The Effect of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-Cyclodextrin on Post-Thaw Parameters of Cryopreserved Jack and Stallion Semen

Cyclodextrins improve post-thaw viability and motility of semen as well as mediate cholesterol efflux and subsequent acrosome reaction in spermatozoa from several species. The objectives of this study were: (a) to assess the effect of prefreeze addition of 60 mM hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) on post-thaw viability and motility of jack and stallion semen cryopreserved in ethylene glycol-based freezing extenders containing 5% or 20% (v/v) egg yolk (LEY and HEY, respectively), and (b) to evaluate the ability of 1 μM calcium ionophore A23187 and/or 60 mM β-CD to induce acrosome reaction in thawed jack and stallion spermatozoa. Post-thaw motility of spermatozoa cryopreserved in HEY was higher (P < .05) for jack but lower (P < .05) for stallion spermatozoa when compared with LEY. Jack and stallion spermatozoa both exhibited higher (P < .05) motility when cryopreserved in 60 mM β-CD than without β-CD. Curvilinear velocity was faster (P < .05) for jack and stallion spermatozoa cryopreserved in LEY than in HEY. A treatment × time interaction affected (P < .05) the proportion of spermatozoa that underwent acrosome reaction. Post-thaw incubation of jack and stallion spermatozoa with β-CD for 90 minutes induced acrosome reaction in 85% and 22% of viable sperm cells, respectively; however, only 32% of jack and 8% of stallion spermatozoa incubated with calcium ionophore underwent acrosome reaction. This study is the first to evaluate the effect of β-CD (not loaded with cholesterol) on jack semen cryopreservation, and results reveal that β-CD may be a useful tool to enhance semen cryopreservation and to induce post-thaw acrosome reaction in jack spermatozoa.     

Studies on the Effect of Supplementing Boar Semen Cryopreservation Media with Different Avian Egg Yolk Types on in Vitro Post-thaw Sperm Quality

Fertility after insemination of cryopreserved boar semen is currently below that of fresh semen. In an attempt to improve the post-thaw motility and acrosome integrity of boar sperm, semen was frozen using an adapted Westendorf method in which the chicken egg yolk was replaced by either duck or quail egg yolk. The different composition of the yolk types, particularly the amount of cholesterol, fatty acids and phospholipids, were thought to potentially afford a greater level of protection to sperm against damage during freezing and thawing. Sperm frozen in medium containing chicken egg yolk displayed higher motility immediately after thawing, but there was no difference in the motility of sperm frozen with different types of egg yolk 3 or 6 h after thawing and maintenance at 37 degrees C. Sperm frozen in media containing chicken or duck egg yolk had a higher proportion of intact acrosomes immediately after thawing than sperm frozen in medium containing quail egg yolk, but 6 h after thawing and maintenance at 37 degrees C the sperm that had been frozen in medium containing chicken egg yolk had a higher proportion of intact acrosomes than the sperm frozen in media containing duck or quail egg yolk. Analysis of the composition of the different yolk types showed that the basic components of the yolks were similar, but the ratios of fatty acids and phospholipid classes differed. Duck egg yolk had more monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than chicken egg yolk, which had more MUFA than quail egg yolk. Duck egg yolk contained more phosphotidylinositol (PI) than chicken or quail egg yolks and quail egg yolk contained more phosphotidylserine than either chicken or duck egg yolks. The differences in post-thaw motility and acrosome integrity of boar sperm when frozen in media containing the different types of egg yolk may be due to the variation in composition.     

A comparison of duck and chicken egg yolk for cryopreservation of stallion sperm

OBJECTIVE: Duck and chicken egg yolk were compared for their protective effects against cold shock during the cryopreservation of stallion sperm in a lactose-EDTA-glycerol cryodiluent. DESIGN: A completely randomised design was used. Procedure Ejaculates from five stallions (n = 14 ejaculates) were split and diluted to either 20 or 200 x 10(6) sperm/mL in a lactose-EDTA extender containing either duck or chicken egg yolk. The extended semen was then frozen in liquid nitrogen. The percentage of sperm total motility and forward progressive motility were assessed before freezing and at 0 and 1 hr after thawing. Morphology data were also collected at 0 and 1 hr post thaw. RESULTS: Total and forward progressive motility were higher when the sperm were frozen in the presence of duck rather than chicken egg yolk. Furthermore, the total and forward progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal sperm were higher when frozen at a concentration of 200 than 20 x 10(6)/mL. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that the motility parameters of stallion sperm are improved when the semen is frozen in lactose EDTA extender supplemented with duck egg yolk rather than chicken egg yolk. Moreover, sperm motility and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm were higher after freezing at a concentration of 200 x 10(6)/ml rather than 20 x 10(6)/ml.     

大豆卵磷脂对马精液冷冻保存的效果研究

为探索适宜浓度的大豆卵磷脂(soybean lecithin,SL)代替卵黄(egg yolk,EY)对马精液冷冻保存的效果,本试验分别以5%卵黄(V/V)和10%、20%、30%大豆卵磷脂(m/V)作为精液的冷冻保护剂冷冻解冻马精液,解冻后分别对精子细胞的运动参数、精子细胞膜的完整性、精子细胞脂质氧化物丙二醛的值和线粒体膜完整性进行检测。结果发现,精液冷冻解冻后,5%卵黄和10%、20%、30%大豆卵磷脂对精子的总运动精子数无显著影响(P>0.05),但30%大豆卵磷脂具有最大的原地摆动精子数和最小的直线前进精子数(P<0.05),其他运动参数差异不显著(P>0.05);20%大豆卵磷脂代替卵黄后具有最高的质膜完整性,同时产生最少的脂质氧化物丙二醛;线粒体膜电位经流式细胞仪检测时,30%大豆卵磷脂活精子高膜电位数最高,但与20%大豆卵磷脂之间差异不显著(P>0.05)。试验结果表明,20%大豆卵磷脂能够代替卵黄作为冷冻保护剂用于马精液的冷冻保存。     

鹅蛋与鸭蛋生物学特性的比较

作者旨在研究地方品种鹅蛋与鸭蛋的生物学特性差异。同期采集固始白鹅种蛋56枚,淮南麻鸭种蛋64枚,对外部特征和内部品质进行对比。结果表明二者之间存在较大差异,鹅蛋与鸭蛋各指标分别为：蛋重（159.1 g,62.17 g）、蛋比重（1.119,1.094）、蛋壳厚度（0.514 mm,0.311 mm）、哈氏单位（107.77,86.14）、蛋黄比例（38.12%,30.28%）、蛋壳比例（12.32%,11.19%）,以上指标鹅蛋均高于鸭蛋。鸭蛋蛋黄色泽优于鹅蛋,罗氏比色鸭蛋、鹅蛋分别为11.33和4.52。鸭蛋的血肉斑率达到12.5%,明显高于鹅蛋的3.57%,需要通过育种手段来降低。     

Cryopreservation of Stallion Spermatozoa with INRA96 and Glycerol

The aim of the present study was to improve success of cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa. Semen from eleven stallions was collected and frozen in INRA 96 with two different concentrations of glycerol (3.5% and 6.0%) and compared with a control freezing process. The mean post-thaw motility for the eleven stallions of 57.93% (3.5% glycerol) and 66.50% (6.0% glycerol), which was statistically higher (P < 0.05) when compared with the mean post-thaw motility (39.7%) for semen in a control egg-yolk extender (Equipro^® CryoGuard™ Complete, Minitube). The Equipro^® CryoGuard™ Complete is a commercial semen freezing protocol that has been one of the standard processes used in our laboratory for freezing equine spermatozoa. INRA 96 with 6% added glycerol was used in the fertility trial as it provided the highest spermatozoa survival. To evaluate fertility of the frozen semen, eight mares were bred over two cycles with both fresh and frozen semen. The pregnancy rate of mares bred with frozen semen (55.6%) was not statistically different (P > 0.05) from the pregnancy rate of mares bred with fresh semen (55.6%). INRA 96 with 6.0% glycerol improved the survivability of stallion spermatozoa through the cryopreservation process, and subsequent fertility was not different (P > 0.05) from fresh, extended semen.     

Morphology and chemical composition of turkey eggs

The objective of this study was to evaluate selected morphological characteristics and the chemical composition of turkey eggs of different weight classes. The percentage of eggs weighing ≥100 g increased to 46.66% in wk 23. Eggs weighing 95 and 110 g had lower yolk content (3.05 and 4.86%) and higher albumen content (by 3.16 and 5.21%) compared with eggs weighing 80 g. The total protein content of the albumen increased (from 9.93 to 10.71%) and the water content of the albumen decreased (from 88.30 to 87.59%) with an increase in egg weight. Albumen weight per gram of yolk increased from 1.87 to between 2.18 and 2.42 g in larger eggs. The energy density of the egg decreased from 5.68 to 4.90 kJ/g with an increase in egg weight, and the energy density of the yolk remained at a similar level in all egg weight classes. The other analyzed yolk and shell parameters were not affected by egg weight. The highest energy and total protein content of the yolk was observed in wk 14 of the laying season. No correlations were found between the progress of the laying cycle and eggshell percentage and the water content of the yolk. The values of the remaining egg parameters varied over the laying season.     

Studies on Motility and Fertility of Cooled Stallion Spermatozoa

This study on extended, cooled stallion spermatozoa aimed to compare the ability of three extenders to maintain sperm motility during 24 h of preservation, and to describe pregnancy and foaling rates after artificial insemination (AI) of stallion spermatozoa stored and transported in the extender chosen from the in vitro study. After 6 and 24 h of preservation, motility, both subjective and evaluated by the motility analyzer (total, progressive and rapid), was lower in non-fat, dried skim milk-glucose than in both other extenders: dried skim milk-glucose added to 2% centrifuged egg yolk, and ultra high temperature treated skim milk-sugar-saline solution added to 2% centrifuged egg yolk (INRA82-Y). Rapid spermatozoa and sperm velocity parameters, after 24 h, were significantly higher in INRA82-Y. In the fertility trial, semen collected from three Maremmano stallions, diluted in INRA82-Y, and transported in a refrigerated Styrofoam box, was used to inseminate 56 mares of the same breed. Pregnancy rates after the first cycle and per breeding season were significantly higher for the 31 mares inseminated in three AI centres (54.8 and 80.6%, respectively) than for the 25 mares inseminated at the breeder's facilities (28.0 and 52.0%). Foaling rates were not significantly different between the AI centres mares (54.8%) and the other mares (44.0%). In conclusion, INRA82-Y yielded satisfactory pregnancy and foaling rates, especially when employed in the more controlled situation of an AI centre, and can therefore be included among those available for cooled stallion semen preservation.     

The Effects of an Oxygen Scavenger and Coconut Water on Equine Sperm Cryopreservation

Alternative sources of lipoproteins in semen extenders could replace animal by-products. We hypothesized that: (1) post-thaw semen parameters and fertility would not be different in coconut water (CW)–treated samples compared with egg yolk (EY)–treated samples and (2) the use of an oxygen scavenger (Oxyrase) would improve post-thaw sperm motility and membrane integrity and decrease lipid peroxidation. Experiment 1: three ejaculates each from five stallions were split into four treatments: EY, CW, egg yolk with Oxyrase, and coconut water with Oxyrase. Computer-assisted sperm analysis measured progressive and total motility, velocity, and linearity. Membrane integrity, apoptosis, and lipid peroxidation were evaluated using propidium iodide, annexin, and BODIPY fluorescent probes, respectively. Samples were cryopreserved, stored in liquid nitrogen, and then thawed to 37°C and analyzed again. Experiment 2: one ejaculate was divided into two aliquots and cryopreserved using either CW or EY. In a crossover design, 12 mares were bred on two consecutive cycles with either EY or CW. Pregnancy evaluations were at 14-day gestation. No differences were detected in sperm parameters between CW and EY (P > .05). Oxyrase did not improve sperm motility parameters in post-thaw samples, nor did it show protective effects for viability or against membrane damage (P > .05). More mares became pregnant using CW than EY (11/12 vs. 6/12, respectively; P = .013). Use of CW is a viable alternative to animal-based products in the cryopreservation of stallion semen.     

The lack of binding ability of staphylococcal protein A and streptococcal protein G to egg yolk immunoglobulins of different fowl species (short communication)

The binding ability of staphylococcal protein A (SpA) and streptococcal protein G (SpG) to egg yolk antibodies of four fowl species (turkey, duck, moskovy duck and goose) was studied and compared with the binding ability to three serum antibodies from chicken, horse and cattle. SpA and SpG were not able to bind to any of the avian immunoglobulins.     

Effects of bovine serum albumin and trehalose in semen diluents for improvement of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa

In this study, two following experiments were performed to improve post-thaw motility and viability of frozen-thawed ram spermatozoa. We examined i) the effects of different concentrations of bovine serum albumin (0, 0.3, 1, 5, 10 and 15% BSA) in semen diluents lacking egg yolk and ii) the effects of four semen diluents, fructose (F: control) and trehalose (T) in semen diluents containing egg yolk, 15% BSA in semen diluents without egg yolk (BSA), and modified phosphate buffered saline (m-PBS). Frozen-thawed spermatozoa were examined for progressive sperm motility, viability, morphological abnormality, sperm tail swelling test, and sperm acrosome integrity. In Experiment 1, the rates of sperm motility immediately after thawing (0 h) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the 10 and 15% BSA groups (55.0 +/- 2.9 and 58.3 +/- 6.7%, respectively) than in the positive control (F) group (41.7 +/- 4.4%). The rate of sperm viability in the negative control (0% BSA) group (80.2 +/- 3.3%) was significantly (P<0.05) lower than in the positive control (F) group (89.8 +/- 1.5%), but when compared with the F group, no significant differences were found among the 0.3, 1, 5, 10 and 15% BSA groups at 0 h. The rates of sperm morphological abnormality of the 10 and 15% BSA groups (6.5 +/- 1.3 and 6.3 +/- 1.1%, respectively) were significantly (P<0.05) lower at 0 h than that in the 1% BSA group (16.3 +/- 5.2%). In Experiment 2, T addition improved (P<0.05) the post-thaw motility compared with the F and BSA groups. Furthermore, at 3 and 6 h, the post-thaw motility of the T group (36.3 +/- 2.4 and 25.0 +/- 2.0%, respectively) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than in the BSA (26.3 +/- 2.4 and 18.8 +/- 1.3%, respectively) and F (28.8 +/- 3.8 and 18.8 +/- 2.4%, respectively) groups. The post-thaw sperm motility and viability in the m-PBS group were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of the control (F), T, and BSA groups throughout all observation points. These results indicate that 10 and 15% BSA can be substituted for egg-yolk for ram semen diluent and that the addition of trehalose enhances motility and viability of ram spermatozoa after freezing and thawing.     

Preliminary Results: The Advantages of Low-Density Lipoproteins for the Cryopreservation of Equine Semen

The aim of this study was to determine the best concentration of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in a semen extender to improve the percentage of motile spermatozoa in equine sperm after freezing and thawing in comparison with standard extenders. Ten extenders were compared: 1 with 2% egg yolk (EY), 8 with different concentrations of LDL (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%), and INRA 96; all of the extenders contained 2.5% glycerol. Fourteen ejaculates were collected from four different stallions. The first dilution was made with equal parts at +37°C, centrifuged (600 × g/10 min), and resuspended in the corresponding extenders to obtain a final concentration of 100 × 10⁶ spermatozoa/ml. The resulting mixture was cooled to 4°C over 1 hour, packed into four 0.5-ml straws, and left for a further 30 minutes at +4°C. Finally, the straws were frozen in nitrogen vapors 4 cm over liquid nitrogen for 10 minutes before being immersed in liquid nitrogen at −196°C and stored. Two straws per extender and per ejaculate were thawed in a water bath at +37°C for 30 seconds. The contents of each straw were recovered into a cryotube and placed in a water bath at +37°C for 10 minutes before being examined with an image analyzer. The best post-thaw motility results were obtained with the extenders made with 0.5%, 2%, and 3% LDL and with the control extender made with egg yolk; no significant difference was observed between these extenders. The last two straws were thawed to perform four sperm function tests. The hypo-osmotic test was used to assess the integrity of the plasma membrane; the 2% and 3% LDL treatments were the most suitable and were comparable to that with whole egg yolk for protecting stallion sperm during cryopreservation (32.3%, 32.4%, and 31.3%, respectively). The Pisum sativum agglutinin-fluorescein isothiocyanate test was used to verify the integrity of the acrosomes; the best results were obtained with the 0.5%, 0.75%, and 3% LDL and INRA96 extenders; no significant differences were observed among the 85.8%, 85.0%, 84.7%, and 84.8% extenders. The acridine orange test was used to assess DNA integrity; there were no significant differences among the various extenders: the DNA was preserved in 98% of the spermatozoa. Finally, spermatozoal morphology was examined using Spermac stain; 78% of the spermatozoa did not present any anomalies in the 0.25% and 2% LDL extenders. In conclusion, the 2% LDL extender gave the best post-thaw percentage of motile spermatozoa. The results of the sperm function test were also superior for this extender.     

Evaluation of Fertilizing Potential of Frozen-thawed dog Spermatozoa Diluted in ACP-106® using an In Vitro Sperm–Oocyte Interaction Assay

The aim of present study was to evaluate frozen canine semen with ACP-106 (Powder Coconut Water) using an in vitro sperm--oocyte interaction assay (SOIA). Ten ejaculates from five stud dogs were diluted in ACP-106 containing 20% egg yolk, submitted to cooling in a thermal box for 40 min and in a refrigerator for 30 min. After this period, a second dilution was performed using ACP-106 containing 20% egg yolk and 12% glycerol. Samples were thawed at 38 degrees C for 1 min. Post-thaw motility was evaluated by light microscopy and by using a computer aided semen analysis (CASA). Plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology/acrosomal status were evaluated by fluorescent probes (C-FDA/PI) and Bengal Rose respectively. Moreover, frozen-thawed semen was analysed by a SOIA. Subjective post-thaw motility was 52.0 +/- 14.8% and it was significant higher than the total motility estimated by CASA (23.0 +/- 14.8%) because this system considered the egg yolk debris as immotile spermatozoa. Although normal sperm rate and acrosomal integrity evaluated by Bengal Rose stain was 89.6 +/- 3.1% and 94.3 +/- 3.1%, respectively, post-thaw percentage of intact plasma membrane was only 35.1 +/- 14.3%. Regarding SOIA, the percentage of interacted oocytes (bound, penetrated and bound and/or penetrated) was 75.3%. Using regression analysis, it was found significant relations between some CASA patterns and data for SOIA. In conclusion, the freezing-thawing procedure using ACP-106 was efficient for maintain the in vitro fertility potential of dog spermatozoa.     

珍珠鸡蛋与海兰褐鸡蛋蛋品质及营养成分比较分析

珍珠鸡是从国外引进,经人工驯养育成的一个特色品种,其蛋用性能获得了显著进展,为加快蛋产品的开发力度,增加其附加价值,对珍珠鸡蛋和海兰褐鸡蛋蛋品质及营养成分进行比较分析。试验随机抽取新鲜珍珠鸡蛋、海兰褐鸡蛋各100枚,测定其蛋外、内在品质及主要营养成分,采用Duncan新复极差法、皮尔逊相关系数进行比较分析。研究表明,在外部品质方面,海兰褐鸡蛋蛋重高于珍珠鸡蛋15.54g（35.61%）,有极显著差异（P〈0.01）;珍珠鸡蛋蛋壳厚度比海兰褐鸡蛋的蛋壳厚0.14mm（40%）,差异极显著（P〈0.01）;由于蛋重的差异,两种鸡蛋蛋黄比例、蛋白比例、蛋壳比例也均有极显著差异（P〈0.01）。在内在品质方面,两种鸡蛋蛋清pH、蛋黄高度、蛋黄系数均无明显差异;珍珠鸡蛋浓蛋白高度比海兰褐鸡蛋的低3.02mm,有极显著差异（P〈0.01）;浓蛋白系数比海兰褐的高0.87,有显著差异（P〈0.05）;珍珠鸡蛋蛋黄颜色比海兰褐鸡蛋的颜色大一个罗氏比色值,有显著差异（P〈0.05）。在营养成分上,以g/枚为单位,珍珠鸡蛋的主要营养成分除胆固醇高于海兰褐鸡蛋外,其他均低于海兰褐鸡蛋。以g/100g为单位,珍珠鸡蛋水分含量明显低于海兰褐鸡蛋,相差12.62（20.21%）,差异极显著（P〈0.01）,脂肪含量也低于海兰褐鸡蛋,差异显著（P〈0.05）,相差1.34（4.4%）,其它营养成分均高于海兰褐鸡蛋。珍珠鸡蛋是较海兰褐鸡蛋小、壳厚、水分含量低、营养丰富的浓缩型蛋,为珍珠鸡蛋的蛋品开发创造了条件。     

Soya-lecithin in extender improves the freezability and fertility of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull spermatozoa

Egg yolk is routinely used as a cryoprotectant in semen extenders. However, it may contain cryoprotective antagonists, and there are hygienic risks associated with its use. Proteins of plant origin, like soya-lecithin, lack these hazards. The aim of this study was to use soya-lecithin as a cryoprotectant in extender and to investigate its effects on in vitro quality and in vivo fertility of buffalo semen. Semen from three buffalo bulls was frozen in tris-citric extender containing 5.0%, 10% or 15% soya-lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were assessed post-dilution, pre-freezing and post-thaw. In Post-dilution and pre-freezing, the values for motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability remained higher (p ≤ 0.05) in extenders containing 10% soya-lecithin and control compared with extender containing 5% and 15% soya-lecithin. However, motility, plasma membrane integrity and viability were higher (p < 0.05) in extender containing 10% soya-lecithin compared with control and extenders containing 5% and 15% soya-lecithin. Semen from two buffalo bulls was frozen in tris-citric extender containing either 10% soya-lecithin or 20% egg yolk. Higher (p < 0.05) fertility rate was recorded in buffaloes inseminated with semen containing 10% soya-lecithin (56%) compared with 20% egg yolk (41.5%). The results suggest that 10% soya-lecithin in extender improves the freezability and fertility of buffalo bull spermatozoa and can be used as an alternate to egg yolk in cryopreservation of buffalo semen.     

Comparison of hatchability and some egg quality characteristics in spotted and unspotted partridge (Alectoris chukar) eggs

The current research was conducted to determine the comparison of hatchability and some egg quality characteristics in spotted and unspotted partridge (Alectoris chukar) eggs. The research was carried out on 51 male and 102 female chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) aged 50 wk, which were raised at the Research and Application Farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Selcuk University. In total, 244 spotted and 261 unspotted eggs were used in the research. The hatching eggs were stored at 75% RH and 13°C for 14 d. Thirty spotted and 30 unspotted eggs laid on the same day were used for the evaluation of egg quality characteristics. Egg weight, chick weight, egg weight loss during the hatching period, shape index, hatchability, and some egg quality characteristics were evaluated at the end of the research. Spotted eggs exhibited a higher fertility and hatchability, as well as a lower percentage egg weight loss and embryonic mortality when compared with unspotted eggs. No significant differences were observed between spotted and unspotted eggs for egg weight, chick weight, shape index, specific gravity, albumen height, Haugh unit, yolk color green-red chromaticity (a*), albumen pH, and yolk pH. Spotted eggs had higher eggshell color a*, eggshell color blue-yellow chromaticity (b*), and eggshell strength, as well as a lower eggshell color light-dark chromaticity (L*), yolk color L*, and yolk color b* scores when compared with unspotted eggs. It was demonstrated that spots on the eggshells of chukar partridges (Alectoris chukar) improved their hatchability by affecting various quality characteristics of their eggs. It was concluded that spotted eggs are more suitable for hatching.     

Comparative antibacterial activity of avian egg white protein extracts

1. Egg white proteins from the eggs of domestic chicken (Gallus gallus), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and goose (Anser anser) were analysed in order to compare the antimicrobial activity of these products. 2. Albumen from each species was sampled and analysed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. Antimicrobial activity and lysozyme activity were measured. 3. Ovotransferrin and ovalbumin were identified in all species while c-type lysozyme was present in chicken, turkey and duck egg white samples, but not in goose. 4. Galliformes appear to possess albumens with greater antimicrobial activity than those of the Anseriformes. This can be attributed to higher concentrations of ovotransferrin and the broad acting c-type lysozyme.     

Freezing equine semen: the effect of combinations of semen extenders and glycerol on post-thaw motility

Objective   We evaluated combinations of two commercial semen extenders and three concentrations of glycerol to determine the combination that yielded the highest post-thaw sperm motility.
Design   A randomised 2 × 3 block design was used.
Procedure   Semen was collected from four stallions (6 collections per stallion). The sample was diluted with either a dried skim-milk glucose extender (EZ Mixin Original Formula) or a chemically defined, milk-free diluent (INRA 96), and each was used in combination with 2%, 3% or 4% glycerol in standard commercial freezing medium. Sperm motility was assessed by microscopy in fresh and post-thaw semen.
Results   There was a significant difference between the two extenders in the motility of spermatozoa after cryopreservation (48.9% for INRA 96; 38.6% for EZ Mixin OF; P < 0.0001). Glycerol at 4% in freezing medium yielded the highest post-thaw motility, significantly better than 2% ( P < 0.05). Three of four stallions had significantly higher post-thaw motility using INRA 96 relative to EZ Mixin OF ( P < 0.01), and two of four stallions had significantly higher post-thaw motility using 4% glycerol ( P < 0.05). The combination of INRA 96 and 4% glycerol in freezing medium gave the highest average post-thaw motility of 51.5%.
Conclusion   In this study, INRA 96 combined with 4% glycerol yielded an average recovery of progressively motile sperm consistently above the 35% target.     

鸵鸟卵黄对猪精子冷冻后质量的影响

为了提高猪冷冻精液品质和精子抵抗低温打击的能力,本研究以5%、10%、15%、20%和25%等不同浓度的鸵鸟卵黄作为冷冻保护剂,以20%的鸡蛋卵黄和20%的鸽蛋卵黄为对照,将冷冻-解冻后的精子活率、质膜完整率和顶体完整率作为评价指标,分析鸵鸟卵黄对猪精子的抗冷冻保护作用。结果表明：稀释液中添加20%鸽蛋卵黄时,精子活率、顶体完整率和质膜完整性分别为52.11%、55.62%和54.94%,显著高于其他组（P〈0.05）。虽然稀释液中添加15%鸵鸟卵黄时,冷冻-解冻后精子活率、顶体完整率和质膜完整率显著高于5%、10%、20%和25%鸵鸟卵黄组,但仍然显著低于稀释液中添加20%鸽蛋卵黄处理组。本研究表明,鸵鸟卵黄在冷冻过程中对猪精子具有一定的保护作用,但相对于鸽子蛋和鸡蛋卵黄效果并不理想。     

Comparative Staging of Embryo Development in Chicken,Turkey, Duck,Goose, Guinea Fowl,and Japanese Quail Assessed from Five Hours After Fertilization Through Seventy-Two Hours of Incubation

Normal tables of chicken embryo development are used to define specific stages of morphogenetic progression from the first cleavage divisions through hatching. Although established for the turkey and Pekin duck, the application of the normal tables of chicken embryo development to other birds of commercial and research importance needs be examined. Chicken, turkey, Japanese quail, and Pekin duck blastoderms from oviductal eggs showed differences in the rate of development that were inversely correlated with egg size. Oviposited eggs from these and additional species (goose, Muscovy and mule ducks, and Guinea fowl) were examined after 24 to 72 h of storage and at 6-h intervals up to 72 h of incubation. There was variation in the developmental stages of the blastoderm at the time of oviposition between and within the species and strains examined. Although it is recognized that the temporal rate of development will differ between different species and strains, the external features of any embryo in any given stage will be nearly identical.