Assessment of thawed sperm quality from feline species: Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and oncilla (Leopardus gutullus)

This study aimed to evaluate the cryopreservation effects on the semen of oncilla (Leopardus guttulus, n = 5, 15 ejaculates) and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis, n = 5, 17 ejaculates) and compare two extenders (commercial and non-commercial extender). An andrological exam was conducted (testicle measurements and penis evaluation), including semen collection by electroejaculation. After collection, the semen was assessed to volume, color, pH, sperm motility, vigor, sperm number in the ejaculate, viability, membrane integrity, and sperm morphology. Samples were centrifuged (300 g for 10 min) and pellet diluted in two extenders (TRIS/glucose/egg yolk and BotuCRIO®), packed into 0.25 mL French straws (20 × 106 spermatozoa/mL), equilibrated at 5 °C for 1 h (