Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-hc48f Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-25T12:05:04.851Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Current status in avian semen cryopreservation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 June 2007

E. BLESBOIS
E. BLESBOIS
Affiliation:
URA-INRA, 37380, Nouzilly, France E-mail: Elisabeth.Blesbois@tours.inra.fr
Get access

Summary

Semen cryopreservation in domestic birds has been studied extensively in the past fifty years. However, efficient methods to freeze semen of chicken of different breeds have emerged only in the last decade of the 20th century. Methods using the cryoprotectants glycerol, dimethyl acetamide and dimethyl sulfoxide, slow or rapid freezing-thawing procedures, pellets or vials or straws packaging have been developed. Other methods have been studied in turkeys, guinea fowl, ducks, ganders and some wild species. They are often less successful than chicken freezing methods with wide intra-species variability.

Reliable predictors of suitability of semen for cryopreservation are also needed to improve freezing methods and to optimize the management of frozen semen. The quality of whole fresh semen measured by classical morphologic, metabolic and mobility tests is an indicator. More specialized tests such as membrane fluidity of fresh spermatozoa are indicative of the freezing ability of the gametes.

The main use of semen cryopreservation in birds is the ex situ management of genetic resources in the context of dramatic decrease in avian genetic biodiversity. This is achieved through germplasm cryobanks. There are three main national avian germplasm cryobank programmes in 2006, operating in North America, The Netherlands and France. They mainly include semen and blood samples issued from Public Research Lines, indigenous breeds and individual specific genotypes.

The future need for semen cryopreservation programmes will focus mainly on three objectives 1) improvement of predictors of male suitability for semen freezing, 2) emergence of standardized methods of semen freezing in species other than chicken and 3) increasing development of avian cryobanks.

Keywords

poultryspermfreezingcryopreservation
Type
Review Article
Information
World's Poultry Science Journal , Volume 63 , Issue 2 , June 2007 , pp. 213 - 222
Copyright
Copyright © World's Poultry Science Association 2007

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

ANSAH, G. and BUCKLAND, R. (1982) Genetic variation in fowl semen cholesterol and phospholipids levels and the relationship with these lipid with fertility of frozen-thawed and fresh semen. Poultry Science 92: 604–615.Google Scholar
BAKST, M. R., WISHART, G. J. and BRILLARD, J. P. (1994) Oviductal sperm selection, transport and storage in poultry. Poultry Science Review 5: 117–143.Google Scholar
BELLAGAMBA, F., CEROLINI, S. and CAVALCHINI, L. G. (1993) Cryopreservation of poultry semen: a review. World's Poultry Science Journal 49: 157–166.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
BENSON, E., FULLER, B. and LANE, N. (2004) Life in the Frozen State. Ed: Taylor and Francis Group, London (GBR).Google Scholar
BLACKBURN, H. D. (2006) The national animal germplasm program: challenges and opportunities for poultry genetic resources. Poultry Science 85: 210–215.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BLANCO, J. M., GEE, G., WILDT, D. E. and DONOGUE, A. M. (2000) Species variation in osmotic, cryoprotectant, and cooling rate tolerance in poultry, eagle, and falcon spermatozoa. Biology of Reproduction 63: 1164–1171.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BLESBOIS, E., LESSIRE, M., GRASSEAU, I., HALLOUIS, J. M. and HERMIER, D. (1997a) Effect of dietary fat on the fatty acid composition and on fertilizing ability of fowl semen. Biology of Reproduction 56: 1216–1220.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BLESBOIS, E., LESSIRE, M. and HERMIER, D. (1997b) Effect of cryopreservation and diet on lipids of fowl sperm and fertility. Poultry and Avian Biology Reviews 8: 149–154.Google Scholar
BLESBOIS, E. and GRASSEAU, I. (2001) Seminal plasma affects liquid storage and cryopreservation of turkey sperm. Cryobiology 43: 334.Google Scholar
BLESBOIS, E. and LABBE, C. (2003) Main improvements in semen and embryo cryopreservation for fish and fowl. In: Cryopreservation of Animal Genetic Resources in Europe, Ed Planchenault, D., SIA 23 Fevrier 2003, BRG, Paris pp 55–66.Google Scholar
BLESBOIS, E., DOUARD, V., GERMAIN, M., BONIFACE, P. and PELLET, F. (2004) Effects of n-3 polyunsaturated dietary supplementation on the reproductive capacity of male turkeys. Theriogenology 61: 537–549.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BLESBOIS, E., GRASSEAU, I. and SEIGNEURIN, F. (2005) Membrane fluidity and the ability to survive cryopreservation in domestic bird spermatozoa. Reproduction 129: 371–378.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
BLESBOIS, E., COQUERELLE, G., SEIGNEURIN, F., GASSEAU, I., LIMOUZIN, C., BESNARD, J., GOURICHON, D., SELLIER, N., LE BIHAN-DUVAL, E., MERAT, L., RAULT, P. and TIXIERBOICHARD, M. (2006) Constitution of the first French patrimonial genetic stock for ex situ management in the species Gallus gallus. World's Poultry Science Association. http://www.animalscience.com/uploads/additionalFiles/wpsa.htm, 5: 1–2.Google Scholar
BLESBOIS, E., DUBOS, F., GRASSEAU, I., RICHRAD, M. M., ROMAN, Y., SAINT JALME, M. and SEIGNEURIN, F. (2006b) Cryopreservation of avian spermatozoa and predictors of ability to freezing. Les actes du BRG 6: 415–431.Google Scholar
BLESBOIS, E., SEIGNEURIN, F., GRASSEAU, I., LIMOUZIN, C., BESNARD, J., GOURICHON, D., COQUERELLE, G., RAULT, P. and TIXIER-BOICHARD, M. (2007) Semen cryopreservation for ex-situ management of genetic diversity in chickens; creation of the French Avian Cryobank. Poultry Science 8: 550–565.Google Scholar
BUSS, E. G. (1993) Cryopreservation of rooster sperm. Poultry Science 72: 944–954.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
CHALLAH, T., SEIGNEURIN, F., BLESBOIS, E. and BRILLARD, J. P. (1999) In vitro comparison of fowl sperm viability in ejaculates frozen by three different techniques and relationship with subsequent fertility in vivo. Cryobiology 39: 185–191.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
DONOGHUE, A. M. and WISHART, G. J. (2000) Storage of poultry semen. Animal Reproduction Science 62: 313–232.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
ETCHES, R. J. (1996) Reproduction in Poultry. CAB International. Wallington, UK.Google Scholar
FRENCH NATIONAL CRYOBANK OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS www.brg.prd.fr.Google Scholar
FULTON, J. E. (2006) Avian Genetic stock preservation: an industry perspective. Poultry Science 85: 227–231.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
GEE, G. F. (1995) Artificial Insemination and Cryopreservation of semen from nondomestic birds. In: Proceedings First Symposium on the Artificial Insemination in Poultry. Ed Bakst, MR and Wishart, GJ.262–280.Google Scholar
HAMMERSTEDT, R. H. (1995) Cryopreservation of Poultry Semen – Current Status and Economics. In: Proceedings First International Symposium on the Artificial Insemination of Poultry, Poultry Science Association, Savoy, Illinois, US, Ed Bakst, MR and Wishart, GJ.229–250.Google Scholar
HOLT, W. V. (2000) Basic aspects of frozen storage in semen. Animal Reproductive Science 62: 3–22.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
LABBE, C., BLESBOIS, E., LEBOEUF, B., GUILLOUET, P., STRADAIOLI, G., MAGISTRINI, M. (2003) Technologie de la conservation du sperme chez plusieurs vertébrés domestiques: protection des lipides membranaires, intégrité du noyau et élargissement des méthodes. Les actes du BRG 4: 25–33.Google Scholar
LAKE, P. E. (1971) The male in reproduction. In: Physiology and Biochemistry of the Domestic Fowl, 3. Bell, D. J. and Freeman, B. M.Academic Press, London, pp. 1411–1447.Google Scholar
LAKE, P. E., RAVIE, O. and Mc ADAM, J. (1981) Preservation of fowl semen in liquid nitrogen: Application to breed programs. British Poultry Science 22: 71–77.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
LAKE, P. E. (1984) The male in reproduction. In: Physiology and Biochemistry o the Domestic Fowl, 5. Freeman, B. M.Academic Press, London, 381–405.Google Scholar
LAKE, P. E. (1986) The history and future of the cryopreservation of avian germ plasma. Poultry Science 65: 1–15.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
LAKE, P. E. and STEWART, J. M. (1978) Preservation of fowl semen in liquid nitrogen – an improved method. British Poultry Science 19: 187–194.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
LONG, J. A. and KULKARNI, G. (2004) An effective method for improving the fertility of glycerol-exposed poultry semen. Poultry Science 83: 1594–1601.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
LONG, J. A. (2006) Avian semen cryopreservation: what are the biological challenges? Poultry Science 85: 232–236.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
LUKASZEWICKZ, E. (2001) Effects of semen filtration and dilution rate on morphology and fertility of frozen gander spermatozoa. Theriogenology 55: 1819–1829.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
LUKASEWICZ, E., CHRZANOWSKA, M., JERYSZ, A. and CHELMONSKA, B. (2004) Attempts on freezing the Greylag (Anser anser L.) gander semen. Animal Reproduction Science 80:163–173.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
LUYET, B. J. and GEHENIO, P. M. (1940) Life and Death at Low Temperatures. Biodynamic Normandy, MO, USA, 341 pp.Google Scholar
MASSIP, A., LEIBO, S. and BLESBOIS, E. (2004) Cryobiology and the breeding of domestic animals. In: Life in the Frozen State; Benson, E.; Fuller, B.; Lane, N. ed. Taylor and Francis Group, London (GBR) 12: 371–392.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
NATIONALANIMAL GERM PROGRAM www.ars-grin.gov/animal.Google Scholar
NETHERLAND CENTRE OF GENETIC RESOURCES www.cgn.wur.nl/uk.Google Scholar
PENFOLD, L. M., HARNAL, V., LYNCH, W., BIRD, D., DERRICKSON, S. P. and WILDT, D. E. (2001) Characterization of northern pintail ejaculate and the effect of sperm preservation on fertility. Reproduction 121: 267–275.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
PETITE, J. N. (2006) Avian germplasm preservation: embryonic stem cells or primordial germ cell? Poultry Science 85: 237–42.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
PISENTI, J. M., DELANY, M. E., TAYLOR, R. L., ABOTT, U. K., ABPLANALP, H., ARTHUR, J. A., BAKST, M. R., BAXTER-JONES, C., BITGOOF, J. J., BRADLEY, F. A., CHENG, K. M., DIETRET, R. R., DODGSON, J. B., DONOGHUE, A. M., EMSLEY, A. B., ETCHES, R. J., FRAHM, R. R., GERRITZ, R. J., GOETINCK, P. F., GRUNDER, A. A., HARRY, D. E., LAMONT, S. J., MARTIN, G. R., MCGUIRE, P. E., MOLBERG, G. P., PIERRO, L. L., QUALSET, C. O., QURESHU, M. A., SHULTZ, F. T. and WILSON, B. W. (1999) Avian genetic resources at risk: an assessment and proposal for conservation of genetic stocks in the USA and Canada. Report n°20. California Univ., Agriculture and Natural Resources Division, Genetic Resources Conservation Program, Davis, CA USA120p.Google Scholar
POLGE, C. and PARKES, A. S. (1949) Revival of spermatozoa after vitrification and dehydration at low temperatures. Nature 164: 666.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
REEDY, S. E., LEIBO, S. P., CLARK, M. E. and ETCHES, R. J. (1995) Beyond Semen Freezing. In: Proceedings First Symposium on the Artificial Insemination in Poultry. Ed Bakst, MR and Wishart, GJ. 229–250.Google Scholar
SAINT JALME, M., LECOQ, R., SEIGNEURIN, F., BLESBOIS, E. and PLOUZEAU, E. (2003) Cryopreservation of semen from endangered pheasants: the first step towards cryobank for endangered avian species. Theriogenology 59: 875–888.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
SCHRAMM, G. P. (1991) Eignung verschiedener gefrierschutzstoffe zur kryoprotektion von hahnensperma. Monatsh. Veterinäermedizin 46: 438–440.Google Scholar
SEIGNEURIN, F. and BLESBOIS, E. (1995) Effects of the freezing rate on viability and fertility of frozenthawed fowl spermatozoa. Theriogenology 43: 1351–1358.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
SEIGNEURIN, F. and BLESBOIS, E. (2006) The first method of cryopreservation of guinea fowl semen. World Poultry Science Association. http://www.animalscience.com/uploads/additionalFiles/wpsa.htm, 23:1–2.Google Scholar
SEXTON, T. J. (1980) Optimal rate for cooling chicken semen from+5°C to -196°C. Poultry Science 59: 2765–2770.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
SEXTON, T. J. (1981) Development of a commercial method for freezing turkey semen. 1. Effect of prefreeze techniques on the fertility of processed unfrozen and frozen-thawed semen. Poultry Science 60: 1567–1573.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
SHAFFNER, C. S., HENDERSON, E. W. and CARD, C. G. (1941) Viability of spermatozoa of the chicken under various environmental conditions. Poultry Science 20: 259–265.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
SURAI, P. and WISHART, G. J. (1996) Poultry artificial insemination technology in the countries of the former USSR. World's Poultry Science Journal 52: 27–43.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
TAJIMA, A. (2002) Production of germ-line chimeras and their application in domestic chicken. Avian and Poultry Biology Review 13: 15–30.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
TAI, J. L., CHEN, J. C., WU, K. C., WANG, D. S. and TAI, C. (2001) Cryopreservation of gander semen. British Poultry Science 42: 384–388.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
TIXIER-BICHARD, M., COQUERELLE, G., DURAND-TARDIF, M., PLANCHENAULT, D., JAMILLOUX, V., BLESBOIS, E., BOULAY, M., CHAPUIS, H. and REFFAY, M. (2001) Biodiversity of domestic birds. British Poultry Science 42: S29–S31.Google Scholar
TSELUTIN, K., NARUBINA, L., MAORODINA, T. and TUR, B. (1995) Cryopreservation of poultry semen. British Poultry Science 36: 805–811.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
TSELUTIN, K., SEIGNEURIN, F. and BLESBOIS, E. (1999) Comparison of cryoprotectants and methods of cryopreservation of fowl spermatozoa. Poultry Science 78: 586–590.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
VAN DE LAVOIR, M. C., DIAMOND, J. H., LEIGHTON, P. A., MATHER-LOVE, C., HEYERS, B. S., BRADSHAWS, R., KERCHNER, A., HOOI, L. T., GESSARO, T. M., SWANBERG, S. E., DELANY, M. E. and ETCHES, R. J. (2006) Germline transmission of genetically modified primordial germ cells. Nature 441:766–769.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
VAN VOORST, A. and LEESTRA, F. R. (1995) Fertility rate of daily collected and cryopreserved fowl semen. Poultry Science 74: 136–140.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WATSON, P. E., KUNZE, P. and HAMMERSTEDT, R. H. (1992) A comparison of critical osmolality and hydraulic conductivity and its activation energy in fowl and bull spermatozoa. Journal of Andrology 13: 131–138.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WISHART, G. J. (1985) Quantitation of the fertilising ability of fresh compared with frozen and thawed fowl spermatozoa. British poultry Science 26: 375–380.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
WOELDERS, H., ZUILBERG, C. A. and HIEMSTRA, S. J. (2006) Animal genetic resources conservation in the Netherlands and Europe: poultry perspective. Poultry Science 85: 216–222.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
ZAVOS, P. M. and GRAHAM, E. F. (1983) Effects of various degrees of supercooling and nucleation temperatures on fertility of frozen turkey semen. Cryobiology 20: 553559.CrossRefGoogle Scholar