Effect of alternative cryopreservation procedures on bull semen

Abstract

Summary: The aim of this study was to assess the use of - 152°C ultra freezer for freezing and storing bull semen as an alternative to freezing over the liquid nitrogen vapor and storing in liquid nitrogen in terms of certain post-thaw spermatological parameters. Two ejaculates, one per each bull, were used without pooling. Four different freezing and storing protocols were tested. At 1 week, 2 months and 6 months after cryopreservation, the frozen semen was thawed and the seminal parameters were determined. As a conclusion, this study has confirmed that the use of -152 °C ultra-low freezer for freezing and storing bull semen for 6 months is a viable alternative to liquid nitrogen.