DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sajb.2026.v14i01.007

Pages: 107-114

Cryopreservation of sperm in freshwater Fish species requires different protocols. Therefore, studies are needed to establish reliable procedures for each species. Experiments have been realizedto identify the optimal cryoprotective solution that preserves high sperm motility for Oreochromis niloticus Bouake strain before cryopreservation. For this study, a batch of 29 male breeders with gonad weights ranging from 160.6 to 278.3 g were maintained in a thermostated aquaponic system whose water temperature varied from 25.41°C to 28.48°C. The gonad weights of these ales fluctuated between 0.293 and 2.263 g. A total of six different types of cryoprotectants, namely methanol (MeOH), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), glycerol (Glyc), egg yolk (JO), coconut juice (ECO) and coconut milk (LCO), were tested at three concentration levels, namely 10%, 20% and 30% in two dilution media, including Ca free-HBSS 500 mOsmol/kg (saline solution) and Glucose 500 mOsmol/kg (sugar solution). The type and concentration of the cryoprotectant had a significant effect on sperm motility of O. niloticus (p < 0.05). The best results were obtained with Ca-free HBSS (500 mOsmol/kg) and glucose (500 mOsmol/kg) extenders supplemented with 20% coconut juice (ECO). The highest motility values were obtained with 20% coconut juice, justifying its recommendation for sperm cryopreservation of Oreochromis niloticus.