Effect of glycerol on motility, viability, extracellular aspartate aminotransferase release and fertility of stallion semen before and after freezing

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Abstract
The effect of different glycerol concentrations (0 to 5.3 per cent) on motility, viability and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) release of stallion spermatozoa was studied before and after deep-freezing. Addition of glycerol to a TRIS-fructose-egg yolk diluent used to extend stallion semen had no effect on motility and viability of spermatozoa and it did not increase AST release. Inclusion of glycerol in the extender only partially preserved the motility and viability of stallion semen during deep-freezing. A fertility trial revealed that concentrating stallion semen by centrifugation, followed by addition of the extender containing 7.5 per cent glycerol, had little effect on fertility and a 70 per cent conception rate was obtained in 10 mares after inseminations during one service period. Freezing and thawing horse spermatozoa, even in the presence of 7.5 per cent glycerol, significantly decreased the fertilisation rate.