Advances In Semen Extenders and Additives in Bovine Bull Semen Cryopreservation

The objective of artificial insemination is to improve genetic merit of the bovine population. The most widely used technique for artificial breeding of cattle and buffalo requires a perfect medium to extend and preserve the semen ejaculates from elite bulls for the sake of exploitation of superior quality male germplasm to the maximum possible extent. The discovery of frozen semen was a major breakthrough in permitting long term preservation and transportation of semen of bulls of high genetic merit. In order to maintain fertilizing ability of spermatozoa for a long time, semen extenders and additives have been tested. Various components which combine to make semen extenders and semen additives are such that they possess all those properties which protect the viability, motility, fertilizing ability and longevity of spermatozoa or sperms in extended form during harsh ambient conditions and during cryopreservation or post thawed semen.