperm for expansion of the number of straws were significantly higher in $5^{\circ}C$ than in $37^{\circ}C$ (P < 0.05). However, the activity of viable sperm thawed at $5^{\circ}C$ was significantly decreased before refreezing. It is estimated that re-freezing of frozen semen from rare Korean native cattle is possible with resistant properties of survived spermatozoa.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.307-314
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• 2020

In the present study, we examined the effect of straw size on spermatozoa motility, viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and plasma membrane integrity after freezing-thawing. Hanwoo semen was collected from three bulls and diluted with an animal protein-free extender, divided into two groups, namely, 10 million spermatozoa in 0.25 mL and 20 million spermatozoa in 0.5 mL straw, and cryopreserved. In Experiment 1, the motility and motility parameters of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa were evaluated. After freezing-thawing, the spermatozoa motility parameters fast progressive, straight line velocity, and average path velocity were compared between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. They were 35.2 ± 1.0 and 32.3 ± 0.7%, 34.6 ± 0.7 and 31.8 ± 0.5 μm/s, 51.4 ± 1.3 and 47.1 ± 1.1 μm/s, 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups, respectively. In Experiment 2, the viability, acrosome membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa were assessed. After freezing-thawing, the percentages of spermatozoa with live, intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial membrane potential were compared between the in 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. They were 48.0 ± 2.6% and 35.6 ± 2.8% between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. In Experiment 3, the plasma membrane integrity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was compared. After freezing-thawing, the plasma membrane integrity was higher for the in 0.25 mL straw group than the 0.5 mL straw group. They were 62.0 ± 2.2 and 54.1 ± 1.3% between the 0.25 mL straw and 0.5 mL straw groups. In conclusion, our results suggest that freezing semen in 0.25 mL straw improves the relative motility, viability, and acrosomal, mitochondrial membrane potential, and plasma membrane integrity of Hanwoo bull spermatozoa.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.69-75
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• 2021

Cryopreservation is a widely-used efficient means of long-term sperm preservation. However, unlike other types of semen, cryopreserved boar semen has reduced fertility and the efforts continue to optimize post-thawing sperm recovery. In this study, we evaluated the effects of various washing solutions (Hulsen solution, lab-made DPBS and commercial DPBS) on post-thawing porcine sperm kinematics (CASA system), viability (SYBR-14/PI) and acrosome integrity (PSA/FITC). We also examined the effect of washing-centrifugation on frozen-thawed semen kinematics. The results indicate that type of washing solution and post-thawing centrifugation alters parameters linked to sperm quality (total motility, progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity). Significantly higher (p < 0.05) motility and progressive motility were obtained when cryopreserved semen was processed with Hulsen solution. The post-thaw percentage of live and intact acrosomal sperm was significantly higher in group 1 (Hulsen solution) as compared to other groups. Following thawing-centrifugation, the results showed significantly higher motility and progressive motility in group 1 than other groups. However, the latter two DPBS groups did not differ statistically. Taken together, Frozen-thawed spermatozoa motility, acrosome integrity and viability can be affected by the type of washing solution used. Moreover, centrifugation of frozen-thawed semen has an unfavorable effect on total motility and progressive motility.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.409-419
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• 2001

This study was to examine whether the in vitro friability, motility and intact acrosome of frozen-thawed bovine and human sperm can be improved by adding Pentoxifylline (PF) or Fertilization Promoting Peptide (FPP). Human semen was frozen ultra-rapidly using Test yolk-buffer (TYB) freezing medium. Additive (PF, FPP) effects in frozen-thawed bovine and human sperm were analyzed by microscopic count for sperm motility and coomassie brilliant blue staining method f3r sperm acrosome intact. The in vitro motility of frozen-thawed bovine sperm with 5 mM PF treatment group (50.0%) was significantly higher than that of control (34.0%) (P＜0.05). In the frozen-thawed bovine sperm was examined, the intact acrosome rate of 50 nM FPP treatment (49.0%) was significantly higher than those of control (30.0%) and 25 nM FPP (38.0%) treatment groups (P＜0.01). In human semen, when in vitro motility of sperm with PF addition prior to freezing was examined, the result of 5 mM treatment group (51.0%) was significantly higher than those of control and 2.5 mM treatment group (39.0, 40.0%) (P＜0.01). In addition, 50 nM (75.5%) FPP adding in all treatment procedures for human semen freezing (before freezing, freezing and after thawing) was significant effect on maintenance of the sperm intact acrosome percentage (control: 45.0; 25 nM: 53.0; 100 nM: 68.0%) (P＜0.01). Also, the intact acrosome rate of human sperm with FPP (65.0%) was significantly higher than that with PF (43.0%) (P＜0.05), although sperm motility was slightly higher in PF treatment group. These results suggest that improved sperm motility and intact acrosome of frozen thawed bovine and human sperm can be obtained by addition of PF or FPP, and that the enhanced in vitro viability, motility and intact acrosome can be obtained by addition of FPP in all semen freezing procedures.