Use of Equine Sperm Cryopreservation Techniques as a Conservation Method of Donkey Germplasm.
Authors: Monteiro Rodrigo Alves, Cunha Rodolfo Marinho, Guerra Maria Madalena Pessoa, de Almeida Valdir Morais, Peña-Alfaro Carlos Enrique, Silva Sildivane Valcácia
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Cryopreservation of Donkey Semen for Genetic Conservation Reproductive technologies developed for horses have potential applications in donkey conservation programmes, yet little data exist on optimal protocols for donkey germplasm preservation. Researchers compared two methods of seminal plasma removal (filtration and centrifugation) combined with two freezing approaches (automated and conventional systems) on ejaculates from three donkeys, evaluating post-thaw sperm motility, membrane integrity, and mitochondrial function across 18 samples. Centrifugation proved superior to filtration for maximising sperm concentration, whilst conventional freezing with filtration unexpectedly compromised progressive motility and velocity; notably, membrane integrity and mitochondrial potential remained unaffected across all treatment groups. These findings suggest that either automated or conventional freezing protocols can be adopted for donkey semen banking, provided centrifugation is used for plasma removal—an important consideration for breeding programmes seeking to preserve donkey genetics, particularly in endangered breeds where assisted reproduction may become necessary.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Centrifugation is the preferred method for removing seminal plasma from donkey semen prior to cryopreservation, as it better preserves sperm motility parameters
- •Either automated or conventional freezing systems can be used effectively for donkey germplasm conservation, allowing flexibility in laboratory setup and equipment selection
- •Equine cryopreservation protocols can be adapted for donkey semen conservation with reliable outcomes for membrane integrity and mitochondrial function
Key Findings
- •Filtration method produced higher sperm concentration (P < .05) compared to centrifugation in donkey semen
- •Conventional filtrate group showed significantly lower progressive motility and curvilinear velocity (P < .05) than other treatment groups
- •No significant differences were found among treatment groups for plasma membrane integrity, membrane functionality, or mitochondrial membrane potential (P > .05)
- •Both automated and conventional freezing methods are suitable for donkey semen cryopreservation when combined with centrifugation for seminal plasma removal