Kinematic characterization of cryopreserved sperm from three biotypes of Ecuadorian Creole roosters

Abstract

The rearing of Creole backyard chickens constitutes an important economic resource that contributes to food security in Ecuador (Tolombo, 2020). However, its conventional ways of crossing suppose a high genetic variability (Wang et al., 2020). The extensive management of traditional poultry farms (in backyards) has facilitated high inbreeding between hen populations, in such a way that the same individual has common characteristics of several biotypes (Villacís et al., 2016). In Ecuador, three main biotypes (lines) of Creole roosters have been morphometrically identified: the barbona, Cuban and guarica. In this sense, it is a priority to identify these biotypes of Creole roosters in order to develop selection and improvement programs, for the optimization of productive and genetic processes. Artificial insemination (AI) and rooster sperm cryopreservation are reproductive biotechnologies that allow the development of avian genetics and selection programs; however, it is necessary to know the cell biology and its response to the cryogenic processes of the sperm for the optimization of cryopreservation protocols (Satiago-Moreno et al., 2011). Therefore, this research characterized the cryopreserved semen of three biotypes of Ecuadorian Creole roosters, the Cuban, the barbona and the guarica.