SPERMATOZOA QUALITY OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT SEMEN DILUTED WITH NORMAL SALINE AND STORED AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

Abstract

This study aimed at evaluating the ability of normal saline as diluent to sustain spermatozoa viability at 24-29°c over a period of time. Semen was collected from 17 WAD bucks aged 1-3 years old with an average body weight of 12.15±1.51kg, pooled and divided into 5 portions. Four portions were diluted with normal saline at ratio 1:1 (T2), 1:2 (T3), 1:3 (T4) and 1:4 (T5), while undiluted portion (T1) served as control in a completely randomised design. Semen characteristics were determined 2 hours interval at 24-29°c using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and
ANOVA. Results showed that at 2 hours, Spermatozoa motility in T2, T3, T4 and T5 were significantly higher than control (undiluted) and at 4 hours,T2 and T5 were significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1, T3 and T4. At 6 hours, spermatozoa motility in T2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1, T3, T4 and T5. Acrosome integrity showed that at 8 hours, T1 was significantly lower than other treatments, except T4. Livability showed that at 6 hours, T2, T3, T5 were significantly higher than T1 and T4. At 8 hours, T2 was significantly higher than T1 and T5 though similar to T3 and T4. At 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8
hours, there was no significant differences among the treatments with respect to plasma membrane integrity. West African buck semen diluted with normal saline at ratio of 1:1 – 1:4 (Semen: diluent) at 24-29°c maintained the highest viability of sperm cells compared to the undiluted semen. In order to ensure good motility and conception, semen diluted with normal saline should not be stored beyond four hours at room temperature.