Bovine Sperm Cryopreservation: A Review

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17920756

Abstract

Bovine semen cryopreservation is a pivotal technique in modern animal husbandry, enabling the efficient preservation and distribution of valuable genetic resources for breeding programs worldwide. Advances in the existing cryopreservation techniques have increased sperm survival and fertility rates, but challenges remain. The efficacy of cryopreservation is measured by post-thaw sperm motility, membrane integrity, and sperm reproductive potential, which are all influenced by parameters such as initial semen quality, type and concentration of the cryoprotectant, cooling rates, and storage duration. The process of cryopreservation causes oxidative stress, osmotic changes, cold shock and cryodamage that alters sperm plasma membrane structure and incurs deleterious changes at the molecular level, leading to compromised sperm integrity. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing procedures, investigating alternate CPAs, and improving cryoprotection with antioxidants and other additions. These enhancements aim to improve the effectiveness of bull sperm cryopreservation, boost genetic diversity and productivity in cattle breeding operations, and facilitate biotechnological applications such as genetic engineering.