Effect of Cysteamine on the Freezing of Buck Semen

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of cysteamine added to an extender at different doses (5 and 10 mM) on the freezing of Saanen buck semen containing samples with seminal plasma or those in which the seminal plasma was removed. After the examinations, the ejaculates were pooled. The semen was divided into two equal volumes. The seminal plasma of one group was not removed (Group A), whereas the seminal plasma of the other volume was removed via centrifugation (Group B). Each group was again divided into three equal volumes. Therefore, a total of six groups were created. Subsequent to the equilibration process, diluted semen samples were packaged in 0.25 mL straws, frozen at -110 degrees C, and stored at -196 degrees C. Frozen semen samples were thawed in a water bath for 30 s at 37 degrees C. This procedure was repeated seven times (n=7). In the equilibration stage, 10 mM cysteamine was found to damage the spermatozoa motility regardless of the presence of seminal plasma (p<0.001). After thawing, no statistically significant difference was observed in all the groups. In this study, it was concluded that 10 mM cysteamine damages spermatozoa motility before freezing and the presence of seminal plasma and cysteamine concentrations after thawing had no effect on spermatological properties.