Stallion sperm cryopreservation: concepts in cryopreservation-induced sperm damage, processing, analysis, and utilization in assisted reproductive technologies*

Semen cryopreservation remains the only viable method for long-term stallion sperm preservation. Increased demand for frozen/thawed sperm in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) continues to result in a considerable body of research determining the effects of cryopreservation on stallion sperm and clinical interpretation of sperm quality in frozen/thawed semen. Some concepts regarding the impacts of cryopreservation on stallion sperm or methods for sperm cryopreservation might limit the widespread implementation of this technique in private practice settings. Clinically relevant data on stallion sperm cryopreservation, various protocols for sperm cryopreservation, concepts on postthaw sperm quality analysis, and utilization of frozen/thawed sperm for ARTs are summarized.