Abstract
Seminal parameters can be evaluated in situ, or samples can be delivered to a diagnostic centre. How storage conditions affect ejaculates up to evaluation is unclear. We assessed, in 25 commercial bulls electroejaculated in the field, the impact of time until evaluation (0-2 h, 4-6 h, and 24 h post-ejaculation), holding temperature (5 °C vs. room temperature), and extender (AndroMed(®), BIOXcell(®) or INRA96(®)) on semen quality. Acrosome integrity, sperm viability and morphology, CASA-total and progressive motility, pH, and colony-forming units were assessed. Semen quality was preserved for up to 4-6 h post-ejaculation, except for INRA96(®) at 5 °C. Regardless of extender or temperature, motility decreased from 4 to 6 h up to 24 h, with the best values obtained with BIOXcell(®) at 5 °C. pH differed from 4 to 6 h up to 24 h, acidifying when stored at room temperature. Microbiological load was stable over time with AndroMed(®) and BIOXcell(®), and increased at room temperature with INRA96(®). Our results suggest that AndroMed(®) and BIOXcell(®) can preserve semen quality for up to 6 h, either at 5 °C or room temperature, while INRA96(®) only at room temperature. These results help to fix adequate protocols for short-term storage and shipment of bovine semen collected under field conditions.