Progressive Motility, DNA Fragmentation, Intact Plasma Membrane, and Acrosome Status of Frozen Semen Bali and Simmental Bulls

Abstract

In increasing the population of bulls in Indonesia, it is necessary to utilize Artificial Insemination (AI) technology. AI reproductive technology aims to increase reproductive efficiency and use superior semen in livestock and can prevent the spread of reproductive diseases. Frozen semen is one of the factors that influence the success of AI. Thus, the quality of frozen semen must be maintained so fertility remains good. This study aimed to determine the quality of frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls at the Artificial Insemination Center, South Sulawesi. This study used frozen semen from two Bali and Simmental bulls. Parameters observed were progressive motility, deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (DNA), acrosome status, and intact plasma membrane. The progressive motility was tested using Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA Sperm Vision Minitube), the DNA fragmentation using acridine orange dye, the acrosome status using peanut agglutinin, and the intact plasma membrane staining using HOS solution. This study gives a result that the progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa in frozen semen of Bali and Simmental bulls were not significantly different (P>0.05). In contrast, the whole plasma membrane of spermatozoa in Bali bulls' frozen semen was significantly higher (P<0.05) than in Simmental bulls. The results indicate that based on the parameters of progressive motility, DNA fragmentation, and acrosome status of spermatozoa, both bull breeds had the same quality of frozen semen. Meanwhile, according to the spermatozoa intact plasma membrane, the frozen semen of Bali bulls had better quality than that of Simmental bulls.

Keywords: Artificial Insemination, frozen semen quality, Bali and Simmental bulls