Effect of diluent, dilution rate and storage temperature on longevity and functional integrity of liquid stored alpaca (Vicugna pacos) semen.

Abstract

Liquid storage of alpaca semen was investigated by assessing the motility and acrosome integrity of sperm at 24, 48 and 72 h after i) dilution 1:4 (v/v) with Androhep®, Biladyl®, Lactose, Salamon’s and Triladyl® diluents and liquid storage at 4 or 15°C (Experiment 1), ii) dilution 1:1, 1:2, or 1:4 (v/v) with Biladyl® and storage at 4 or 15°C (Experiment 2) and iii) dilution of epididymal sperm with Biladyl® and storage at 4°C for 24 h. In Experiment 1, sperm motility was higher after storage in Biladyl® compared with other diluents (P 0.05) and after 24 h of liquid storage at 4°C (47.0±2.0% and 90.6±0.9%, respectively P>0.05). Ejaculated semen and epididymal alpaca sperm can be liquid stored for 72 h and 24 h respectively. Dilution of ejaculated semen 1:4 v/v in Biladyl® results in higher motility and longevity compared with the other diluents. Storage at 4°C is recommended beyond 48 h but 4 and 15°C are equally efficacious for <48 h storage periods. Improvements to longevity and a determination of its fertilizing capacity are required before liquid stored alpaca semen could be used for AI.