title: The effects of ex vivo cold-storage on cryopreservation of the goat (Caprus hircus) epididymal sperm.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There are many studies focused on long or short storage time of epididymal sperm (EPS) of different species. There are limited studies on preservation or cryopreservation of the domestic goat EPS.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ex vivo cold-storage on freezing of EPS from goat (Capra hircus).
  
  
  METHODS
  In a split-plot design the caprine testes-epididymides (40 pairs) were divided to 4 storage-time groups equally (0, 24, 48 and 72 h), then subjected to cryopreservation using Bioxell. Sperm parameters were analyzed before and after freezing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Duration of cold-storage as well as freezing at all storage-time points reduced sperm viability and progressive motility while increased sperm tail abnormalities (p<0.0001). Freezing reduced the percentage of cytoplasmic droplets (p<0.0001). The percentage of detached heads was increased at all storage-time points following freezing (p=0.0019), except at time 0 h.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It can be concluded that cold storage [in refrigerator (4(o)C) for 72 h] of epididymides efficiently protected the goat EPS in terms of progressive motility and viability. However, cold-storage may not protect the goat EPS against cryopreservation with Bioxell.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Kamal-Aldin
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Hoseinzadeh-Sani
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Farid
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Barati
authors.affiliation: Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.
authors.forename: Mahmoud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khaksary Mahabady
keywords: Cold-storage; Cryopreservation; Epididymal sperm retrieval; Goat; Refrigeration