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Ornamental poultry is a hobby that has been of interest for centuries. The history of ornamental poultry associations in Europe dates back to the 19th century and to the Ottoman period in Turkiye. One of the most popular ornamental poultry species is Aseel roosters. Aseel roosters are indigenous of Pakistan and India, and they have been bred for competition during the Ottoman period. This study aims to determine the spermatological characteristics of Turkish Aseel roosters. In the study, 10 Aseel roosters were used, and semen was collected by the abdominal massage method twice a week. The sperm motility was estimated by a hot plate phase-contrast microscope under 400´ magnification. The sperm concentration of each ejaculate was determined by hemocytometer and percentages of viable, dead, and abnormal spermatozoa was calculated using eosin-nigrosine staining. Acrosome membrane integrity of rooster spermatozoa were assessed using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated peanut agglutin (FITC-PNA). Spermatozoa membrane functionality was assessed with the hypoosmotic (HOS) test. The spermatological data obtained as a result of the experiment are as follows; ejaculate volume average 308.49±12.14 μL, spermatozoa motility 89.66±0.47%, spermatozoa concentration 2.39±0.10x109/mL, The general total morphological defect rate 17.19±0.75%, viability 85.45±0.88%, acrosome integrity rates 98.26±0.09%, and pH 7.81±0.02.

Usage of oocytes obtained from ovaries aft er long-term cold storage for in vitro embryo production is a promising tool for the protection of wildlife and endangered animal species. Mammalian oocytes are susceptible to oxidative stress with regard to the high lipid content of plasma membranes. Melatonin is known as a powerful antioxidant and anti-apoptotic agent due to its ability to eliminate toxic oxygen derivatives and reduce the formation of reactive species. Th is study was performed to verify the optimal environmental conditions for long-term preservation of cat ovaries (Felis domesticus) by adding diff erent concentrations of melatonin (500, 750 and 1000 μM) to the storage medium (0.9% NaCl) as an antioxidant to be preserved at 4°C for 24 h. To determine the eff ect of melatonin on cat oocytes collected from stored ovaries, the anti and proapoptotic gene levels in cumulus oophorus, the in vitro maturation rates, the cell membrane and oocytes viability were evaluated. In all melatonin added groups regardless of whether they are stored in the cold; Pro-apoptotic gene levels (BAX) were determined to be upregulated however, antiapoptotic gene levels (BCL-2) were downregulated in cumulus cells (P

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of two different transport temperature (37°C vs 4°C) and cold storage of ovaries for 24 h on cumulus cell apoptosis and maturation rates of cat oocytes in vitro. Ovaries were collected from 15 ovariohysterectomized domestic cats and maintained and transported to the laboratory in phosphate buffer saline at 37°C and 4°C. In order to determine the effects of storing time, some ovaries transported at 4°C were stored at the same temperature for 24 h. Selected cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were matured for 48 h at 38°C in four-well petri dishes containing 500 μL of modified oviduct medium (mSOF) under mineral oil in a 5% CO2 incubator with nearly 100% humidified. The morphological features of apoptosis were analysed in the cumulus cells at the beginning of in vitro maturation in both transporting temperature groups and after 24 h of cold stored group. The degree of apoptosis in cumulus cells were measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The IVM rates of oocytes were determined using Hoechst (33342) staining. Although the apoptotic morphological features were seen rarely and in similar rates in 37 and 4°C transporting groups (19.40 and 21.55%, P>0.001), it was seen more intensely in the 24 h cold stored group (34.80%, P0.05), and importantly lower at 4°C transporting and 24 h cold stored groups (18.90%, P