Semen characteristics, extension, and cryopreservation of Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)

• Main Authors: Wan Jaafar, Wan Nor Fitri, Haron, Abd Wahid, Yusoff, Rosnina, Abdullah, Faez Firdaus Jesse, Zainal Abidin, Siti Aimi Sarah, Mohd Lila, Mohd Azmi, Che' Amat, Azlan, Rashid, Muhammad Azrolharith, Peter, Innocent Damudu, Baiee, Falah Hasan Ali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Veterinary World 2017
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/56874/1/12.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/56874/; http://www.veterinaryworld.org/Vol.10/July-2017/12.html

Aim: The objective of this research is to report parameters for breeding soundness evaluation, semen extension, and cryopreservation in Rusa timorensis. Materials and Methods: Seven healthy stags were chosen for semen collection using an electroejaculator. The collections were performed twice in a breeding season between February and June 2016. Samples were collected between 2 and 3 weeks interval, collected twice for each animal. Semen was evaluated, extended, and cryopreserved using four different extenders; Andromed®, BioXcell®, Triladyl®, and a modified Tris-egg yolk combined with Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Results: R. timorensis semen characteristics according to volume (ml), color, sperm concentration (106/ml), general motility (%), progressive motility (%), and % morphology of normal spermatozoa are 0.86±0.18 ml, thin milky to milky, 1194.2±346.1 106/ml, 82.9±2.8%, 76.1±4.8%, and 83.9±4.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Semen characteristics of R. timorensis collected by electroejaculation is good allowing for cryopreservation and future artificial insemination work. The most suitable extender for Rusa deer semen is Andromed®.