Semen Characteristics and Production Potential of Toraya Buffaloes at UPT-PIBPS Pucak, South Sulawesi

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the fresh semen characteristics, frozen semen production potential, and frozen semen quality of Toraya buffaloes at the Technical Implementation Unit for Artificial Insemination Services and Semen Production (UPT-PIBPS) Pucak, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Two bulls, Sopai and Sadoko, were evaluated to determine their reproductive potential. Fresh semen analysis revealed that Sopai produced the highest number of ejaculates (84), with an average ejaculate volume of 1.88±0.19 mL and sperm concentration of 1133.91±31.13 million/mL. Sadoko, on the other hand, exhibited a higher sperm concentration (1466.55±71.35 million/mL) and a more significant number of potential straws per ejaculate (78.89) compared to Sopai (59.51). Frozen semen analysis showed no significant differences in progressive motility (PMot) or viability parameters between the two bulls (p>0.05). However, velocity parameters—Velocity Average Path (VAP), Velocity Curve Length (VCL), and Velocity Straight Line (VSL)—as well as Amplitude of Lateral Head Displacement (ALH), were significantly higher in Sopai (p<0.05). These results indicate that Sopai has superior cryopreservation tolerance, while Sadoko excels in fresh semen productivity. In conclusion, Toraya buffalo demonstrate distinct reproductive potentials suited to different objectives in artificial insemination (AI) programs. Sopai's semen is better suited for AI programs emphasizing frozen semen quality and cryopreservation efficiency