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Specific features of in vivo and in vitro sperm storage in birds

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 November 2007

E. Blesbois  and
J. P. Brillard
E. Blesbois*
Affiliation:
INRA 0085 UMR PRC INRA-CNRS-University François Rabelais-Haras Nationaux, 37380 Nouzilly, France
J. P. Brillard
Affiliation:
INRA 0085 UMR PRC INRA-CNRS-University François Rabelais-Haras Nationaux, 37380 Nouzilly, France
*
E-mail: elisabeth.blesbois@tours.inra.fr
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Abstract

This review focuses on some of the main features of sperm selection and storage in birds mainly on the basis of studies performed in poultry species, with emphasis on the initial selection of sperm at the female vagina level prior to migration towards the sperm storage tubules. Sperm originating from low-quality males or subjected to inappropriate in vitro storage conditions are rapidly discarded, resulting in impaired fertility in corresponding flocks. In the absence of accessible and appropriate technology for matching the ‘storing’ potential of sperm in the oviduct, conditions for prolonged sperm storage under a liquid (through the use of semen extenders) or a solid state (cryopreservation) have received only limited attention, despite their potential interest to facilitate male and female management in poultry flocks. Despite this, technology for short-term liquid storage is currently used in turkeys, guinea fowl and muscovy ducks and also in progress in chickens. In addition, technology for cryopreservation of avian semen has become available for some species (chicken, goose) to facilitate the management of genetic resources, including the preservation of rare and economically important breeds.

Keywords

cryopreservationin vitro storagespermsperm selectionsperm storage tubules
Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 1 , Issue 10 , November 2007 , pp. 1472 - 1481
Copyright
Copyright © The Animal Consortium 2007

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