Comparison of cryoprotective effects of iodixanol, trehalose and cysteamine on ram semen

Abstract

This study was conducted to improve cryosurvival of electroejaculated (EE) ram semen in the presence of iodixanol (OptiPrep (TM)), trehalose or cysteamine. A tris-based extender was used to prepare 12 extenders containing OptiPrep (TM) (Op), trehalose (Tr) or cysteamine (Cy) alone, or different combinations of these compounds. Extenders were designated as follows: Tris (control), Op1.25 (1.25% Op, v/v), Op2.5 (2.5% Op, v/v), Op5 (5% Op, v/v), Tr50 (50 mM Tr), Tr100 (100 mM Tr), Cy (5 mM Cy), OpTr (2.5% Op and 100 mM Tr), OpCy (2.5% Op and 5 mM Cy), TrCy (100 mM Tr and 5 mM Cy), OpTrCy1 (2.5% Op, 100 mM Tr and 5 mM Cy) and OpTrCy2 (1.25% Op, 50 mM Tr and 2.5 mM Cy).