Semen characteristics, extension, and cryopreservation of Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)

AIM: The objective of this research is to report parameters for breeding soundness evaluation, semen extension, and cryopreservation in Rusa timorensis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven healthy stags were chosen for semen collection using an electroejaculator. The collections were performed twice in a breeding season between February and June 2016. Samples were collected between 2 and 3 weeks interval, collected twice for each animal. Semen was evaluated, extended, and cryopreserved using four different extenders; Andromed(®), BioXcell(®), Triladyl(®), and a modified Tris-egg yolk combined with Eurycoma longifolia Jack. RESULTS: R. timorensis semen characteristics according to volume (ml), color, sperm concentration (10(6)/ml), general motility (%), progressive motility (%), and % morphology of normal spermatozoa are 0.86±0.18 ml, thin milky to milky, 1194.2±346.1 10(6)/ml, 82.9±2.8%, 76.1±4.8%, and 83.9±4.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Semen characteristics of R. timorensis collected by electroejaculation is good allowing for cryopreservation and future artificial insemination work. The most suitable extender for Rusa deer semen is Andromed(®).