CARI diluent for short-term preservation of Kadaknath chicken semen

CARI diluent for short-term preservation (0, 6 and 24 h) of Kadaknath chicken was developed. For this purpose, 60 female and 30 male birds were selected. Semen collection, dilution, sperm motility and fertility examination was carried out by using established techniques. The efficacy of the new semen extender (CARI semen diluent) was compared with normal saline, BPSE and Lake's semen diluents. No significant difference was found in sperm motility among the different diluents at 0 h (freshly ejaculated) storage period. After 24 h of storage, sperm motility was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in normal saline and Lake's diluent but not in the new and BPSE diluents. Subsequently, at 48–96 h of storage of semen, no sperm motility was recorded in normal saline diluted group at all the stages of storage period. However, during this duration a significant reduction in sperm motility was recorded in rest of the three semen diluents. At the end of storage period (96 h) nearly 25–30% sperm motility was recorded in the diluents examined in this study in Kadaknath chicken. At 0 and 6 h storage of semen, fertility was recorded 2–12 days after artificial insemination (A.I.) of diluted semen (1:1) in Kadaknath. During 2–6 days, superior fertility was recorded using CARI semen diluent whereas inferior in normal saline diluted semen. During 7–12 days after A.I. a drastic reduction (P<0.05) in fertility was noticed in all the semen diluents tested in this study. At this stage maximum reduction in fertility was noticed in normal saline followed by Lake's, BPSE and CARI semen diluents. Overall during 2–12 days duration after A.I., CARI semen diluent revealed superior fertility than others. It was concluded that CARI diluent is better than other diluents for short term storage of Kadaknath chicken semen at refrigerated temperature.