INCORPORATING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF ADENOSINE WITH TRIS- EGG YOLK AND ANDROMED®DILUENTS USED IN FREEZING SEMEN OF RAMS
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Date
2025-01-30
Authors
Khaleel , Mousa
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Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Cryopreservation of ram semen is a pivotal technique in ovine genetic improvement strategies. It accelerates the transmission of superior genetic material to low-productivity flocks, enables the long-term preservation of valuable genetic resources, and mitigates geographical constraints in artificial insemination programs. However, ovine semen cryopreservation still faces challenges related to quality, as ram sperm cells are particularly vulnerable to thermal stress and oxidative damage during freezing. Adenosine, a purine nucleoside, has been shown to enhance cellular metabolism and antioxidant defense; however, its potential application in ovine semen cryopreservation remains underexplored.
Aims: This study aims to elucidate the protective effects of adenosine at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) on sperm motility, viability, thermal resistance, membrane integrity, and morphology throughout the freezing process. Additionally, the study compares the efficacy of Andromed® and Tris-egg yolk extenders in maintaining sperm quality.
Methods: Semen was collected from six mature Assaf rams aged 3 to 4 years and diluted with adenosine-enriched Andromed® and Tris-egg yolk diluents. Semen samples were evaluated for motility, viability, thermal resistance, membrane integrity, and morphology at three key stages of the freezing process. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA to evaluate the effects of adenosine concentration and extender type.
Results: Adenosine significantly improved sperm quality at all freezing stages (P < 0.05), with 0.75% yielding the most favorable results. Moreover, Andromed® outperformed Tris-egg yolk in preserving frozen ovine sperm quality (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: The incorporation of adenosine into semen extenders, particularly at 0.75%, significantly enhanced the quality of frozen ovine semen. Furthermore, Andromed® proved to be more effective than Tris-egg yolk as freezing extender. These findings provide valuable insights into the application of adenosine in cryopreservation and contribute to improved reproductive efficiency in ovines.