Abstract
Many attempts have been made to improve the conservation of boar semen. Egg yolk is known to have cryoprotectant properties. This study aimed to test different concentrations of egg yolk added to the coconut milk powder extender (ACP-103®), and verify which one is better to maintain sperm viability. The ejaculated (36) were diluted in ACP-103® supplemented with different concentrations of egg yolk (0%, 1%, 3%, 5% and 7%). The conservation occurred at 17 °C, and vigor and motility analysis were carried out daily. On days 1 (D0), 3 (D2) and 5 (D4) the semen was evaluated for vitality, morphology and osmotic resistance. For statistical nonparametric analysis Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were performed, and for parametric data ANOVA and Tukey test were used. A decrease in vigor and motility was observed in all treatments. Treatments T2, T3 and T4 better maintained spermatic on D0 (2.4±0.8, 2.5±1.1, and 2.8±0.9, respectively), with no significant differences among them. The same was observed for motility (77±15%, 74±23%, and 81±16% on D0). Analyses of vitality, morphology and osmotic resistance did not show statistical difference among treatments. In conclusion, the concentration of egg yolk (7%) added to the ACP-103® can be effectively used as extender to maintain sperm viability.
Keywords:
boar semen; coconut water powder; conservation; egg yolk