“Conjugated linoleic acid: effects on spermatogenesis, sperm quality and freezability in bovine”,

Developing countries are faced with the challenge to rapidly increase agricultural productivity to help feed their growing populations without depleting the natural resource base. Biotechnology is regarded as a means to meet both objectives through addressing the production constraints of small-scale or resource-poor farmers who contribute more than 70% of the food produced in developing countries. Artificial insemination (AI) technology is an integral part in dairy and beef farms management in South Africa and the rest of the world. Low cost, speeding of genetic progress and productivity explain the adoption of this simple technique. However, in some areas of South Africa as well as in the rest of the African countries, small-scale farming seem to still not have an easy access to this reproductive technology.In this picture, South Africa is seen as a potential bridge for the application of biotechnology and livestock improvement in the rest of Africa. The positive effect of conjugated linoleic acids supplementation on reproduction in cows are well known, but no studies have been conducted in bulls. Furthermore controversial results have been reported about the use of CLA enriched semen extender for protection of membrane integrity and sperm motility during freezing-thawing process. Research on the possible effects of conjugated linoleic acids supplementations on semen quality and production to maximize animal performance in the field, as well as higher quality frozen semen and better protection of sperm cells from current cryopreservation methods, would therefore render a more efficient breeding technique