Conservation of ovine semen

Abstract

In 2007, 43% of ovine dairy flocks and 4.3 % of suckling flocks, respectively, 636 000 and 202 000 ewes, were inseminated. Methods of ram semen preservation in liquid state were adequate when insemination was performed the day of the semen collection in a reduced geographic region. However, given that insemination needs to be performed in the 10 hours following the semen collection in order to reach high fertility, increasing the duration of semen storage could simplify the daily work of AI Centers and provide better use of rams of high genetic value. Research is being conducted on three methods of preservation : liquid state, freezing and encapsulation. Several factors potentially impacting on fertility after semen preservation were identified such as final sperm concentration and antioxidants. Semen preservation also induced a reduced ability of spermatozoa to cross the cervix and transit into the female genital tract. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in sperm transit could help to conceive media better suited to sperm preservation.