(70) Characterization of the Vitrification Parameters for Oviduct Aggregates in Camelus Dromedarius

Mohamed M.M. El-Sokary^1,2, Hamad, A. Albreiki², Seham, F. Shehata³, Karima Gh. M. Mahmoud⁴,  

¹Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, 13511, Egypt

² Higher Colleges of Technology, Faculty of Health Science, Abu Dhabi, 17155, UAE

³Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, 13511, Egypt.

⁴Animal Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Egypt.

Abstract Text: Camel oviductal isthmus aggregates provide a novel and promising model for studying sperm attachment and longevity, offering an alternative to conventional semen freezing methods. This approach addresses challenges associated with camel semen cryopreservation by potentially extending sperm lifespan and facilitating semen transport to remote areas without cryogenic facilities. This study evaluated the efficiency of vitrification protocols for camel oviductal isthmus aggregates, focusing on the effects of aggregate size, cryoprotectants (CPA), cryodevices, post-thaw viability, and sperm-binding capacity. Aggregates retrieved from the oviductal isthmus were classified into four size groups (50, 100, 150, and 200 µm) and vitrified to determine the influence of size on post-thaw outcomes. CPA concentrations (3, 5, and 7 M) of DMSO and EG in a 1:1 ratio were tested for their impact on structural integrity and viability. The performance of cryodevices, including cryovials, midi-straws, and mini-straws, was also assessed. The results indicated that aggregates sized 150 µm and 200 µm demonstrated superior post-thaw viability, with intactness rates of 78 ± 2.0% and 83 ± 2.8%, respectively. Among the tested CPA concentrations, 7 M showed the highest post-vitrification viability (69 ± 1.9%). Additionally, mini-straw cryodevices achieved significantly better post-thaw viability (67 ± 2.7%) compared to midi-straws (32 ± 2.1%) and cryovials (10 ± 1.1%). Regarding sperm-binding capacity post-thaw, aggregates treated with 5 M (69 ± 3.4%) and 7 M (74 ± 2.7%) CPAs showed the highest binding rates, with no significant difference between these concentrations. Further studies are required to optimize vitrification protocols to enhance the aggregate's post-vitrification viability and structural integrity.