The Use of Different Low-Density Lipoproteins Concentrations for Developing a New Extender for Awassi Rams Semen

(Mohammed Bachaoat, Mohamed Moussa, Mohamed Rabie Almrstani, Sndran Zrommel, Daniel Teinturier)

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Abstract

It is very important to develop a new extender to achieve acceptable fertility rate after artificial insemination with frozen-thawed ram’s semen. The study aims to evaluate the efficiency of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) instead of egg yolk in Awassi ram semen extenders. During the breeding season semen from four Awassi rams was collected via artificial vagina and frozen in liquid nitrogen in four extenders: the control extender containing (sodium citrate + 20% egg yolk), and three experimental extenders, egg yolk was replaced by three concentrations of LDL (6%, 8%, 10%), respectively. Motility was evaluated using phase contrast microscope, which also used to define live-dead spermatozoa by eosin-nigrosin staining technique. Motility and other quality parameters of thawed frozen semen was also estimated using CASA system. The results showed that the concentration of 8% LDL was superior to egg yolk 20%, 6% LDL, and 10% LDL (P<0.001) in term of motility. After cooling (equilibration), the motility was 73%, 67.8%, 68.7%, and 68.6% for the extenders 8% LDL, 20% egg yolk, 6% LDL, and 10% LDL respectively. The motility decreased after freezing to 62.66%, 54.18%, 51%, and 56.4%, respectively. Using CASA system, the results ensure the superiority of 8% LDL extender compared to 20% egg yolk extender (P>0.001) in terms of motility (60.67% versus 53.69%), and progressive motility (42.38% versus 39.89%). This study showed that 8% LDL extender has improved spermatozoa motility with better efficiency compared to the 20% egg yolk extender and the other two used extenders. Key Words: Awassi Ram, Extenders, Low Density Lipoproteins, Semen.
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