Mahlatsana Ledwaba

By Masindi Mphaphathi, Mahlatsana Ledwaba and Mamonene Thema

Assisted reproductive technologies are critical in the preservation of gametes from endangered species. As a result, cryobanking is critical in reproduction facilities for the gametes conservation of endangered species for future use. Furthermore, cryobanking allows for the preservation of genetic variability through biotechnological reproduction programs. If oocyte cryopreservation is successful, the timing of in vitro maturation and subsequent to in vitro fertilization (IVF) will be possible. Cattle oocytes are very sensitive to cryopreservation due to their complex structure, and they are also very sensitive to chilling, which can harm their viability. During the cryopreservation process, sperm membrane proteins and carbohydrate composition change, sperm membrane structure is disrupted, and sperm viability is reduced. Extenders are frequently required during cryopreservation, for improving sperm cryopreservation technologies and is therefore necessary to have a thorough understanding of the properties of the extenders. Extenders have been enriched with antioxidants such as Glutathione to protect sperm motility and integrity from oxidative damage and the reactive oxygen species produced during cryopreservation can be neutralized using antioxidants.

Part of the book: Cryopreservation

By Masindi Lottus Mphaphathi, Mamonene Angelinah Thema, Mahlatsana Ramaesela Ledwaba, Dimpho Sebopela and Luther Magopa

The appropriate selections, modifications and preservation of gametes are essential for the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in equine. Biotechnologies used in reproduction have an impact on equine production and the preservation of species. In order to address this challenge from a variety of angles and areas, sperm selection techniques, oocyte activation protocols, in vitro fertilization, improvements in oocyte maturation, artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and cryopreservation are all forms of ARTs that, when utilized properly, can help manage and conserve equids. Semen is highly individualistic since no two stallions have the same chemical makeup, which causes each to freeze differently. Other stallions might be able to tolerate the cryopreservation process well, while others might be hypersensitive to it. Since ice crystal formation is uncontrolled in the traditional vapour freezing procedure used to freeze semen straws, the crystals could potentially disturb and harm the sample’s cells. Cryopreserved semen by programmable freezer had higher forward sperm progressive motility than semen frozen in liquid nitrogen vapour, both immediately after thawing and again after 3 hours of incubation. This chapter will present the importance of the selection and manipulation of gametes in equine species.

Part of the book: Equine Science