Calcium homeostasis in native and decryoconserved Gallus gallus D. spermatozoa

Modern poultry farming actively use assisted reproductive technologies, particularly sperm cryopreservation, which effectiveness depends on maintaining cell integrity and functional activity. In order to early identify roosters with high frozen/thawed semen quality, a search is underway of highly informative biomarkers, determines sperm quality. Mitochondria, which produce ATP, play a key role in sperm motility and activity, including through ion transduction (Ca²⁺). The object of the study were samples of freshly obtained ejaculates and frozen/thawed semen (♂n = 10) of the Tsarskoye Selo breed (selection of the All-Russian Research Institute of Gastroenterology and Gastroenterology) at the age of 61–63 weeks. Study revealed high interindividual variability in volume of native ejaculates and sperm composition. Proportion of cells with elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ levels was significantly higher in live sperm (56.48±3.37%) compared to dead cells (3.51±0.81%). Following a freeze/thaw cycle, population of viable cells with elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ levels in male gametes decreased and formed at 9.97±0.74%. Thus, level of intracellular Ca²⁺ in spermatozoa, in combination with other currently available bioindicators of male gamete stability and functional activity (mitochondrial activity) within framework of sperm quality and cryoresistance assessment protocols, can serve as an effective preventative biomarker for cryopreservation technology.

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