Domestic cats are the main model for reproductive biotechnologies studies to conserve endangered wild cats. In this context, semen cryopreservation is considered to be one of the most important tools to increase genetic biodiversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of semen collection methods on the sperm quality of domestic cats. Semen was collected from 21 tomcats by artificial vagina (14 samples, 3 males), electroejaculation (5 samples, 5 males) and from cauda epididymis (13 samples, 13 males). Fresh and post-thawed semen were analyzed for volume, motility, quality of velocity, total sperm, sperm morphology, and membrane integrity. After analysis the sample was diluted (10 x 10⁶ spermatozoa/straw 0.25 mL) in TRIS-egg yolk containing 4% glycerol. Samples were thawed at 37°C/1 minute and reassessed. The collected volume was higher when sperm cells were obtained from cauda epididymis (Table 1); however, is important to realize that diluent was added at harvest. Moreover, the motility was decreased in the samples collected from epididymis. The sperm concentration did not differ between methods, but the percentage of cells with intact membrane and the number of morphologically normal cells were higher in samples obtained by artificial vagina. Nevertheless, there is no effect of collection method in motility and vigor, although the cells derived from cauda epididymis showed decreased membrane integrity post-thaw. In conclusion the semen collection methods presented low interference on the quality of fresh or frozen sperm from cats.

Table 1. Mean ± standard deviation of sperm cells from 21 tomcats collected by artificial vagina, electroejaculation and cauda epididymis

Different letters in lines indicate statistical difference (p <0.05)