In-vitro and In-vivo Fertilizing Potential of Kamohri Buck Semen Frozen in Tris-Based Egg Yolk Extender Supplemented with Selenium

To assess the influence of selenium on semen cytological parameters, 48 ejaculations were collected from 4 Kamohri bucks using an artificial vagina twice a week. Following the semen collection, ejaculates were assessed through macroscopic and microscopic evaluation. Semen ejaculates having 80% motility, morphology, and live-dead ratio were pooled and diluted in Tris-based Egg Yolk (TEY) extender supplemented with various concentrations of selenium, i.e., group A control (0mM), group B (2mM), group C (4mM) and group D (6mM). Results showed significantly (P<0.05) higher motility (78.10.22), morphology (86.51.08), membrane integrity (85.60.30) and live dead ratio (85.30.37) for chilled semen in group B than the other groups. Significantly (P<0.05) improved post-thawed motility (68.10.42), morphology (73.50.3), membrane integrity (70.80.36) and live dead ratio (77.10.41) were observed in group B as compared to other groups. For in vivo fertility assessment, twenty goats were selected and divided into two experimental groups, viz., group A and B (n=10/group). The goats of both groups were synchronized using the Ovsynch protocol. Group A goats were inseminated with semen extended in a TEY extender without selenium supplementation (control) and group B goats were inseminated with 02 mM selenium supplementation. After 45 days of insemination, pregnancy was confirmed utilizing a transabdominal probe and real-time B mode ultrasonography. The results showed that group B had a significantly (P<0.05) higher conception rate (50%) than group A (30%). In conclusion, supplementation of TEY extender with 2 mM selenium improved in-vitro (chilled and frozen-thaw sperm traits) and in-vivo conception rate of Kamohri buck semen.