A comparative study on semen quality and cryopreservation ability in Italian native chicken breeds

This study provides a comparative assessment of fresh semen quality and sensitivity to cryo-preservation in several Italian chicken breeds. The research involved 145 roosters from 13breeds. The results showed a wide variability in all the parameters considered among the differ-ent breeds, especially in the quantitative variables of fresh semen, such as volume and concen-tration. For the qualitative characteristics (sperm membrane integrity and motility parameters),the variability across breeds was more pronounced for frozen than fresh semen. Interestingly,apart from total motility in fresh semen, breed had a significant effect on all semen qualityparameters in both fresh and thawed ejaculates. Considering the overall qualitative characteris-tics, the Robusta maculata, Siciliana, and Mericanel della Brianza breeds produced ejaculates withbetter semen quality compared to other Italian breeds. By evaluating the main parameters ofsemen quality, our results underline the potential of these traits to influence the reproductivesuccess and genetic conservation. The Bionda piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo, Livorno bianca,Pepoi, and Siciliana breeds showed better resilience to cryopreservation, suggesting the need forbreed-specific protocols to optimise semen quality after thawing. Importantly, the research high-lights the central role of semen quality for both immediate fertilisation success and long-termconservation efforts. Future studies integrating OMICS technologies could elucidate molecularmarkers influencing breed-specific differences, helping to refine cryopreservation techniques andimprove conservation strategies for indigenous Italian chicken breeds. This work contributesvaluable insights to global efforts aimed at safeguarding poultry genetic diversity and sustain-ability