DYNAMIC OF THE SPERM DNA INTEGRITY IN FROZWN-THAWED SEMEN FROM ENDANGERED GREY STEPPE BREED BULLS.

Aim of the study The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamic of the sperm DNA integrity of spermatozoa from endangered Grey Steppe cattle breed bulls in order to establish the potential use of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) assay for improving the routine fertility screening in the conservation program. Aim of the study The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dynamic of the sperm DNA integrity of spermatozoa from endangered Grey Steppe cattle breed bulls in order to establish the potential use of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) assay for improving the routine fertility screening in the conservation program. Results Variability of percentages of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA was assessed in 2 Grey Steppe bulls. In the case of both bulls, the sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI%) increased progresively during the 6 hours incubation, when the hightest DNA fragmentation index (DFI) was observed, 7.5% in bull 2, respectively, 4.5% in bull 1. At T0, the DFI% was greater for Bull 2, a value of 3.5% being registered as compared to bull 1, in which the DFI% was 2.5%. Conclusions The semen from the two Grey Steppe bulls analyzed in this study presented moderate DNA fragmentation index and may be used for AI and IVF in conservation program of the Grey Steppe breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]