Preliminary Evaluation of a Tris-Based Extender for the Semen Examination Procedure in a Hybrid Falcon (Falco rusticolus × Falco cherrug).

Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) plays an important role in threatened raptor species conservation, as well as in falconry for commercial purposes. There is still a need to identify a suitable extender that maintains an adequate environment for sperm function. The present report was aimed at describing the proficient use of a Tris-based extender (TbE) applied during AI procedure in a hybrid falcon (Falco rusticolus × Falco cherrug). During the reproductive season, a total of 15 semen samples of a hand-reared, 11-year-old Gyr-saker hybrid falcon were analyzed for volume, color, pH, and concentration. Sperm viability was tested on undiluted and TbE-diluted samples, while total and progressive motility was assessed according to the use of extender after 0 (T0), 20 (T20), or 40 (T40) minutes from semen collection. The dilution with TbE did not result in any significant difference in motility parameters compared to undiluted samples and did not cause significant alteration in sperm viability. TbE was able to support sperm motility for at least 40 min at room temperature.