Factors affecting storage of Slovak native rabbit semen in the gene bank

Zygote ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 592-600
Author(s):  
Barbora Kulíková ◽  
Marta Oravcová ◽  
Andrej Baláži ◽  
Peter Supuka ◽  
Peter Chrenek
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity

SummaryIn this study, fresh and frozen–thawed semen of Nitra and Zobor rabbit breeds were evaluated for potential inter-breed or inter-male differences in sperm quality traits. Individual male semen from four rabbits of each breed were diluted (v:v; 1:1) in a freezing medium composed of a commercial diluent, 16% of dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), 4% of Ficoll 70 and 2% of sucrose and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapours before being plunged into liquid nitrogen. Different motility traits, viability and plasma membrane integrity of fresh and frozen–thawed semen were evaluated in vitro using computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry. To evaluate the sperm fertilization ability, artificial insemination of fresh and frozen–thawed sperm was performed. Our results showed the effect of breed (P ≤ 0.05) on frozen–thawed sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity. Moreover, individual variability in semen quality among the rabbits was revealed (0.31 to 0.71 among quality traits). Our results thereby confirmed that the cryopreservation procedure could not ensure comparable sperm post-thaw survival for different breeds or males. Nevertheless, correlations between numbers of fresh total motile and progressively moving sperm and several quality parameters measured post thawing were revealed. Therefore, we suggest that the objective assessment of fresh rabbit sperm motility may be an effective indicator of frozen–thawed semen quality. Consequently, regular semen assessment is required in order to preserve good-quality insemination doses from native breeds.

scholarly journals Effects of cryopreservation on semen quality and the expression of sperm membrane hexose transporters in the spermatozoa of Iberian pigs

Reproduction ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 134 (1) ◽  
pp. 111-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Sancho ◽  
I Casas ◽  
H Ekwall ◽  
F Saravia ◽  
H Rodriguez-Martinez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Glucose Transporter ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Membrane Receptors ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Sugar Transporters ◽  
Hexose Transporters

This study evaluated the effects of cooling, freezing and thawing on the plasma membrane integrity, kinetics and expression of two sugar transporters glucose transporter-3 and -5 (GLUT-3 and GLUT-5) in spermatozoa from Iberian boars. Semen samples were collected twice weekly from eight young, fertile Iberian boars of the ‘Entrepelado’ and ‘Lampiño’ breeds. The samples were suspended in a commercial extender and refrigerated to 17 °C for transport to the laboratory (step A), where they were further extended with a lactose–egg yolk-based extender and chilled to 5 °C (step B) prior to freezing in the presence of glycerol (3%). Spermatozoa were assessed for plasma membrane integrity and sperm motility at each of the steps, including post-thaw (step C). Aliquots were also prepared for immunocytochemical localisation of the sugar transporters (fixed and thin smears for transmission and scanning electron microscopy levels respectively) and for SDS–PAGE electrophoresis and subsequent western blotting, using the same antibodies (rabbit anti-GLUT-3 and anti-GLUT-5 polyclonal antibodies). The results showed lower percentages of progressively motile spermatozoa at step C in both breeds, while the percentage of live spermatozoa was significantly lower only in the ‘Entrepelado’ breed. The results obtained from electron microscopy clearly showed that Iberian boar spermatozoa expressed the hexose transporters, GLUT-3 and GLUT-5. The pattern of expression, in terms of location and concentration, was characteristic in each case but, in the case of isoform GLUT-5, it remained constant during the different steps of freezing–thawing protocol. These results indicate that cryopreservation affects the status of sperm cells of Iberian boars by altering the distribution of some membrane receptors and decreasing the percentage values of parameters linked to sperm quality.

Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) supplementation in semen extender on viability and ATP content of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa

2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Kordan ◽  
M. Lecewicz ◽  
R. Strzeżek ◽  
A. Dziekońska ◽  
L. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Mitochondrial Function ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Platelet Activating Factor ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Atp Content ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Semen Extender

Effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) supplementation in semen extender on viability and ATP content of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of platelet activating factor (PAF) on the quality characteristics of cryopreserved canine spermatozoa. Cryopreserved semen of 5 mixed-breed dogs was treated with different concentrations of exogenous PAF (1 × 10-3M, 1 × 10-4M, 1 × 10-5M and 1 × 10-6M) and examined at different time intervals (0, 30, 60 and 120 min). Cryopreserved semen treated without PAF was used as the control. Sperm quality was evaluated for motility (computer-assisted semen analysis, CASA), mitochondrial function (JC-1/PI assay) and plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI assay and Hoechst 33258). Also, ATP content of spermatozoa was determined using a bioluminescence assay. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation resulted in significantly higher total sperm motility compared with the control. It was observed that PAF-improved total sperm motility was concurrent with enhanced sperm motility patterns after treatment of cryopreserved semen. Treatment of cryopreserved semen with PAF did not improve either sperm mitochondrial function or plasma membrane integrity, as monitored by different fluorescent membrane markers. Furthermore, ATP content of cryopreserved spermatozoa was significantly higher when PAF was used at a concentration of 1 × 10-3 M compared with the control and other PAF treatments, regardless of the incubation time. The findings of this study indicated that treatment with 1 × 10-3 M PAF at 120 min of incubation rendered better quality of cryopreserved canine semen, which was associated with improved sperm motility parameters and ATP content. It can be suggested that exogenous PAF addition is beneficial as a supplement for canine semen extender used for.

scholarly journals Correlations Amongst Functional and Morphological Attributes and Oxidative Markers of Fresh and Cryopreserved Semen of Gir and Murrah Bulls

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
A. J. Dhami ◽  
Tapasvi M Patel ◽  
DV Chaudhari
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Murrah Buffalo ◽  
Oxidative Markers

This study was undertaken during the winter season on healthy mature Gir cattle and Murrah buffalo bulls (n=3 each). The semen samples (6 ejaculates/bull, total 36 ejaculates) collected in the morning using artificial vagina were evaluated for routine seminal attributes, including acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity. The samples were then diluted @ 100 million sperm/ml with tris fructose yolk glycerol extender without and with sericin @ 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0% (w/v), filled in French mini-straws, and frozen in LN2 using biofreezer as per standard freezing protocol. Straws were thawed in water bath at 37°C for 30 sec and evaluated for post-thaw quality, viz., motility, viability, morphology, acrosome integrity and plasma membrane integrity (HOST). Lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde - MDA production) and activities of enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were assessed as oxidative markers in seminal plasma of freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen samples. Sericn at 0.5% level significantly (p less than 0.01) improved the post-thaw sperm quality with reduced oxidative stress in both the species. The breed-wise correlation coefficients (r) among sperm quality attributes and oxidative markers were studied in fresh and frozen-thawed semen of each species, and also for fresh with frozen-thawed semen. The findings revealed significant interrelationships amongst most of the attributes of fresh as well as post-thawed semen and also of fresh semen attributes with those of cryopreserved semen including oxidative markers in both the species. Sperm motility estimation in fresh, pre-freeze and post-thawed semen was a legitimately good indicator of quality of spermatozoa at various steps of semen processing/freezing, and its fertilizing potential. Thus, the sperm motility, HOS test and either MDA or SOD/GPx activity alone may be used as valuable and practical tools for routine assessment of bovine semen quality considering significant correlations found between them.

scholarly journals Efficiency of Commercial Egg Yolk-Free and Egg Yolk-Supplemented Tris-Based Extenders for Dromedary Camel Semen Cryopreservation

Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayman Abdel-Aziz Swelum ◽  
Islam M. Saadeldin ◽  
Hani Ba-Awadh ◽  
Mohsen G. Al-Mutary ◽  
Abdullah F. Moumen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Dna Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Dromedary Camel ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Semen Cryopreservation

This study compared the efficiency of commercial egg yolk-free (AndroMed, OPTIXcell) and egg yolk-supplemented (Triladyl, Steridyl) Tris-based extenders for semen cryopreservation in seven adult dromedary camels. The camel-specific extender SHOTOR was used as control. The collected semen samples were evaluated and diluted with SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, or OPTIXcell. The diluted semen was gradually cooled and equilibrated for two hours before liquid nitrogen freezing. Semen was evaluated prior to freezing and after freeze-thawing cycles for motility, kinetics, vitality, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation using computer-assisted sperm analysis. In pre-freezing evaluation, progressive sperm motility was higher in SHOTOR-diluted samples (21.54 ± 1.83) than in samples diluted with Steridyl, OPTIXcell, or AndroMed (15.76 ± 1.80, 17.43 ± 1.10, and 13.27 ± 1.07, respectively). Moreover, Triladyl and SHOTOR resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) better sperm vitality and DNA integrity than all other diluents, but Triladyl resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) better plasma membrane integrity (87.77 ± 0.31) than SHOTOR (85.48 ± 0.58). In the post-thawing evaluation, Triladyl led to significantly (p < 0.05) higher sperm motility (38.63 ± 0.81%; p < 0.05) when compared to SHOTOR, Steridyl or AndroMed (35.09 ± 1.341%, 34.4 ± 0.84%, and 31.99 ± 1.48%, respectively), with OPTIXcell being the least efficient (28.39 ± 0.86%). Progressive sperm motility was the highest when using Triladyl. Post-thawing curvilinear, straight line and average path sperm velocities were highest with Triladyl and lowest with AndroMed. Triladyl led to the highest linearity coefficient and straightness sperm coefficient, while SHOTOR to the highest DNA and plasma membrane integrity. OPTIXcell and AndroMed resulted in poor post-thawing sperm vitality, while Steridyl was less efficient than Triladyl. The highest rate of sperm abnormalities was recorded with OPTIXcell and the lowest with SHOTOR or Triladyl. In conclusion, SHOTOR, Triladyl, Steridyl, AndroMed, and OPTIXcell can all be used for camel semen cryopreservation; however, SHOTOR and Triladyl provided the best post-thawing sperm quality. Based on our findings, Triladyl is the best commercially available extender for dromedary camel semen cryopreservation to date.

180 ASSESSMENT OF BULL SEMEN QUALITY LOADED IN NEW SensiTemp STRAWS USING SEMEN AND IN VITRO PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES

2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
D. Le Bourhis ◽  
S. Camugli ◽  
P. Salvetti ◽  
L. Schibler ◽  
E. Schmitt
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Fluid Medium ◽  
And Control

SensiTemp, a new in vitro maturation (IMV) bull straw concept, presents the advantage of colour changing while the straw is thawed. The colour of frozen straws is blue and straws start to become white when the temperature reaches 33°C, with a complete change of colour at 37°C. The objective of this study is to assess sperm quality after thawing of semen frozen in SensiTemp from 2 bulls, by analysing, in experiment 1, sperm motility and membrane integrity using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) and flow cytometry (FC), and, in experiment 2, the in vitro embryo production (IVP) using IVP technologies [IVM, IVF, and in vitro culture (IVC)]. The ejaculates of 2 bulls, selected during preliminary experiments on high in vitro fertility, were harvested at CIA L’Aigle, France, and split ejaculates were frozen in experimental (SensiTemp) and conventional (control) straws. In experiment 1 after thawing semen from the 2 types of straws (5 pooled straws each; 2 replicates), motility was assessed using the IVOS CASA system (Hamilton Thorne Inc., Beverly, MA, USA) and membrane integrity was evaluated through FC with Cytosoft software (Millipore-Guava Technologies Inc., Hayward, CA, USA). In experiment 2, IVF was used to evaluate the non-toxicity of SensiTemp and control straws. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC; n = 1178; 4 replicates) collected from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured in IVM medium (TCM-199 with bicarbonate, Sigma-Aldrich, Saint Quentin Fallavier, France; 10 µg mL–1 FSH-LH, Reprobiol, Liège, Belgium; and 10% FCS, Thermo Fisher, Illkirch, France) for 22 h. After fertilization, presumptive zygotes of each group (SensiTemp and control for each bull) were cultured in synthetic oviduct fluid medium (SOF, Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) with 1% estrous cow serum (ECS) and 0.6% BSA (Sigma-Aldrich, France) up to 8 days. All cultures were conducted at 38.5C in 5% CO2, and 5% O2. The cleavage and blastocysts rates were evaluated on Days 3 and 7, respectively, for each group. Embryo quality was recorded on Day 7 according to the IETS evaluation. Data from each bull were analysed separately using the chi-squared test (P < 0.05). In experiment 1, neither sperm motility from bull 1 (61.2 and 60.5%) and bull 2 (66.2 and 66.5%) nor membrane integrity from bull 1 (58.6 and 52.2%) and bull 2 (61.0 and 61.9%) were different between SensiTemp and control, respectively. Results from experiment 2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) in cleavage rate between SensiTemp and control for the 2 bulls: 92.1 and 91.7% for bull 1 and 94.2 and 94.6% for bull 2 respectively. The blastocysts rate on Day 7 did not differ (P > 0.05) among groups (47.5, 47.1 and 51.3, 50.4% for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively) nor the quality of embryos retrieved in the different groups: 25.4, 23.3, and 30.8, 29.6% in grade 1 embryo for SensiTemp and control bull 1 and bull 2, respectively. Those results demonstrate, in vitro, that the new SensiTemp straws were non-toxic and did not affect the semen quality after thawing nor did the SensiTemp straws affect the ability of sperm cells to fertilize oocytes and produce 8-day-old embryos.

Semen quality and fertility of liquid stored and frozen-thawed semen in crossbred pigs of North-Eastern India

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Kadirvel ◽  
M K Kalita ◽  
Raju Kr Dewry ◽  
Ashok Kumar ◽  
Nripendra Mahanta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Farrowing Rate

Study was conducted to compare the semen quality and fertility of liquid stored semen for three days and frozen-thawed semen in the north-eastern region of India. For liquid semen, the semen ejaculates were extended in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) extender and preserved at 17°C for three days. For cryopreservation, semen was diluted Lactose-egg yolk-glycerol extender and frozen in straw using programmable freezer with freezing rate of 40°C/min from -6 to -140°C. The preserved evaluated for sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and fertility. The results revealed that the liquid stored semen has maintained the sperm motility and viability up to day 3 without significant reduction. Similarly the plasma membrane integrity did not differ significantly up to day 2, but it was significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced on days 3 in liquid stored semen. After freezing and thawing, the mean sperm motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity were 58.25 ± 2.96%, 64.75 ± 2.47% and 47.06 ± 2.02%, respectively. These parameters were significantly (PP less than 0.01) lower as compared to the liquid stored semen from day 0 to day 3. After insemination with liquid semen, the farrowing rate was 77.7%, 80.76%, 73.07% and 69.8%, respectively from day 0, day1, day 2 and day 3. The pregnancy rate, farrowing rate and litter size did not differ significantly among different days of liquid storage. These parameters were significantly (PP less than 0.01) lower in frozen semen as compare to that of liquid stored semen. The study concluded that the liquid semen stored up to three days is more efficient than frozen-thawed semen in terms of preserving sperm quality and fertility.

Cryoprotective Effect of Glycerol Concentrations on Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus Gallus Murghi) Spermatozoa

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Allah Rakha ◽  
Muhammad Sajjad Ansari ◽  
Shamim Akhter ◽  
Elisabeth Blesbois
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Gallus Gallus ◽  
Recovery Rates ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Red Jungle Fowl ◽  
Frozen Semen ◽  
Acrosome Integrity

Semen cryopreservation protocols for wild avian species need to be optimised in order to achieve optimum post-thaw sperm quality and fertility. The present study was designed to evaluate the cryoprotective effect of different glycerol concentrations (11%, 15% and 20%) on post-thaw quality, recovery rates, absolute livability index and fertility of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen. Semen was collected from eight mature cocks and cryopreserved for storage at −196 °C. Frozen semen was thawed at 37 °C for 30 s and assessed for motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity at 0, 2 and 4 h incubation at 37 °C. Percentages of motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded higher (P<0.05) post-thaw at 0, 2 and 4 h at 37 °C with 20% glycerol compared to 15% and 11% glycerol. Likewise, recovery rates (%) of aforementioned parameters after cryopreservation and absolute livability index were observed highest (P<0.05) with 20% glycerol. By comparing values of R2 after multivariate regression analysis, least negative effects of hours of incubation were observed on semen quality in extenders with 20% glycerol followed by 15% and 11% glycerol. The fertility outcomes (number of fertile eggs, fertility [%], number of hatched chicks, percent hatch and hatchability of fertilised eggs) were recorded higher (P<0.05) with 20% glycerol followed by 15% and 11% glycerol. It is concluded that the concentration of 20% glycerol gives the best cryoprotection for quality and fertility of Indian Red Jungle Fowl semen.

scholarly journals PENGARUH METODE PENCUCIAN SPERMATOZOA SAPI ACEH TERHADAP MOTILITAS, PERSENTASE HIDUP, DAN INTEGRITAS MEMBRAN PLASMA UTUH SPERMATOZOA (The Infuence of Aceh Bull Spermatozoa Washing Method on Spermatozoa Motility and Plasma Membrane Integrity of Intact Spermatozoa)

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Listin Handayani ◽  
Dasrul Dasrul ◽  
Muslim Akmal ◽  
Cut Nila Thasmi ◽  
Hamdan Hamdan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Spermatozoa Motility ◽  
Sperm Washing ◽  
Fresh Semen

This study aimed to determine the effect of sperm washing by swim up and centrifugation in isotonic medium on sperm quality of aceh bull. In this study, fresh semen from healthy male aceh bull aged 3-4 months was collected using artificial vagina. Immediately after semen collection, fresh semen quality was examined macroscopically and microscopically. Subsequently, sperm washing was performed by centrifugation and swim up in sperm washing medium. Group 1 (P0) as control group, cement washed with isotonic solution (andromed medium: saline solution) with ratio of 1:8. 2. Group 2 (P1), cement was separated by centrifugation method, group 3 (P2), all cement was separated by swim up method then examined the sperm quality sperm washing results. Each treatment was repeated 5 times. Quality parameters measured were the percentage of spermatozoa motility, sperm viability, and plasma membrane integrity intact spermatozoa. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance one-way pattern, followed by Duncan's multiple test. The results showed the mean ± SD percentage of sperm motility of each treatment group (P0; P1; P2) respectively amounted to 72.00±3.74, 66.40±4.77, and 73.60±3.29%. The percentage of viability was 72.00 ±3.74%, 66.40±2.88%, 71.80±2.17%. The percentage of plasma membrane integrity is intact spermatozoa was 68.20±1.79%, 57.20±3.77%, 69.00±2.00%. Results of this study showed that the percentage of motility, live spermatozoa and plasma membrane integrity intact after separation by swim-up method were significantly different (P <0.05) compared with no separation.Key words: spermatozoa quality, aceh bulls, centrifugation, swim up

12 FERTILITY OF FROZEN EQUINE SPERM IN SYSTEMS FOR CRYOPRESERVATION

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
R. R. D. Maziero ◽  
P. N. Guasti ◽  
I. D. P. Blanco ◽  
I. Martin ◽  
G. A. Monteiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Skim Milk ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Epifluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Sperm Analysis

Optimizing cryopreservation of equine sperm will facilitate genetic banking and propagation of important horse strains through assisted reproduction. This study aimed to evaluate the motility pattern using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and plasma membrane integrity by epifluorescence microscopy of equine semen frozen in 0.5 mL straws at different freezing rates; also, a fertility trial was performed according to the freezing protocol. Three ejaculates from four stallions of various breeds (Mangalarga Marchador, Westfallen, Hanovarian and Arabian) and ages (5 to 20 years) were collected and processed for cryopreservation. The stallions were housed at the CERBEQ, Reproduction Centre of the Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology, UNESP. The ejaculates were filtered and submitted to analysis by CASA (HTM IVOS 12, Hamilton Thorne Research, USA). In addition, the plasma membrane integrity was determined by fluorescent probes. After evaluation, the ejaculates were diluted at 1:1 (extender:semen) with skim milk extender Botu-Semen™ and centrifuged at 600 × g for 10 min. The supernatant was removed and the pellet resuspended to a final concentration of 100 × 106 sperm mL–1 with milk-egg yolk freezing extender (Botu-Crio™). Semen was packaged in 0.5-mL straws (IMV, LAigle, France) and was placed in nitrogen for 20 min and then from room temperature to 5°C and then frozen in two different cooling systems: an isothermic box (42 cm × 28 cm × 12.5 cm) was placed upon racks suspended 6 cm above liquid nitrogen or other 20 min then immersed into nitrogen and automated system Mini Digitcool™ (IMV Technologies, France), cooling at a –40°C min–1 rate. All straws were stored in liquid nitrogen until thawing and analysis. The straws were thawed in a water bath at 46°C for 20 s and the samples were evaluated for progressive motility, angular progressive velocity, progressive velocity, track speed, percentage of rapid sperm and percentage of sperm with plasma membrane integrity. For the fertility trial, 65 clinically healthy mares had their oestrous cycle monitored by ultrasound and inseminated postovulation with sperm into the uterus. Ovulation was induced with 1 mL of deslorelin acetate (GnRH) injected IM when a 35-mm follicle was detected. Thirty-six hours later, mares were monitored every 6 h until ovulation was detected. When it was detected, mares were inseminated with 800 × 106 total sperm. Pregnancy was confirmed via ultrasound examination 15 days after ovulation. Pregnancy rate was 52.2% using the isothermic box and 60% using the automated machine. Statistical analysis from the frozen–thawed semen evaluated parameters was performed using the statistics software Proc. MIXED of SAS 9.1 and for the fertility trial, logistic regression using the Proc GENMOD from SAS 9.1. The conventional method using the isothermic box was similar to the automated machine with a fast freezing rate. Additionally, AI with 800 × 106 sperm frozen in the isothermic box or automated system resulted in similarly acceptable conception rates.

118 Semen quality and fertilization ability of myostatin-knockout boars

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 186
Author(s):  
M.-F. Xuan ◽  
S.-Z. Han ◽  
B.-H. Quan ◽  
X.-J. Yin ◽  
J.-D. Kang
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Mitochondrial Activity ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Sperm Plasma Membrane ◽  
Student’S T

Myostatin-knockout (MSTN−/−) pigs may provide a source of healthy lean protein for human consumption. However, little is known about the effect of this knockout on semen quality, which is important if these pigs are used for production. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the semen quality and fertility of MSTN−/− boars. We generated MSTN−/− boars from Duroc-Landrace-Yorkshire hybrid pig cell lines by somatic cell nuclear transfer, and all 12 boars showed sexual maturation with an obvious “double muscling” phenotype. Semen was collected randomly from three MSTN−/− boars using the gloved-hand technique by one technician and then tested by computer-assisted semen analysis. Semen acrosomal integrity and deformity were measured using Coomassie blue- and eosin-stained smears, respectively. Sperm plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity were evaluated by Hoechst 33342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 multiple staining. The reproductive performance of MSTN−/− boars was evaluated by IVF and by AI. All data were analysed by Student's t-tests. The results showed that the semen color, odor, and pH had no abnormalities. The concentration, motility, plasma membrane integrity, deformity, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial activity of the semen presented no significant differences from those of the control semen (Duroc). The ejaculation volume of the MSTN−/− boars was significantly lower than that of the control (168.78±6.70 and 223.11±21.21mL, respectively), although the total sperm number was not significantly different. The rate of cleavage and blastocyst formation (247 to 254 oocytes per boar) was not significantly different from those of the control (69.1±0.7 vs. 65.2±1.6%, and 20.2±1.2 vs. 22.8±1.4%, respectively). Seventeen healthy offspring were successfully produced from three sows through AI using semen from one MSTN−/− boar. However, the genotype of piglets has not been tested at present. Thus, MSTN−/− boar may be used as sires, and these pigs are expected to be developed to provide new super-lean meat varieties in the future.

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