Use of the powdered coconut water (ACP-106 ® ) for cryopreservation of canine spermatozoa

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to test powdered coconut water (ACP-106 ® ) as an alternative extender for cryopreserved canine semen. Ejaculates from six dogs were collected by manual stimulation and evaluated grossly and microscopically. Semen was divided into two aliquots to be extended with either natural coconut water (NCW) or powdered coconut water (ACP-106 ® ). Semen was initially extended with A-fraction (27 °C) containing 20% egg yolk at a ratio of 1:0.5 (semen:extender). After dilution, the semen was cooled for 40 min in a thermal box (15 °C) and for 30 min in a refrigerator (4 °C). The other half of the extender (B-fraction) containing 20% egg yolk and 12% glycerol was added to both aliquots in a ratio 1:1, so that, the final concentration of glycerol in the extender was 6%. Ejaculates were frozen in 0.25 ml straws and stored in liquid nitrogen. After one week, straws were thawed at 37 °C for 1 min, and the semen quality was evaluated. Both extenders were efficient in conserving sperm motility, vigor, and morphology after the freezing and thawing procedure. Results showed that ACP-106 ® can be used as an extender for cryopreservation of canine semen. However, only insemination trials will prove the fertilization potential of the frozen-thawed semen.