Supplementation of extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate improves sperm post-thawed quality in Thai native chickens

Abstract

Thai native chicken meat is a high-quality protein source of unique flavor. Genetic preservation and breeding programs are beneficial to maintain purebred populations. Aiming at improving post-thawed sperm quality, this study is the first to apply extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATPe) in freezing extender to preserve Thai native chicken sperm. Eight semen samples from eight Thai native chickens (n = 8) were included. Initial semen evaluation and sperm size measurement were performed. Beltsville poultry semen extender supplemented with 0 and 30 mM ATPe was served as a control and treatment group, respectively. After thawing, motility and motion characteristics were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis system (CASA). Viability and mitochondrial membrane potential were also evaluated. The results demonstrated that the sperm motility (14.35 ± 12.67 vs. 20.41 ± 14.22%, P = 0.038), average path velocity (VAP) (3.58±2.77 m/sec vs. 5.38±3.75 m/sec, P = 0.015), curvilinear velocity (VCL) (9.49±6.54 m/sec vs. 13.27±6.67 m/sec, P = 0.007) and viability (29.28 ± 6.33 vs. 36.31 ± 9.91%, P = 0.031) were higher in the samples containing 30 mM ATPe compared to the controls. However, the mitochondrial activity was not different. In conclusion, supplementation with 30 mM ATPe clearly improved post-thawed Thai chicken semen quality. Using Thai native chickens as a model, this study will help to improve semen cryopreservation in other endangered avian species.