Thesis (MTech. degree in Agriculture.)--Tshwane University of Technology, 2011. / There is limited information on semen characterisation and fertility rate of unimproved indigenous goat following cryopreservation. The aim of the study was to characterise semen, evaluate raw and frozen-thawed semen and test the fertility rate of frozen-thawed semen.

M. Tech. Agriculture / South African unimproved indigenous goats are disease tolerant, able to survive on harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures and poor vegetation. It is therefore, important to include this breed in breeding objectives during this time of climate change and when animals are resistant to antibiotics. However, these goats are under threat of extinction and very little information on their reproductive status is recognized. In order to improve or maintain South African unimproved indigenous goats, basic science concerning male fertility, semen quality and production should be investigated to conserve genetic materials for future breeding. Conflicting results have been reported concerning the effect of semen collection techniques on buck sperm quality. Longevity of sperm following semen collection is a major limitation to use fresh semen for artificial insemination in rural communities where majority of South African unimproved indigenous bucks are kept. Extenders such as Tris, egg yolk and cow skimmed milk have been used to prolong the survivability of buck sperm in other countries, but contradictory results have been reported concerning which extender is more suitable for buck semen. Egg yolk based extenders have been used mostly in buck semen compared to Tris or cow skimmed milk based extenders. The purpose of the study was to compare semen collection techniques on South African unimproved indigenous goat semen, and the utilization of indigenous chicken egg yolk for preserving South African indigenous buck semen.