Liposome-based semen extender is suitable alternative to egg yolk-based extender for cryopreservation of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen

• Soya lecithin-based extender, liposome-based extender and egg yolk-based extender were compared.
• Sperm kinetics and motility was found higher in liposome-based extender among these extenders.
• Liposome-based extender performed better in vitro assessment of sperm longevity test.
• Sperm cryopreserved in liposome-based extender travelled significantly more distance in cervical mucus.

Demand for alternative of egg yolk in freezing extenders have increased in recent years due to variability in egg yolk composition, risk of microbial contamination and presence of steroid hormones. The alternative to egg yolk-based extender (EY) can be soya lecithin-based extender (SL) and liposome-based extender (LP). However, the efficacy of SL is still a matter of debate. Few studies have been performed on the effect of LP but to date evaluation of buffalo semen cryopreserved in LP has not been studied. Therefore, this study was designed to compare SL and LP with conventional EY for evaluation of post-thaw quality of buffalo semen. Results showed that total, progressive and rapid sperm motility were found significantly higher (P < 0.05) in LP among these extenders. In vitro assessment of post-thaw sperm longevity has also resulted in better maintenance of sperm kinetics and motility in LP in comparison to other extenders. Furthermore, sperm cryopreserved in LP travelled significantly more (P < 0.05) distance in cervical mucus as compared to SL and EY. Therefore, it can be concluded that the LP is more efficient than SL and EY for the cryopreservation of buffalo semen.