Effects of Storage Tanks and Ambient Temperature on the Liquid Nitrogen Evaporation and Semen Quality of Murrah Buffalo Bulls (Bubalus bubalis)

Background: The integrity of storage tanks is essential in maintaining the liquid nitrogen used to preserve buffalo semen straws later utilized for artificial insemination. Faulty semen handling procedures, and equipment maintenance damage the spermatozoa leading to low-quality semen and low conception rates. Methods: The study used two brands of liquid nitrogen tanks and four purebred mature Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes. The semen samples were collected twice a week and immediately processed by the center’s laboratory technician following a slow freezing technique. After processing, the semen straws were stored in LN2 tanks at -196oC. Result: Results revealed that tank 2 was more efficient in maintaining the weekly amount of LN2 and the frequent opening of tank covers significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased the quantity of LN2 after four days. Moreover, the different brands of LN2 tanks did not affect sperm motility and livability, however, the frequency of exposing the semen straws to ambient temperature for 5 and 10 seconds lowered the sperm quality. In conclusion, semen straws should not be exposed to ambient temperature beyond the recommended time due to its deleterious effect on the semen quality compromising the success of insemination.