Perspective Chapter: Wild and Domestic Cats Semen Cryopreservation – Main Aspects and Perspectives

Abstract

Wild and domestic cats can benefit effectively from the use of cryopreserved semen. Different breeding techniques have been applied using cryopreserved semen to produce offspring in wild and domestic cats. To date, the success of these techniques in cats is still inadequate. The majority of sperm tend to lose motility and viability following thawing. Semen must be handled carefully, cryopreserved, and thawed by improving current protocols in order to produce post-thaw sperm of acceptable quality and to result in conception after insemination. The quality of sperm obtained following semen cryopreservation process might be beneficial to the success of reproduction performance. To enhance post-thaw recovery of sperm and fertility, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the sperm physiology of the species. These factors include the right diluent, sperm dilution, cooling, and thawing rate. Cryopreservation of semen across cat species often results in poor post-thawed sperm quality, including a decrease in motility and acrosomal integrity of up to 30–50% and a rapid decrease in progressive motility within hours of thawing. Due to the low number of sperm and compromised post-thawed sperm quality, laparoscopic-assisted reproduction is frequently used for artificial insemination procedures in Felids.