The Effect of Using Bovine Serum Albumin Medium and Incubation Duration on Spermatozoa Motility and Abnormality X Sex Separation Results in Saanen Goats

Abstract

The objective of this sex-sorting study was to investigate the effect of using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) media—at two different concentration gradients and incubation times—on the motility and malformation rate of X-spermatozoa from Saanen goat ejaculates. The study employed a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with a 2 × 3 factorial scheme involving two factors: BSA gradient (4%:8% and 5%:10%) and incubation duration (30, 45, and 60 minutes). Fresh semen was obtained from two Saanen bucks meeting the quality standards required for artificial insemination. Observations focused on motility and the percentage of X-spermatozoa abnormalities following the BSA-based sex-sorting process. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), followed by the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test where significant effects were observed. The results indicated no interaction (P > 0.05) between the BSA gradient and incubation duration regarding either motility or X-spermatozoa abnormalities. Incubation duration had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on both parameters, whereas the BSA gradient did not (P > 0.05). Incubation for 30 minutes yielded the highest motility (74.17 ± 2.50%) and the lowest abnormality rate (10.33 ± 1.50%). Although the difference was not statistically significant, the 4%:8% BSA gradient resulted in higher motility (71.56%) and lower abnormality (11.17%) compared to the 5%:10% gradient. In conclusion, the use of a 4%:8% BSA gradient medium with a 30-minute incubation period is the most recommended combination for maintaining X-spermatozoa quality during the sex-sorting process in Saanen goats.