Pre-freezing equilibration for 22 h improves post-thaw sperm functions in cryopreserved ram semen by reducing cholesterol efflux.

Failure of cervical insemination with cryopreserved semen is hindering implementation of AI in sheep in field condition. Here the effect of equilibration time and catalase on post-thaw qualities of ram semen was investigated. Pooled semen was diluted (800 × 10 sperm mL) with a TES-Tris-fructose extender with 6% glycerol, 15% egg yolk and supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 200 U mL catalase and packaged into 0.

Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi-arid tropical region.

Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep. During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done.

Mimicking the cauda epididymal plasma-like osmolality in extender improves liquid preservation of ram semen at 3-5°C.

Cauda epididymis in mammals is known to store mature sperm largely in quiescent state for several weeks without significantly affecting fertility. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of mimicking cauda epididymal plasma (CEP)-like conditions in extender on liquid preservation of ram semen at 3-5°C. Four experiments were conducted in this study: (1) evaluation of physicochemical properties of ram CEP, (2) effect of hyperosmotic solution on sperm motility and functional membrane integrity (FMI), and the effects of (3) CEP-like hyperosmolality (390 vs.

Supplementation of cauda epididymal plasma improves sperm characteristics following liquid preservation of ram semen at 3-5°C.

Mammalian spermatozoa remain immotile and metabolically inactive in the cauda epididymidis, thus maintaining fertility for several weeks. The aim of this study was to functionally characterise and evaluate the effect of cauda epididymal plasma (CEP) on liquid preservation of ram spermatozoa. Four experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of: (1) CEP and its fractions on sperm motility; (2) CEP (10%, 15%, 20% v/v) on liquid preservation of ram spermatozoa; (3) seminal plasma (SP; 20%, 30%, 50% v/v) on liquid-preserved spermatozoa; and (4) both CEP and post-storage SP treatment on sperm characteristics.

Combined effect of heat and nutritional stress on superovulation of Malpura ewes in a semi-arid region.

Sheep reared in hot semi-arid environments are generally exposed to heat and nutritional stress in some seasons of the year, which affects both production and reproduction. To assess the effect of high ambient temperature and feed scarcity on superovulation, 16 adult Malpura ewes were randomly divided into two groups of 8 animals each. G1 (control) was kept under a shed and offered a maintenance diet, and G2 (combined stress) was subjected to both nutritional (30% less of maintenance diet) and heat (38-44 °C for 6 h/day) stress.

Modulation of seminal plasma content in extended semen improves the quality attributes of ram spermatozoa following liquid preservation at 3-5°C.

Seminal plasma (SP) is known to induce motility and capacitation in spermatozoa curtailing their lifespan when preserved. Hence, this study was conducted to examine the effects of removal of SP from sperm surface prior to liquid preservation either by high dilution (1/15) or by washing and the poststorage treatment with SP (15% and 25%, v/v) on the quality attributes of liquid-preserved ram semen. Over the period of storage, the rapid motility (66.

Effect of thermal exposure on physiological adaptability and seminal attributes of rams under semi-arid environment.

Thermal stress in hot semi-arid environment is a major limitation of sheep production in tropical and sub-tropical climatic condition. The animals tend to maintain homeostasis through physiological adjustments in a hot environment (maximum temperature reaches up to 47.5°C).