Seasonal patterns of LH, testosterone and semen quality in the Northern pintail duck (Anas acuta)

2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Penfold ◽  
D. E. Wildt ◽  
T. L. Herzog ◽  
W. Lynch ◽  
L. Ware ◽  
...  

This study characterized seasonal changes in circulating LH and testosterone and in semen production and quality in the Northern pintail duck. Plasma LH and testosterone were measured in blood samples collected weekly throughout the year from eight males exposed to natural fluctuations in day length and temperature. Semen quality was evaluated weekly in these same males from April–June, the months when spermatozoa were produced. Semen quality (based on sperm concentration and normal morphology) peaked 0–2 weeks after sperm production onset and decreased sharply before sperm production cessation in late June. Nadir LH concentrations were measured in July and August with peak LH observed in May and November. There were clear seasonal patterns in circulating testosterone with July–September values being less (P<0.05) than October–December which, in turn, were less (P<0.05) than January–March. Maximal circulating testosterone (P<0.05) occurred during April–June, coincident with semen production. Weekly circulating LH during the breeding season was directly related to testosterone concentrations (P<0.01), but was not correlated to any specific semen or sperm trait (P>0.05). Testosterone concentrations throughout the breeding season were correlated (P<0.05) to total numbers of spermatozoa produced (volume cell concentration) and percent normal sperm morphology. In summary, the Northern pintail experiences seasonal hormone fluctuations, with maximum circulating testosterone coinciding with peak ejaculate quality reflected by the production of high numbers of morphologically normal spermatozoa.

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 931-938
Author(s):  
M. A. Kleshchev ◽  
V. L. Petukhov ◽  
L. V. Osadchuk

At present great attention is paid to studying genetic regulation of farm animal adaptations to environmental conditions. This problem is very important due to a wide expansion of highly productive cattle breeds created in Europe and North America. However, until the present no investigation of changing semen quality in bulls of imported breeds during their adaptations to environmental conditions of Western Siberia has been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate semen quality peculiarities and the diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls of imported and local breeds kept in the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia. We determined sperm concentration, sperm count, and rate of sperm with progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. The rate of sperm abnormalities according to Blome’s classifcation was determined too. It was found that the mean values of sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the bulls investigated were similar to those in bulls kept in European countries. Inter­breed differences in these parameters were not found. However, bulls of the Red Danish, Angler, and Simmental breeds had a higher percentage of misshapen sperm head and pyriform sperm head than bulls of the Black­White breed. An inter­strain difference in sperm motility in bulls of the Black­White breed was observed. It was found that bulls of Reflection Sovereign 198998 strain had lover sperm motility than bulls of Wis Burke Ideal 1013415 strain. No inter­strain differences in sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa and rate of main sperm abnormalities were found. Thus, it has been found that the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia do not seriously affect the sperm production, sperm motility or percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in bulls. However, the increased rate of misshapen and pyriform sperm heads in the bulls of the foreign breeds points to a need to study sperm DNA fragmentation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Suliman ◽  
Frank Becker ◽  
Armin Tuchscherer ◽  
Klaus Wimmers

Abstract. Horses are seasonal breeders with a natural breeding season beginning in spring and extending through midsummer. In this study, quantitative and qualitative parameters of chilled stallion semen were compared between fertile and subfertile stallions and between the breeding and the non-breeding season. Semen quality parameters compared included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm morphology, and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-derived sperm movement characteristics obtained from two groups of warmblood stallions (n=8; four fertile stallions and four subfertile stallions), which differ in the seasonal pregnancy rate 80 %–90 % (fertile) vs. 40 %–60 % (subfertile). A total of 64 ejaculates were collected from the stallions (n=8; four in the breeding season and four in the non-breeding season of each stallion). No significant differences in the semen quality parameters between the fertile and the subfertile stallions in the non-breeding season were observed. However, in the breeding season the proportion of morphologically normal sperm, total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were significantly higher in the fertile group (P<0.05) when compared with the subfertile group. In addition, a significant seasonal variation in the proportion of morphological normal sperm was found in the fertile group between the breeding and the non-breeding season (P<0.05). Moreover, significant seasonal variations (P<0.05) in CASA parameters of mean VAP, straight line velocity (VSL), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) were observed in the fertile and the subfertile stallions, which tended to be lower in the non-breeding season. In conclusion, differences between the fertile and the subfertile stallions were observed only in the breeding season, and a few of CASA-derived parameters seemed to be significantly lower during the non-breeding season in both the fertile and the subfertile stallions.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Hämmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
A. Towhidi ◽  
A. Farshad ◽  
M. Dolatpanah ◽  
R. Salehi

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on the semen characteristics of the Markhoz goats. Eighth bucks were randomly allocated into two groups, and received two different diets: unsupplemented diet (control) and supplemented diet with vitamin E (0.30 g/Kg DM). All experimental diets were formulated according to AFRC 1998. Semen was collected at 14-days intervals from June 17, 2006 to September 2, 2006 (non-breeding season) using artificial vagina. Semen characteristics were evaluated including semen volume, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, percentage of motility and progressive motility. This characteristics were evaluated at two weeks intervals the trial. The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculation was calculated by multiplication of the semen volume with sperm concentration. Sperm motility was also analyzed by placing a sample on pre-warmed (37 º C) microscope slide covered with a cover slip, and examined under a high power microscope at a magnification × 200. Data was analyzed using proc MIXED in SAS program. Significant effect (P≤0.05) of the week (sampling time) was observed for all the parameters except for semen volume. Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved (P≤0.05) total number (Control: 263.7 ×107±17.506 vs. Vit E: 320.95 ×107±17.506) and sperm concentration (Control: 301.79 ×107±13.657 vs. Vit E: 386.57 ×107± 13.657), motility (Control: 77.27% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 82.6% ±0.89) and progressive motility (Control: 4.208 ±0.138 vs. Vit E: 4.229 ±0.138), percentage of viability (Control: 80.57% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 85.9% ±0.89). The results suggested that the supplemental Vitamin E may improve the semen quality and fertility in the Markhoz goats.


1969 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. H. Juma ◽  
F. Dessouky

SUMMARYOn the College of Agriculture farm in Abu-Ghraib 147 ejaculates were collected from three docked and four normal Awassi rams born during November 1962. The work covered a period from 1 April 1967 to 31 March 1968.Nine semen characters, namely, volume, mass activity, individual motility, sperm concentration, sperm number, pH, methylene blue reduction time and the percentages of abnormal and dead sperms, were studied. The effect of season and docking on these characters was investigated.Seasonal variation was observed in all traits studied. On the whole, semen quality was poorest during winter and best during summer. The effect of docking was more pronounced on sperm concentration, sperm number and percentage of abnormal sperms. Docking appeared to increase sperm production and reduce sperm abnormality.


Author(s):  
Behrooz Ghasemi ◽  
Alimohammad Mosadegh Mehrjardi ◽  
Carolyn Jones ◽  
Nasrin Ghasemi

Background: Infertility is a common problem in testicular cancer. Affected men often decide to undergo sperm banking before chemo/radiotherapy. The cumulative effects of therapy can considerably reduce fertility. Objective: Testicular cancers impair fertilizing ability, even before diagnosis. This study tries to verify individual traits and semen quality in patients with testicular cancer. Materials and Methods: This observational study analyzed 190 semen of patients with testicular cancer (16 to 47 yr old) referred to the sub-fertility laboratory at the St. Mary hospital for semen banking prior to treatment carcinoma. Several aspects of their semen analyses were examined. The cases were divided into four different categories: seminoma, teratoma, mixed germ cell tumors and others. Results: The results showed that 23 cases were azoospermic, and 13 of the patients who were not azoospermic, their sperm of “normal” morphology were too few to count. Among patients that could produce spermatozoa, 59.4% had a sperm concentration of < 20 × 106/ml. The mean of “motility excellent” and “sluggish” taken together in all the cases was 47.2%. More than 92% of the patients had an abnormal morphology. The morphology of sperm is the most sensitive semen parameter that is affected by testicular carcinoma. Conclusion: Abnormal spermatogenesis is seen in most patients with testicular cancer before treatment with radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery. The causes of poor semen quality in cancer patients are not well-understood, but the patients with impaired spermatogenesis should have precise examination to find out the correct diagnosis of problem and preserve the fertility before any treatment. Key words: Infertility, Testicular cancer, Semen analyses, Spermatogenesis.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2302
Author(s):  
Kelsey R. Pool ◽  
Jessica P. Rickard ◽  
Simon P. de Graaf

This study assessed whether the seasonal effects of melatonin that upregulate ram reproductive function alter sperm global methylation or protamine deficiency and whether these parameters corresponded to ram endocrinology, semen production and quality. Ejaculates were assessed from rams that received melatonin implants (n = 9) or no implants (n = 9) during the non-breeding season. Ejaculates (n = 2/ram/week) were collected prior to implantation (week 0), 1, 6 and 12 weeks post implantation and during the following breeding season (week 30). Flow cytometry was used to assess the sperm global methylation and protamine deficiency in each ejaculate, which had known values for sperm concentration, motility, morphology, DNA fragmentation, seminal plasma levels of melatonin, anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin A. Serum levels of testosterone and melatonin were also evaluated. Though there was no effect of melatonin or season, sperm protamine deficiency was negatively correlated with sperm production and seminal plasma levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation and morphology. Global methylation of spermatozoa was positively correlated with sperm DNA fragmentation, morphology and serum testosterone and negatively correlated with sperm motility. These moderate associations with sperm production and quality suggest that sperm protamine deficiency and global methylation are indicative of ram testicular function.


2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
pp. 429-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Domosławska ◽  
Sławomir Zduńczyk ◽  
Wojciech Niżański ◽  
Tomasz Janowski

Abstract Semen quality parameters of infertile and fertile dogs were compared. Sperm concentration and semen motility parameters were measured by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser IVOS 12.3. The spermatozoal morphology and the percentage of live spermatozoa were examined microscopically. Forty-six dogs of various breeds were examined. Twenty dogs had a conception failure within last year. These dogs had a history of prior normal fertility. Twenty six fertile dogs served as control. All animals underwent a clinical examination as well as ultrasonography. Sperm concentration was significantly lower in infertile dogs than in fertile dogs. For most determined motility parameters (MOT, PMOT, VAP, VSL, VCL, BCF, RAPID, STATIC) significant differences between infertile and fertile dogs were found. The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology also significantly differed between both groups. Ultrasonography of the prostate gland and testes revealed no pathological conditions. The testicular degeneration was assumed to be a possible cause of infertility in these dogs. The present study showed that the most sperm CASA motility parameters were significantly lower in infertile dogs in comparison to the fertile ones, and confirmed the usefulness of the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser for a quick and objective analysis of sperm concentration and motility in dogs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Xie ◽  
Silvan Haemmerli ◽  
Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽  
Brigitte Leeners

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence.Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013).Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.


2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 223
Author(s):  
C. B. Deorce ◽  
F. L. G. Leite ◽  
B. Loureiro

Dogs produce fewer sperm than other species. Furthermore, for French Bulldogs, anatomical peculiarities, low libido, and increased sensitivity to stress could cause further reductions in sperm count. The objective was to compare effects of semen collection at 24- versus 48-h intervals on semen quality of French Bulldogs. Five purebred French Bulldogs, 19 to 48 months old, were subjected to 5 semen collections (24 h apart). After a 30-day rest, collections were repeated, but the interval between collections was 48 h. Semen was collected (all 3 fractions) by digital manipulation without female stimuli. Volume was measured in a 20-mL syringe. Sperm concentration was determined with a Neubauer counting chamber. Motility and vigor were evaluated with a coverslipped drop of semen on a slide (preheated to 37°C). Motility was expressed as a percentage of motile sperm, and vigor was classified on a scale of 1 to 5. Morphology was evaluated by the panoptic method; 100 cells were counted and results expressed as the percentage of normal or defective cells. Effects of collection interval were analysed using PROC MIXED of SAS (animal as subject and collection as a repeated measure), with collections 2 to 5 compared with collection 1 (using the DIFF option). For collection every 24 h, the third, fourth, and fifth sperm collections were lower than the first collection for volume (10.4 ± 1.1, 8.3 ± 1.1, 5.6 ± 1.1, 3.5 ± 1.1, 2.4 ± 1.1 mL), concentration (437 ± 24, 448 ± 24, 370 ± 24, 322 ± 27, 258 ± 31 ×106 sperm mL–1), vigor (4.6 ± 0.2, 4.2 ± 0.2, 3.6 ± 0.2, 3.7 ± 0.2, 3 ± 0.2), and morphologically normal sperm (82 ± 2.2, 83 ± 2.2, 72 ± 2.2, 68 ± 2.5, 66 ± 2.9%). However, when the interval was increased to 48 h, only the fourth and fifth collections were lower (P < 0.05) than the first for volume (11.8 ± 1.1, 10.2 ± 1.1, 8.8 ± 1.1, 6.6 ± 1.1, 2.5 ± 1.1 mL), concentration (447 ± 24, 410 ± 24, 407 ± 24, 322 ± 24, 241 ± 31 ×106 sperm mL–1), vigor (5 ± 0.2, 4.8 ± 0.2, 4.4 ± 0.2, 4.2 ± 0.2, 4 ± 0.2), and sperm with normal morphology (92 ± 2.2, 90 ± 2.2, 87 ± 2.2, 80 ± 2.2, 81 ± 2.9%). Motility decreased (P < 0.05) following the fourth collection at 24-h intervals and decreased (P < 0.05) after the third collection at 48-h intervals. With a 24-h interval, 4 dogs had <60% motility lower at the fifth collection, whereas only 2 dogs had motility <60% on the fifth collection at 48-h intervals. In conclusion, semen collected at 48-h intervals was of better quality than semen collected at 24-h intervals.


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