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Animals
Special Issues
Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition
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Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 2193

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Dziekońska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: animal reproduction; sperm quality; liquid storage; cryopreservation; membrane integrity; antioxidants; energy metabolism; proteomic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Agnieszka Partyka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: animal reproduction; andrology; sperm quality assessment; flow cytometry; CASA system; semen cryopreservation; antioxidants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: animal reproduction; sperm quality; oxidative stress; antioxidant activity, semen analysis; seasonality; environmental science; lipid peroxidation; animal science; reactive oxygen species

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to submit original research papers and review articles to the “Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition” Special Issue.

One of the most dynamically developing assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) used in animals is the preservation of gametes, especially sperm. Improving sperm preservation methods, both liquid and frozen, requires the consideration of various factors, including temperature and storage time, the composition of the diluent used, and species-specific as well as individual differences in the structure and functioning of an animal's reproductive system (e.g., tissues of the reproductive tract). Storage in a liquid state allows for the short-term preservation of the biological properties of sperm, often providing better fertilizing abilities of sperm compared to cryopreservation. Sperm cryopreservation (both ejaculated and epididymal) enables the long-term preservation of valuable genetic material for reproductive purposes. The use of an appropriate preservation procedure allows sperm to retain their fertilizing ability, as predicted by laboratory analyses and ultimately confirmed by the results of their use in in vitro and in vivo fertilization procedures.

We particularly welcome manuscripts presenting new technological solutions for improving sperm preservation methods and demonstrating new possibilities of using various laboratory techniques (including computer, enzymatic, fluorescence, and proteomic analyses) to predict the fertilization potential of preserved sperm in different animal species.

Dr. Anna Dziekońska
Dr. Agnieszka Partyka
Dr. Magdalena Koziorowska-Gilun
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • semen preservation
  • liquid state
  • cryopreservation
  • semen quality
  • fertility
  • assisted reproductive technologies
  • energy metabolism
  • antioxidants
  • oxidative stress
  • proteomic

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Innovative Approaches to Avoid Antibiotic Use in Equine Semen Cryopreservation: Advancing Sustainable Reproductive Technologies
by Sonsoles Mercedes Zabala, Consuelo Serres, Natalia Montero, Francisco Crespo, Pedro Luis Lorenzo, Verónica Pérez-Aguilera, Agustín Oliet, Virginia Hijón, Santiago Moreno, Bruno González-Zorn and Luna Gutiérrez-Cepeda
Animals 2025, 15(10), 1368; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15101368 - 9 May 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of different processing techniques on microbial load and sperm quality in frozen–thawed equine semen to identify alternatives to reduce the preventive use of antibiotics. Semen was obtained and processed under rigorous hygiene measures from ten stallions, using four [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the impact of different processing techniques on microbial load and sperm quality in frozen–thawed equine semen to identify alternatives to reduce the preventive use of antibiotics. Semen was obtained and processed under rigorous hygiene measures from ten stallions, using four protocols: Simple Centrifugation with antibiotics (S+) and Simple Centrifugation (S−), Filtration (F−) and Single-Layer Colloidal Centrifugation (C−) in an antibiotic-free extender. Microbial load in different culture media, sperm viability and motility were assessed. Microbial load results were consistent across protocols, except in Columbia 5% Sheep Blood Agar media, where S− exhibited higher microbial load than S+ (p < 0.05). However, F− and C− showed similar microbial loads to S+. No significant differences were observed in progressive motility, average path velocity, straight-line velocity or wobble parameters between protocols. Total motility and viability were significantly higher in S+ compared to other treatments (p < 0.05). Thus, regardless of antibiotics, the proposed methods achieved results similar to the traditional antibiotic-inclusive protocol in terms of microbial load and the most relevant semen quality parameters. These findings suggest that the use of F− and C−, combined with optimized hygiene measures, offers an effective alternative to reduce the prophylactic use of antibiotics in semen extenders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition)
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12 pages, 1424 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Alternatives to the Reduction of Plastic Straws Used with Chilled Equine Semen
by Noelia González, Aroa Peñalosa, Ignacio de Blas and Lydia Gil
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3388; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233388 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 913
Abstract
Currently, plastic is used being without any limitations. The livestock sector is no stranger to its use. For example, artificial insemination involves the use of different plastic materials, including semen straws and insemination catheters, which increase the levels of waste in our environment. [...] Read more.
Currently, plastic is used being without any limitations. The livestock sector is no stranger to its use. For example, artificial insemination involves the use of different plastic materials, including semen straws and insemination catheters, which increase the levels of waste in our environment. Finding a sustainable solution to avoid plastic materials is a challenge. The aim of this study was to examine different biodegradable materials as alternatives to conventional syringes used for refrigerated equine semen. The materials tested were bamboo, avocado, grass, paper, Kraft paper, wheat, and rice. Bamboo and avocado were selected to continue testing with the refrigerated semen with a lifespan extended by INRA 96®; the rest of the materials did not meet the requirements necessary for preservation. Motility and movement kinetics tests were performed at 24 and 96 h of refrigeration to evaluate semen quality; relative to the control, significantly better results were displayed in regard to the total and progressive motility avocado straws. The kinetic parameters were comparable to the control for both materials and within normal ranges. After performing a microbiological control process for both straws, it was confirmed that there was no bacterial growth in either straw. We can confirm that avocado straws can be used to preserve chilled equine semen, guaranteeing seminal quality while being respectful to the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition)
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Review

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18 pages, 931 KiB  
Review
Sperm Membrane: Molecular Implications and Strategies for Cryopreservation in Productive Species
by Macarena Castro, Karla Leal, Felipe Pezo and María José Contreras
Animals 2025, 15(12), 1808; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15121808 - 19 Jun 2025
Abstract
Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental reproductive biotechnology, enabling the long-term storage of genetic material and supporting assisted reproduction programs. Despite its widespread application, the process is associated with significant limitations due to the cryo-induced cellular damage that occurs during freezing and thawing. These [...] Read more.
Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental reproductive biotechnology, enabling the long-term storage of genetic material and supporting assisted reproduction programs. Despite its widespread application, the process is associated with significant limitations due to the cryo-induced cellular damage that occurs during freezing and thawing. These injuries primarily affect the plasma membrane, nuclear DNA, and motility, thereby compromising the fertilizing potential of spermatozoa. Furthermore, interspecies variability in terms of cryo-sensitivity poses a major challenge to the development of standardized cryopreservation protocols. Recent advances have focused on mitigating cryodamage through the use of various strategies. The inclusion of antioxidants in cryopreservation media has proven effective in reducing oxidative stress, thereby enhancing cellular protection. Similarly, the addition of lipid-based supplements contributes to membrane stabilization, improving post-thaw sperm viability and functionality. Moreover, the application of omics technologies, such as transcriptomics and proteomics, has facilitated a deeper understanding of molecular damage and protective responses, paving the way for the development of tailored, species-specific protocols. These integrated approaches optimize cryopreservation conditions, maximizing post-thaw survival and the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Enhancing cryopreservation techniques not only improves the outcomes of assisted reproductive technologies, but also plays a crucial role in the conservation of genetically valuable livestock species. In conclusion, the integration of biotechnological and molecular tools holds significant promise for overcoming the current limitations and advancing the efficacy of sperm cryopreservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation—Second Edition)
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