Development of diluents for domestic fowl semen

Abstract

Semen diluents are presently being used both for short- and long-term storage of domestic fowl semen. They are being developed to improve the reproductive efficiency of males and to lower the cost of artificial insemination. The development of semen diluents began with the use of simple NaCl solutions. Now, more complex diluents containing different osmotic regulators, energy sources, buffers and chelating agents are on the market. The discovery of cryoprotectants, such as glycerol and dimethylsulphoxide, has facilitated the preservation of chicken semen indefinitely at −196°C. The diluents which have been developed for short-term storage of semen are currently being used commercially wherever the technique of artificial insemination is being used seriously, especially in the turkey industry. Even though diluents for long-term semen storage are now available, their commercial application is not yet feasible. This paper reviews the development of the various diluents which has resulted in the ability to preserve domestic fowl semen for short and long periods. Also discussed are some of the research data that have been collected on the viscosity of semen and semen diluents and what effects this has on semen quality.