Cryopreservation of boar semen. I: A literature review

Abstract

The present review summarizes information concerning the methods available to cryopreserve boar semen, covering the historical background, cryobiology and cryoprotecting considerations, technological developments and recent advances in cryopreservation methodologies. Successful methods for cryopreservation of boar semen have not been achieved despite numerous efforts world wide. Improvements in semen preservation technologies have been deterred by lack of in vitro methods that can accurately predict in vivo fertilizing capacity of frozen boar semen. The cell membrane is of crucial importance with regard to freeze-thaw survival of spermatozoa. It is important to optimize the survival of the plasma membrane as this is a non homogenous entity both in structure and function. The boar sperm membrane exhibits extreme sensitivity to freezing treatment. Freezing and thawing results in considerable changes in electrolyte dynamics and damages have mainly been associated with alterations in the head membranes especially at thawing. To date fruitless efforts have been carried out to find a cryoprotectant for the spermatozoa membranes and glycerol still continues to be used despite its harmful effects to the membranes.