Functional and Fertility Outcomes of Two Milk‐Based Extenders for Short‐Term Storage of Ram Semen at 15°C

ABSTRACT The efficiency of AI in sheep depends partly on maintaining sperm function during storage. This study compared INRA 96 and a skim milk‐based formulation for storing ram semen at 15°C for 6 h, evaluating sperm quality and IVF and field fertility outcomes. INRA 96 showed higher VCL, ALH, and sperm viability after 6 h of storage. However, cleavage rate, blastocyst rate, and blastocyst cell number after IVF, as well as field fertility and prolificacy, did not differ between extenders. These results indicate that the skim milk‐based formulation preserved reproductive outcomes at levels comparable to INRA 96, supporting its suitability as a cost‐effective alternative for routine AI programs.