
Determining the sex of sperm is vital for boosting the efficiency of livestock production. Conventional methods, however, often struggle with issues like reduced motility in sexed sperm. This study set out to examine the characteristics of sexed sperm in cattle by activating Toll-Like Receptor 7/8 (TLR 7/8) with resiquimod 848 (R848). Conducted over a period of seven months at the Regional Technical Implementation Unit of the Artificial Insemination Breeding and Development Center (UPTD-BPPIB) for Beef Cattle in Ciamis. Three productive-age Pasundan bulls were used in this study. The study involved incubating sperm with different concentrations of R848 (0, 0.03, 0.3, and 0.6 µM) for 30 and 45 minutes. The study evaluated parameters such as progressive motility, viability, and the integrity of the sperm plasma membrane, both before and after thawing. The results indicated that the quality of fresh semen varied among individuals, and the quality of semen after incubation also differed individually. Overall, the data demonstrated that a concentration of 0.03 µM R848 for 30 minutes resulted in semen quality after freezing that was nearly identical to the control. In contrast, the highest concentration (0.6 µM) significantly decreased all semen quality parameters. The activation of TLR 7/8 with 0.03 µM R848 for 30 minutes is suitable for sperm sexing in Pasundan cattle.
Rearing systems influence the welfare and productivity of chickens, which may affect physiological and immune responses, including haematological parameters. Understanding the interaction between different rearing systems and sex onchicken haematology is essential for supporting optimal management strategies and livestock adaptation to the environment.This study aimed to analyze and explore the interaction between sex and different rearing systems on the haematological parameters of IPB D3 chickens. A total of 90 IPB D3 chickens aged 12 weeks were reared for 12 weeks under two different rearing systems. The intensive system housed 45 chickens, 21 males and 24 females, while the free-range system also housed 45 chickens, 21 males and 24 females. Blood samples were collected at 24 weeks from the brachial vein and analyzed for total haematological parameters. Data were analyzed using Student’s t-test, multiple regression with dummy variables, and Pearson’s correlation, with a 5% significance level in R Studio 4.4.0. The results showed that erythrocytes, haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythrocyte indices, and differential leukocytes did not show significant differences (p > 0.05), and no interaction was found between different rearing systems and sex. However, total leukocyte count differed significantly based on the rearing system (p < 0.05) but showed no interaction with sex. In conclusion, different rearing systems do not affect the haematological stability of IPB D3 chickens but do influence leukocyte counts without a correlation to sex. IPB D3 chickens demonstrate strong immunity and good adaptability to the environment, whether reared in an intensive or free-range system.
Reproductive aging is characterized by a progressive decline in physiological integrity that triggers damage to the testes, epididymis and other reproductive organs. Oxidative stress is associated with aging and infertility in men which causes a decrease in semen volume, abnormal morphology, decreased sperm viability and motility. One of the treatments for oxidative stress is the use of antioxidant compounds such as Moringa plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the antioxidant mechanism of moringa leaf ethanol extract on sperm motility and viability in old Wistar rats.This type of research is randomized post-test only control group design. The total sample was 36 old wistar rats, which were randomized into 2 groups, the treatment group (18 rats) was given ethanol extract Moringa oleifera (EEMO) 50 mg/kg BW + CMC 0.5%, 0.5 ml / day. The control group (18 rats) was given CMC 0.5%, 0.5 ml/day, for 30 days. Termination of rats using the cervical dislocation method. Motility and viability of spermatozoa were examined. Data analysis using independent sample t-test and Mann Whitney with a significance value of p = 0.05.The results showed that the antioxidant content of EEMO 50 mg/kg BW + CMC 0.5%, for 30 days in old wistar rats increased progressive motility, decreased non-progressive motility and immotility, and increased spermatozoa viability, significantly in the treatment group compared to the control group with a p value <0.05. In conclusion, Moringa Leaf Extract Improves Spermatozoa Motility and viability through an antioxidant mechanism in old wistar rats.
Semen quality is influenced by various factors, including sexual rest. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of chilled semen from Indonesian local rams subjected to sexual rest. Semen was collected from four rams using an artificial vagina and evaluated macroscopically (volume, colour, consistency, pH, and mass movement) and microscopically (sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability, and abnormality). Semen was then diluted using either Tris-fructose-egg yolk (Tris) or sodium citrate-fructose-egg yolk (Na-citrate) extenders to a concentration of 50×10? cells/0.2 ml. The diluted semen was stored in sealed centrifuge tubes at 4–5°C. Progressive motility and viability of spermatozoa in chilled semen were assessed every 24 hours for four days. The influence of scrotal circumference (SC) on both fresh and chilled semen quality was also evaluated. Results showed that fresh semen had a volume of 1.08±0.12 mL, milky white colour, thin to thick consistency, pH of 6.42±0.13, mass movement score of 2.94±0.13, concentration of 4941±926.84×10?/mL, progressive motility of 79.38±2.17%, viability of 87.74±3.48%, and abnormality of 7.99±3.14%. Sexual rest increased sperm concentration and abnormality, while SC significantly influenced progressive motility, viability, concentration, and abnormality in fresh semen. However, sexual rest had no significant effect on chilled semen quality. The Tris extender could maintain sperm motility and viability significantly better (P < 0.05) than the Na-citrate extender. Additionally, chilled semen quality was influenced by SC. In conclusion, sexual rest improved certain parameters of fresh semen quality but did not significantly affect the quality of chilled semen in local Indonesian rams.
Transporting livestock poses a risk to animal performance and welfare. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of short transport periods on physiological responses, blood profile and performance during recondition period of local beef cattle. A total of 16 bulls consisting of eight Ongole Grade (PO) and local crossbred (SL) were used in this study. Parameters observed were weight loss, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, panting score, glucose, creatinine, packed cell volume/PCV, hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte, leucocyte, and leucocyte differentiation, as well as data for performance during recondition period namely feed consumption and conversion, average daily gain and final weight after reconditioning. Data for body weight loss, physiological parameters, and blood profile were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurement. Whereas data for performance during recondition was analyzed by analysis of covariance with initial weight post transportation as covariable. Results showed that PO cattle have significantly higher (P<0,05) glucose and PCV concentrations during pre-transportation than SL cattle due to the more excited character of PO cattle. Glucose and PCV of PO and SL cattle were significantly decreased (P<0,05) during post transportation. However, the concentration of glucose and PCV were similar for both breeds during post transportation. In addition, short periods of road transport increase neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio. Furthermore, PO cattle have better performance during recondition period compared to SL cattle. Final weight, average daily gain, feed consumption and dry matter intake after 10 days of recondition for PO cattle was significantly higher (P<0,05) compared to SL cattle.
Smoking is a food processing method by preserving the food using timber to improve the flavor, colour, taste, and texture of the animal protein such as mutton, which has strong texture and pheromone flavor. Sawdust can be used as smoking material to decrease the wood wastes after logging. This study aimed to analized the organoleptic quality of smoked mutton based on the source of the sawdust and the smoking duration. This study used factorial complete random design with 4 sawdust sources (teak, chinese albizia, shorea, and dammar) and 3 different smoking durations (2, 3, and 4 hours). The measurement parameters used were colour, flavor, texture, tenderness, taste, juiceness, and general reception. The result of this study showed that the use of sawdust and the smoking duration had very significance (p < 0.01) towards the organoleptic quality of smoked mutton. The sawdust had very significance (p < 0,01) and the smoking duration had significance (p < 0,05) towards the organoleptic quality of smoked mutton. Shorea is the recommendation as good smoke material because it has preservation strength that rich from wood compounds, such as fenol and etanol. The smooking wood in 3 and 4 hours showed sufficient consumption than 2 hours because the period of smoke peoduction has been secured breakdown the nutrition and microbiology of mutton.
One of the leading commodities in the poultry subsector is native chickens, especially the Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan (KUB) native chicken, which is developed by the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development. The purpose of this study was to analyze the status and condition of the sustainability aspects related to the breeding stock availability of KUB native chickens in Malang Raya, examining it from six dimensions and 29 attributes. The analysis uses the RAP-Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) method to evaluate the sustainability indicators of breeding stock availability. Based on the study results, the dimensions that indicate an almost sustainable status are economic (70.77%), animal welfare (56.31%), ecology (55.42%), and institutional (50.24%). The dimensions social (49.92) and technology (49.05) are in the less sustainable category. The overall sustainability index value of the dimensions is in the almost sustainable category (56.00), indicating that the availability of KUB chicken seeds in Malang Raya will continue to be stable and has potential for further development. The attributes that need to be strengthened are community support, increasing access to training, biosecurity, vaccination program, and adopting technologies such as probiotics and productivity recording systems.
This study investigated the isolation and characterization of probiotic bacteria from the intestines of genetically unselected Indonesian local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) to improve the quality of broiler chicken meat. Due to their resilience and adaptability, Indonesian local chickens serve as a valuable source of probiotic bacteria. Probiotics were selected using MRSA (de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe Agar) medium supplemented with 1% CaCO3. The probiotic potential of bacterial isolates was assessed based on their resistance to gastric acidity (pH) and bile salts. Characterization included colony morphology, pathogenic inhibition assays using Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi, and biochemical tests such as MR-VP, TSIA, motility, and catalase. Among the four probiotic bacterial isolates obtained, three were Gram-positive (J2, J3, and J4) and one was Gram-negative (J1). All isolates were rod-shaped (bacilli), catalase-negative, non-motile, and inhibited E. coli and S. typhi. Isolate J2 exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity, with inhibition zones measuring 15.5 mm against S. typhi and 11.5 mm against E. coli. When used as a feed additive, the J2 isolate improved broiler meat quality by maintaining optimal pH, enhancing water-holding capacity, and reducing cholesterol and fat content, although it increased cooking losses. These results indicate that the J2 isolate has significant potential as a probiotic agent in poultry nutrition, with promising implications for improving meat quality and food safety. Future studies should focus on optimizing probiotic formulations and exploring the long-term effects on poultry health and productivity.
In Indonesia, there are 21 frozen semen producers, each with a different stud herd, diluent type, and production target. The present study was conducted to evaluate the performance of these producers. A survey method was employed, utilising a questionnaire (via Google Forms) completed by 21 laboratory personnel from frozen semen producers in Indonesia. The collected data were analysed descriptively and presented as numbers and percentages. The study revealed that producers' performance varied, with the number of laboratory workers ranging from 1 to more than 5, and that men and women (76.19%) were the dominant group. The laboratory personnel's educational backgrounds were predominantly in animal science (54.29%), while the number of bulls owned ranged from less than 10 to more than 200 (90.48% and 9.52%, respectively). The bulls kept were primarily exotic and local cattle (76.19% of the total). The most commonly used diluents were homemade (71.43%), and semen dilution was predominantly performed in a single step. The sperm concentration of fresh semen was measured by 100% of producers using a photometer (SDM or AccuCell); however, internal calibration was performed by 71.43% of producers. Moreover, the evaluation of frozen semen quality focused predominantly on post-thaw motility (100%), with only 61.90% of producers calculating sperm concentration. Furthermore, supplementary assessments, including sperm viability and morphology, were conducted in only 52.38% of cases, with only 4.76% of producers assessing sperm plasma membrane integrity. The proportions of frozen semen samples that exceeded, met, or did not meet the SNI were 80.95%, 14.29%, and 4.76%, respectively.
Experiments were conducted to examine the effect of locally extracted phytase on the performance of broilers with or without phytase supplementation on the blood hematological and serum biochemistry of broiler chickens. A total of 180-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to four treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD), with 15 chicks per replicate and three replications. The experiment used a completely randomized design (CRD), and the birds were fed experimental feed containing phytase at 0, 300, 600, and 1200 FTU/kg for 42 days. There were significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments for Packed cell volume (PCV), Hb, and WBC. However, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in RBC count, MCV, MCH, or MCHC of broilers fed the diet supplemented with enzymes. Total protein, albumin, and globulin values did not increase significantly (P>0.05) in the supplemented groups compared with the T1 control group throughout the growth period. The calcium concentration ranged from 1-1.49% and 0.75-0.89% in starter and finisher diets, respectively, whereas phosphorus ranged from 0.37-0.52% and 0.28-0.44% in starter and finisher diets, respectively, and it is within the range recommended in the broiler ration. According to the results of this partial budget analysis, T4 (1200 FTU/kg) broiler chickensachieved higher profits than chickens classified as T2, T3, and T1, respectively. Using phytase may be more profitable than feeding control. There was no significant difference in mortality between treatments (P>0.05).
This study assesses greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from urban dairy farming as a key indicator of environmental sustainability in Jakarta, Indonesia. Using the IPCC Tier 2 methodology, data were collected from 59 dairy farmers across East, South, and Central Jakarta. The findings reveal an average annual emission of 1.67 tons CO2-eq per cow, aligning with estimates for developing countries. East Jakarta accounted for the highest total emissions, while Central Jakarta recorded the highest per-cow emission despite having the fewest animals. Emission disparities reflect variations in manure management, spatial conditions, and resource access. These results highlight the need for integrated policies that balance nutritional demands with sustainable farming practices in urban settings.
Mulyono AMW, Husein M, Ratriyanto A, Sukaryan S, Asmoro NW, Afriyanti. 2025. Shelf life of Trichoderma mutant inoculum with dried mud and glutinous rice as carrier materials. JITV 30(3):178-184. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10. 13443/jitv.v30i3.3443. Drying to produce powdered inoculum can damage Trichoderma spores and reduce spore viability, a factor commonly affected by carrier materials. This study investigated the storage capacity of Trichoderma mutant inoculum with dried mud and glutinous rice as carrier materials. Dried Trichoderma AA1 mutant spores were mixed with the carrier in the form of a mixture of dried mud and glutinous rice flour. There were 6 ratios of dried mud: glutinous rice, including 0:10, 2:8, 4:6, 6:4, 8:2, and 10:0. The spore-carrier mixtures were stored and analyzed for an additional 16 weeks. The availability of inoculum in all combinations of treatment was above 3.19 & times;107 CFU (Colony Forming Units). The smallest availability fluctuations were observed at a ratio of 4:6, ranging from 3.54 & times;107to 6.1 & times;107CFU. Cellulase enzyme activity increased by 66.67% during 16 weeks of storage. The research suggests that Trichoderma with a ratio of dried mud: glutinous rice flour of 4:6 had an availability of 3.54 & times;107 CFU and 0.020 mu mol/minute glucose-released carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) activity after 16 weeks of storage.
Fowl adenovirus (FAdV) serotype 8b is a pathogenic viral agent of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in chickens with high mortality in affected farms. The objective of this study is to determine the pathological changes and to detect FAdV by molecular method in organs of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens infected with FAdV serotype 8b. FAdV isolate, UPM1901, was inoculated into day-old chicks via oral route followed by sampling at 0 hour (h) for control group and subsequently at 12h, 24h, days 3 and 7 post-inoculation (pi). Body weight, liver and bursa of Fabricius weights were measured followed by organs collection for histopathological examination and virus detection using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It showed that chickens in the infected group were depressed and inappetence prior sudden death with 48% total mortality within day 5pi. Mean body weight was significantly low (p<0.05) than control group at days 3 and 7pi. Swollen, haemorrhages and necrosis of liver were recorded with numerous basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in the hepatocytes along with haemorrhages spleen and kidney at 3 dpi onward. FAdV nucleic acid detected in bone marrow at 12h pi followed by the other organs at 24h pi in spleen, liver and cecal tonsils. At days 3 and 7pi, viral DNA was detected in all the selected organs. This study proves that pathogenic FAdV serotype 8b caused chick`s mortality, pathological changes with existence of viral DNA at 12h pi in lymphoid organ prior distributed to other organs and necessitates effective control strategies against the disease.
This study investigated the impact of varying egg yolk concentrations in Tyrode extender on the quality of Muscovy duck semen after preservation. A sample of semen was collected from 1.5-year-old Muscovy ducks. The sample was evaluated for sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and sperm morphology before being separated into three equal parts and diluted in Tyrode extender containing increasing levels of egg yolk: T-1 (5%), T-2 (10%), and T-3 (15%). After 21 hours of preservation at 4-5 degrees C, each sample was evaluated for the same parameters as fresh semen. The study found a significant decrease in sperm motility, membrane integrity, and intact acrosome cap following preservation in T-1, T-2, and T-3 compared to fresh ejaculate (53.34%; 63.5%; 60.04% vs 84.16%), (48.7%; 57.8%; 55.3% vs. 85.6%), and (50.6%; 57.6%; 56.1% vs 85.4%), respectively (P<0.05). In contrast, abnormal sperm morphology increased considerably in T-1, T-2, and T-3 compared to fresh semen (6.69%, 6.89%, 7.89% vs 2.2%) (P<0.05). Furthermore, the addition of 10% egg yolk to the Tyrode extender resulted in the best percentages of sperm motility, sperm membrane integrity, and intact acrosome cap following preservation. Surprisingly, the percentage of sperm with abnormal morphology did not differ significantly (P>0.05) between T-1, T-2, and T-3 after the preservation period. It can be concluded that adding 10% egg yolk to the extender substantially improved sperm motility, membrane integrity, and intact acrosome cap in Muscovy duck sperm after 21 hours of preservation.
Breeding implementation is crucial to improve livestock productivity. This study evaluated (1) Magelang duck breeding practices compared to Good Breeding Practice (GBP) standards, and (2) the feasibility of Magelang District as a breeding stock source. Thirty Magelang duck farmers were selected purposively. Data were collected through direct interviews and analyzed descriptively. Variables observed included breeding stock selection, infrastructure and facilities, animal health, preservation of environmental functions, human resources, government assistance, and supervision. A feasibility analysis was conducted using primary farmer data and secondary data from the Animal Husbandry Department, and assessed through scoring and SWOT analysis. Results showed that current practices remain below GBP standards, with average scores (scale 1-5) for breeding stock selection (2.50); infrastructure and facilities (2.85); animal health (2.67); environmental function preservation (2.16); human resources (3.33); government assistance and supervision (3,00). SWOT analysis indicated Magelang has potential as a breeding stock source, with internal and external scores of 1.55 and 1.05, placing it in Quadrant I (supporting growth strategies). In conclusion, although current practices have not fully met GBP standards, Magelang District still shows strong potential as a producer of quality duck breeding stock.
Jambi buffaloes are extensively reared under a closed system by smallholder farmers. This study aimed to analyze the phenotypic characteristics of buffaloes in Jambi Province, Indonesia, across the Highland and lowland areas. A total of 160 buffaloes were sampled, comprising 53 from the highlands and 107 from the lowlands. Descriptive analysis was applied to qualitative data, while analysis of variance, Duncan's Multiple Range Test, Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were used for quantitative data. Results revealed considerable diversity in qualitative traits across both populations. Highland buffaloes exhibited significantly larger body morphometrics (P<0.05) than their lowland counterparts. Pearson correlations between body morphometrics and morphometric indices ranged from low to high. PCA identified three principal components (PCs) for highland buffaloes and two PCs for lowland buffaloes based on body morphometrics, while four PCs were extracted from morphometric indices in both groups. Discriminant analysis characterized approximately 48.09% of Highland and 51.92% of lowland buffaloes based on body morphometrics, and 57.69% and 42.31%, respectively, based on morphometric indices. HCA classified Jambi buffaloes into three clusters: Merangin (first cluster), Kerinci (second cluster), and Tanjung Jabung Barat, Tebo, and Batanghari (third cluster). In conclusion, buffaloes from Highland and lowland areas exhibit significant phenotypic differences, characterized by larger body size in highland populations, alongside genetic variation and local adaptations reflected in clustering patterns. These findings provide a scientific foundation for breeding and conservation programs tailored to the specific conditions of each ecosystem.
Various ingredients are used to enhance the quality of processed foods, including chicken nuggets, one of the widely consumed processed poultry meat products. One of the ingredients used in the food industry is liquid smoke, which can serve as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, providing a color effect and a distinctive smoke flavor to the product. This study aims to determine the Effect of using liquid smoke on pH and the sensory quality of broiler chicken nuggets. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Product Processing Technology, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Halu Oleo University, Kendari. The treatments in this study consisted of four groups: chicken nuggets without 0% liquid smoke (P0), chicken nuggets with 2% liquid smoke (P1), chicken nuggets with 4% liquid smoke (P2), and chicken nuggets with 6% liquid smoke (P3). This study employed a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments and four replications. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). If a significant effect was found, it was followed up with Duncan's multiple range tests (DMRT) to determine differences between treatments. The results showed that the addition of liquid smoke in making chicken nuggets had no significant effect on the color, aroma, texture, or tenderness of the chicken nuggets, but significantly reduced the taste value of the chicken nuggets. This suggests that liquid smoke can improve the sensory quality of chicken nuggets.
Staphylococcus aureus is a primary etiological agent of subclinical bovine mastitis. While commonly part of the normal microbiota, it can transition into a pathogen through its capacity to produce toxins, invade host tissues, and resist antimicrobial agents. Its virulence is primarily linked to surface-expressed factors such as Protein A and polysaccharide capsules, which facilitate immune evasion by inhibiting phagocytosis. In this study, 28 S. aureus isolates were obtained from preserved biological materials (BBT) and assessed for the presence of ProteinA and capsular structures. ProteinA was identified using the serum soft agar (SSA) method, and polysaccharide capsules were detected via the salt aggregation test (SAT). Results showed that 25 of the 28 isolates expressed Protein A, while all exhibited capsule formation. These findings suggest that both virulence factors play a crucial role in the pathogenic potential of S. aureus in subclinical mastitis.
This study aimed to manufacture and identify the best feed supplements for African dwarf sheep during the rainy season. Two feed supplements (multi-nutritional lick stone and concentrate feed) were made based on local feedstuffs. Four different dietary treatments were set for four groups; each group contained 6 sheep but in individual pens. The first group was not supplemented, the second was supplemented with concentrate feed, the third was supplemented with both concentrate feed and lick stone, and the last was supplemented with lick stone alone. The animals were in a natural pasture for 5.30 hours each day. The experiment was carried out over an 84-day period. The feed intake was registered daily, and the body weight was measured biweekly. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, average daily gain, feed cost, and economical feed efficiency were calculated. The sheep ate more significant amounts of concentrate feed than of the lick stone. The growth performance of the sheep supplemented with the concentrate (5.51 kg) was better than that of the non-supplemented sheep (3.52 kg); those supplemented with lick stone had the best feed conversion ratio and the best economic return (28.49 Unit of money gained for 1 unit invested in the feed). Lick stone based on local feedstuffs is more suitable than concentrate feed for African dwarf sheep during the rainy season. It is of no interest to mix feed concentrate and lick stones together as feed supplements for African dwarf sheep in the rainy season.
The integrity of the sperm plasma membrane in frozen semen is crucial in assessing semen quality and is directly linked to fertility. The plasma membrane integrity of sperm can be tested using several methods, including the Hypo-Osmotic Swelling Test (HOS-Test) and Carboxyfluorescein Diacetate-Propidium Iodide Staining (CFDA-PI). This study compares the integrity of the plasma membrane of frozen Murrah buffalo semen using the HOS-Test and CFDA-PI. The semen was obtained from four buffalo bulls, each representing a different production batch. The straw was thawed individually, and quality was assessed. The plasma membrane integrity of each sample was evaluated using the HOS-Test and CFDA-PI staining methods. A two-sample t-test was used to analyze the data and demonstrate that there is a statistically significant difference in sperm plasma membrane integrity between the HOS-Test (64.83%) and CFDA-PI staining (58.97%) methods (P0.05). The HOS-Test assessment is optimal for cost-effectiveness, speed, and convenience. It can be implemented in laboratory and field settings with equal ease. In contrast, CFDA-PI staining is a good standard for accuracy and precision. It provides a comprehensive foundation for determining the quality of frozen semen.