S. Samouilidis, F. Saratsis, P. Ypsilantis, Β. Adamopoulou

In this study semen from 10 bucks, with a 79% average sperm motility, was frozen. Tow extenders were used ; the first one (extender A) consisted of tris-buffer plus 3% glycerol, while the second one (extender B) had the same composition plus the addition of 0,5% orvus es paste (OEP). The motility of the frozen/thawed sperm was reduced (P<0.05) to 42% for the semen in extender A and 50% for the semen in extender B. The difference in motility of the frozen semen between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). The semen of buck with the best post-thaw motility, diluted in both extenders, was used for the artificial insemination in 2 groups, of 15 does each. The fertility rate and average litter semen were found to be, respectively 47% and 7,0±2,2 for the extender A, while 53% and 7,4±3,2 for the semen in extender B. Based on the results, it seems that the addition of thw cryopreservative OEP in the extender for freezing rabbit semen improves the motility of the frozen/thawed sperm significantly, while no significant difference was observed in fertility rate and average litter size.