Stallion spermatozoa selected by single layer centrifugation are capable of fertilization after storage for up to 96 h at 6°C prior to artificial insemination.
BACKGROUND
One of the challenges faced by equine breeders is ensuring delivery of good quality semen doses for artificial insemination when the mare is due to ovulate. Single Layer Centrifugation (SLC) has been shown to select morphologically normal spermatozoa with intact chromatin and good progressive motility from the rest of the ejaculate, and to prolong the life of these selected spermatozoa in vitro. The objective of the present study was a proof of concept, to determine whether fertilizing ability was retained in SLC-selected spermatozoa during prolonged storage.


RESULTS
Sixteen mares were inseminated with SLC-selected sperm doses that had been cooled and stored at 6°C for 48 h, 72 h or 96 h. Embryos were identified in 11 mares by ultrasound examination 16-18 days after presumed ovulation.


CONCLUSIONS
SLC-selected stallion spermatozoa stored for up to 96 h are capable of fertilization.
Department of Reproduction, Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
Johanna
J
Lindahl
Anne-Marie
AM
Dalin
Gesa
G
Stuhtmann
Jane M
JM
Morrell
D000818:Animals; D002498:Centrifugation / Q000662:veterinary; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D007315:Insemination, Artificial / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D012034:Refrigeration / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods* / Q000662:veterinary; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors