Overview of Turkey semen storage: focus on cryopreservation : a review

This review updates the current state of technologies available for Turkey semen storage (hypothermic- liquid storage and cryopreservation), with special attention paid to cryopreservation. Liquid semen can be stored for up to 24 or 48 h at temperatures around 5°C, while cryopreservation allows long-term storage at -196°C. The possibility of using frozen Turkey semen for artificial insemination (AI) would have practical benefits for Turkey production. Reported fertility rates in response to AI using frozen/thawed semen range from 15.8 to 84.3%. Unsatisfactory fertility may be attributed to an inability of Turkey spermatozoa to successfully survive the freezing/thawing process, and this, along with the high variability observed, makes this technique unacceptable for commercial breeding programs. There is therefore a need to standardize the whole freezing and thawing process to improve the post-thaw quality of Turkey semen and minimize variability in results. Finding an efficient freezing protocol for Turkey semen will allow for the creation of a sperm cryobank, improving current prospects for the commercial use of frozen Turkey semen and also for the long-term conservation of the genetic diversity of this bird.