ARS | Publication request: OVIDUCAL SPERM STORAGE: MODEL FOR IN VITRO SPERM STORAGE

Submitted to: World Poultry Science Association Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: April 1, 2004
Publication Date: June 1, 2004
Citation: Bakst, M.R., Long, J.A. 2004. Oviducal sperm storage: model for in vitro sperm storage. Proceedings of the XXII World's Poultry Congress Book of Abstracts. p. 248. (abstract).

Interpretive Summary: Little has changed in the artificial insemination (AI) of poultry over the past two decades. Improvements in semen and fertility evaluation procedures adaptable to farm use have advanced, but our ability to store semen longer than 6 hr without affecting fertility and hatchability or to inseminate fewer sperm at longer intervals between successive inseminations have not advanced. In contrast, the sperm-storage tubules (SST) located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the hen's oviduct can store sperm for weeks without a decrease in sperm viability. While matching the hen's ability to select and store sperm is unlikely, we can anticipate the day when semen will routinely be stored for days rather than hours. We still have much to learn about the function of the SST with respect to storing and releasing sperm. Incorporation of modern analytical techniques such as SAGE will no doubt provide important information for developing in vitro holding methods for turkey sperm that will increase the efficiency of AI for commercial production.

Technical Abstract: Little has changed in the artificial insemination (AI) of poultry over the past two decades. Improvements in semen and fertility evaluation procedures adaptable to farm use have advanced, but our ability to store semen longer than 6 hr without affecting fertility and hatchability or to inseminate fewer sperm at longer intervals between successive inseminations have not advanced. In contrast, the sperm-storage tubules (SST) located in the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) of the hen's oviduct can store sperm for weeks without a decrease in sperm viability. While matching the hen's ability to select and store sperm is unlikely, we can anticipate the day when semen will routinely be stored for days rather than hours.