Effects of Slow and Rapid Thawing on Bull Semen Quality: An Evaluation via Thermal Resistance Test

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 5, 546 - 551, 30.09.2025

Burcu Esin , Cumali Kaya

https://doi.org/10.35229/jaes.1687586

Abstract

This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the impact of two different thawing protocols—slow thawing at 37°C for 30 seconds and rapid thawing at 70°C for 6 seconds—on bull semen quality, with a particular focus on the thermal resistance of spermatozoa. In both groups, motility, progressive motility, kinematic parameters (VCL, VAP, VSL, STR, LIN, WOB, ALH, BCF), viability, and plasma membrane integrity were analyzed following thawing and after the thermal resistance test. Initially, no significant differences were found between groups in terms of motility and kinematic parameters; however, viability and membrane integrity were significantly higher in the rapid thawing group (P<0.001). By the end of the thermal resistance test, progressive motility, VAP, and VCL values were statistically higher in the slow thawing group (P<0.001). Moreover, a decline in motility and kinematic parameters was observed in both groups during incubation, which may be attributed to thermal stress (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that while rapid thawing confers advantages in early post-thaw membrane preservation, slow thawing offers better maintenance of motility over extended periods. Therefore, the choice of thawing protocol should be guided by the specific requirements of the intended reproductive technique, as it can significantly influence the fertilizing potential of cryopreserved bull semen.

Keywords

bull , semen , thawing , thermal resistance test

Yavaş ve Hızlı Çözdürme Yöntemlerinin Boğa Sperma Kalitesi Üzerindeki Etkileri: Termal Direnç Testi ile Bir Değerlendirme

Abstract

Bu çalışmada, spermatozoanın termal direnç testine odaklanarak, iki farklı çözme protokolünün (37°C'de 30 saniye boyunca yavaş çözdürme ve 70°C'de 6 saniye boyunca hızlı çözdürme) boğa sperması kalitesi üzerindeki etkisini karşılaştırmalı olarak değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Her iki grupta da motilite, progresif hareketlilik, kinematik parametreler (VCL, VAP, VSL, STR, LIN, WOB, ALH, BCF), canlılık ve plazma membran bütünlüğü, çözdürme sonrasında ve termal direnç testinden sonra analiz edilmiştir. Çözüm sonrasında motilite ve kinematik parametreler açısından gruplar arasında önemli bir fark bulunmamıştır. Canlılık ve plazma membran bütünlüğü parametreleri hızlı çözdürme grubunda önemli ölçüde daha yüksek bulunmuştur (P<0,001). Termal direnç testinin sonunda, progresif motilite, VAP ve VCL değerleri ise yavaş çözdürme grubunda istatistiksel olarak daha yüksek elde edilmiştir (P<0,001). Ayrıca, inkübasyon sırasında her iki grupta da motilite ve kinematik parametrelerde bir azalma gözlemlenmiş ve bu termal stres ile ilişkilendirilmiştir (P<0,05). Bu sonuçlar, hızlı çözdürme yöntemi ile çözüm sonrası plazma membran bütünlüğünün korunmasında avantajlar sağlarken, yavaş çözdürme yönteminin uzun süreler boyunca hareketliliğin daha iyi korunmasını sağladığı ortaya konulmuştur. Bu nedenle dondurulmuş boğa spermasının döllenme potansiyelini önemli ölçüde etkileyebilen çözdürme yönteminin, kullanılacak olan üreme tekniğine özel seçilmesi önemlidir.

Keywords

boğa , sperma , çözdürme , termal direnç testi

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