TY  - JOUR
AU  - Tshabalala, Mduduzi M. 
AU  - Mphaphathi, Masindi L. 
AU  - Netshirovha, Thivhilaheli R. 
AU  - Nephawe, Khathutshedzo A. 
AU  - Pilane, Cyril M. 
AU  - Nedambale, Lucky 
PY  - 2022
TI  - Study the Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Coconut Water on Boar Semen Following Equilibration at 18°C for Different Hours
JF  - American Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
VL  - 17
IS  - 4
DO  - 10.3844/ajavsp.2022.281.287
UR  - https://thescipub.com/abstract/ajavsp.2022.281.287
AB  - A rich natural resourcesuch as Coconut Water (CCW) features high concentrations of antioxidants,nutrients, amino acids, sugars, and electrolytes. These herbal extractinfusions are used in semen extenders to preserve animal sperm. In addition,CCW is important for in vitro productionof embryos. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of coconutwater as an alternative bulking agent for boar semen after equilibration at 18°for 8, 16, 24, and 48 h. Three 2- to 3-year-old Large White x Landrace boarswere used for semen collection, boar semen was collected by a glove and handtechnique, 24 ejaculates were collected and this study was replicated eighttimes. A complete randomized design was used in this study. Data were analyzedby ANOVA using Stata V12 statistical software (Stata Corp., College Station,Tex.) and treatment measures were separated using Fisher's protected t-test atsignificance values of P<0.05.Sperm diluted in 60% CCW and equilibrated for 8 h showed improved spermmotility (86.1±1.7), percentage of viable sperm (84.5±20), plasma membrane(83.3±2.3), and acrosome integrity (84.00±2.13) compared to boar semen diluted with 80 and 100% CCW. Notably, semendiluted in 80 and 100% CCW and equilibrated for 8 h showed improved sperm motility(76.2±2.5; 63.5±2.7), viable sperm (74.5±2.0; 63.3±2.1), intact plasma membrane(73.3±23; 63.5±2.0) and acrosomal membrane integrity after equilibration(74.0±2.1; 63.5±2.7). However, sperm diluted in 80 and 100% CCW had reducedsperm motility, viability, and plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity after 8,16, 24 and 48 h of equilibration at 18°C. In conclusion,equilibrated boar semen diluted with 60% CCW was able to maintain boar semenparameters such as sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane, and acrosomalmembrane integrity following 8, 16, 24, and 48 of equilibration at 18°C.However, CCW can be used as an alternative extender for the equilibration ofboar semen. Therefore, further studies are necessary to determine the in vitro and in vivo fertilizing capacity of equilibrium boar semen diluted inCCW.