Subpopulation dynamics of cryopreserved alpaca semen obtained from the deferent vas and post-copulation

Ccalta C.; Sevilla F.; Araya-Zúñiga I.; Mata X.; Cucho H.; Valverde A. · Archivos de Zootecnia (2026) · DOI: 10.21071/az.v1i1.5889

Resumen

South American camelids have economic, biological and cultural relevance for these regions. Despite this, the conservation and use of assisted reproductive technologies have not been sufficiently promoted. The characterization and conservation of the seminal ejaculates of these species can be favored with these processes. The objective of this study was to determine the morphometric patterns of cryopreserved alpaca semen recovered by two collection methods on the sperm subpopulation dynamics. The study was carried out in the Marangani district of the province of Canchis, Cusco, Peru by the Laboratory of Reproductive Biotechnologies of the Faculty of Agronomy and Zootechnics, National University of San Antonio Abad del Cusco and the Animal Reproduction Laboratory (AndroTEC) of the Costa Rica Institute of Technology, School of Agronomy, Costa Rica. A total of 18 ejaculates from six adult alpacas (6-8 years) were used. A Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA-morph module) was used to determine the shape and size of the head of the alpaca spermatozoon. General linear and mixed models were used to evaluate the morphometric variables of the alpaca sperm head. There was an effect on morphometric variables according to the collection method and the semen preservation process. Four sperm subpopulations were determined in alpaca ejaculates. Semen preservation processes influence the size and shape of alpaca sperm. Also influence the distribution of sperm in subpopulations within an ejaculate. The assessment of sperm morphology may favor the selection of animals for the conservation processes of these species.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco