Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination in budgerigars (<i>Melopsittacus undulatus</i>)

Abstract

Semen samples were obtained from budgerigars. Undiluted samples were used directly for artificial insemination (AI) while other samples were diluted with a modified glycerolated BWW and Lake's freezing medium and subjected to two different cryopreservation protocols. Micro‐dialysis was used post‐thawing to remove the glycerol present in the medium. The assessment of glycerol concentration during micro‐dialysis was carried out by means of an ultraviolet spectrophotometry method. Functional assessment of spermatozoal fertilizing capacity post‐thawing included the measurement of spermatozoal swimming speed and AI.