EFFECTS OF DATE PALM (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA) FRUIT EXTENDER ON CRYOPRESERVED SEMEN OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the effects of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit extender on cryopreserved semen and its fertility using two cryoprotocols in inseminated WAD goats. Semen samples were collected with the aid of artificial vagina from four intact, intensively managed WAD bucks of ages 2 to 3 years and ejaculates were pooled for uniformity. Semen samples were thereafter diluted at 32oC with Tris date palm. fruit extender (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mL) and subjected to slow and rapid freezing methods for 72 hours. Progressive sperm motility, livability and abnormalities were
determined from cryopreserved semen samples. The experiment was laid out in a 2×5 factorial arrangement of two levels of cryoprotocol (slow and rapid freezing) and five inclusion levels of date palm fruit extender (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mL) using a Completely Randomized Design and mean separation was done using Duncan multiple range test. Results showed that progressive sperm motility of the cryopreserved semen was higher (P<0.05) in slow freezing method compared to rapid
freezing method. Total abnormalities were reduced (P<0.05) with slow freezing. The inclusion levels of date fruit extender did not significantly (P>0.05) influence sperm functional attributes of WAD bucks. The highest (p<0.05) progressive sperm motility was recorded in 10 mL inclusion of date palm fruit extender under slow freezing (SF), followed by 0 mL of slow freezing and 5 mL of rapid freezing. The study concluded that slow freezing method improved and sustained progressive sperm motility of the cryopreserved semen.