title: Effects of post-mortem storage conditions of bovine epididymides on sperm characteristics: investigating a tool for preservation of sperm from endangered species.
abstract: The aim of this study was to establish and validate a reliable and efficient protocol for the recovery and cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa used forin vitrofertilization, using bulls of two different age classes. Testicles from 26 (37-51 weeks old, group 1) and 19 (52-115 weeks old, group 2) Danish Holstein bulls were collected after slaughter and stored at 5°C. After 0, 24 or 48 h, epididymides were isolated and spermatozoa collected. Assessments included spermatozoal motility, viability and morphology before and after cryopreservation andin vitroembryo production. Results showed that live spermatozoa can be collected from epididymides of bulls after their death. Storage of the testicles at 5°C for 24 h followed by cryopreservation of recovered epididymal spermatozoa resulted in 21% (group 1) and 31% (group 2) blastocysts producedin vitro.These results illustrate that epididymal spermatozoa recovered from testicles kept in specific conditions can be used to preserve genetic material from endangered and threatened species or populations in nature as well as in domestic and zoo animals.
authors.affiliation: Randers Regnskov, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers, Denmark; Randers Regnskov, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers, Denmark.
authors.forename: Julie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Strand
authors.affiliation: Randers Regnskov, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers , Denmark.
authors.forename: Mette M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Ragborg
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science , Aarhus University , Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele , Denmark.
authors.forename: Hanne S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.affiliation: Randers Regnskov, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers , Denmark.
authors.forename: Torsten N
authors.initials: TN
authors.lastname: Kristensen
authors.affiliation: Randers Regnskov, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers, Denmark; Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark.
authors.forename: Cino
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pertoldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science , Aarhus University , Blichers Allé 20, DK-8830 Tjele , Denmark.
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Callesen
keywords: Cryopreservation; epididymal spermatozoa; genetic diversity; in vitro embryo production.