Alpaca semen quality in relation to different diets

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 683 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. S. Juyena ◽  
J. Vencato ◽  
G. Pasini ◽  
I. Vazzana ◽  
C. Stelletta

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biochemical composition of seminal plasma, along with semen quality, of alpacas maintained on different diets (hay; hay + pasture grazing; pasture grazing + sheep concentrate; pasture grazing + horse concentrate; Periods 1–4, respectively). Alpacas (n = 5) were fed the four different diets for a period of 6 weeks each. During the period of feeding of each diet, semen was collected using an artificial vagina to determine its volume, viscosity, sperm concentration and sperm motility. Moreover, testicular volume and body condition score were evaluated. Seminal plasma was analysed biochemically to measure total protein, triglyceride, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase levels. Protein profiles were investigated using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. There was high variability in semen parameters between different males maintained on the same diet. Semen volume increased significantly (P < 0.05) when alpacas were fed diets containing commercial sheep and horse concentrates. In contrast, sperm concentration and motility decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from Period 1 to Period 4. Dietary changes had no effect on viscosity. Significant reductions were seen in triglyceride and cholesterol content, as well as γ-glutamyl transferase, ALT and alkaline phosphatase concentrations, from Period 1 to Period 4. Regardless of experimental period, a wide variation was seen in seminal plasma enzyme concentrations between alpacas, whereas diet had no effect on glucose and total protein concentrations in the seminal plasma. Eight protein bands, with molecular weights ranging from 200 to 14 kDa, were considered in electrophoresis gel after image analysis. Proteins fractions of the 14-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 14-kDa, TP8) and 21-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 21-kDa, TP7) bands were not present in all samples of alpaca seminal plasma. There were no significant changes in the concentration of any protein fractions during the four periods. Moreover, the protein fraction of the 60-kDa (total protein express in md dL–1 with a molecular weight of 60-kDa, TP3) band was the most prevalent in all periods. These results demonstrate that there are marked changes in semen quality, as well as some parameters related to the composition of alpaca seminal plasma, that are dependent on diet, which may indicate the need for specific diet formulation to improve reproductive performance. We hypothesise that, in alpacas, the mechanisms underlying the changes in some reproductive traits in response to feeding regimens could be related to changes in the endocrine–gonadal system.

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 882-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
María F García ◽  
Romina Nuñez Favre ◽  
María C Stornelli ◽  
Ramiro Rearte ◽  
María C García Mitacek ◽  
...  

Objectives The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components – cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations – and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Methods Thirteen toms, 2–5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at −20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Results Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats ( P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Conclusions and relevance Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.


2014 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 115
Author(s):  
Ali. J. Ali

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ivermectin on semen quality and estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in seminal plasma. Six mature Awassi rams aged 2-3 years and weighing 38-42 Kg were used in this study. Semen collection was done weekly for five weeks from the same ram. The first two collection considered as training for the animal and discarded, the second two collection were considers for the control group. After administration of the drug (Ivermectin), semen samples were collected from the Awassi ram 1, 7,14 days. The parameter studies were included semen volume, percentage motility of sperm, sperm concentration, live sperm, and morphology percentage. Samples of seminal plasma were analyzed for the estimation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Results of this study indicate that Ivermectin leads to significant (P<0.05) decreased in semen parameters after the first semen collection. Reaction time significantly higher (P<0.05) in the treated group after 1 day of injection. Alanine aminotransferase ALT, Aspartate aminotransferase AST show no significant differences in activities in seminal plasma during the study. In conclusion: it is preferable to use the animals for the purpose of reproduction only after at least 7 days after Ivermectin injection due to it harmful effect on semen quality.


Author(s):  
Parija Juneja ◽  
Pranay K. Phukan ◽  
Debojit Changmai

Background: The importance of male factor contribution to infertility is well recognised. Semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples.  Aim and objective of the study was conducted to determine the abnormalities in semen among male partners in infertile couples.Methods: Detailed history, examination and semen analysis was done. Semen samples were analysed for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, according to WHO guidelines.Results: This study, done at a tertiary care center in north eastern India has demonstrated that abnormal semen quality is a major factor contributing to infertility in couples. Total number of participants were 94. Most of the male partners i.e. 65.96%, who came for infertility evaluation were between 30-39 years of age with 56.38% participants having abnormal semen parameters. The most common abnormality found was asthenozoospermia seen in 35.11% of cases followed by oligozoospermia seen in 25.53% of cases. Teratozoospermia and azoospermia were seen in 7.45% and 4.26% of cases respectively.Conclusions: Males contribute towards infertility in couples significantly. Abnormal semen pattern is a common cause. More research is needed to render more valuable and significant results regarding male infertility.


2016 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Zulyazaini Zulyazaini ◽  
Dasrul Dasrul ◽  
Sri Wahyuni ◽  
Muslim Akmal ◽  
Mohd. Agus Nashri Abdullah

ABSTRAK. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan karakteristik dan komposisi plasma semen sapi aceh. Sampel semen dikoleksi dari 2 ekor sapi aceh jantan sehat berumur 3,0-3,5 tahun menggunakan vagina buatan. Koleksi semen dilakukan satu kali dalam seminggu selama enam minggu. Evaluasi karakteristik semen meliputi volume, warna, konsistensi, pH, konsentrasi spermatozoa, motilitas, viabilitas, abnormalitas spermatozoa dan komposisi kimia plasma semen. Data kualitas dan komposisi kimia plasma semen yang diperoleh dianalisa secara diskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan semen segar sapi aceh memiliki volume 3,82 ± 0,47 ml, warna krem keputihan, konsistensi kental, pH 6,84 ± 0,17, konsentrasi 1194 ± 4,80 × 106sp/ml, persentase motilitas 77,28 ± 3,17 % dan abnormalitas 5,98 ± 1,77%. Plasma seminalis semen segar sapi aceh mengandung protein total sebanyak 1,51 ± 0,21 g/100ml, Kalium 75,80 ± 22,63 mg/100 ml dan Magnesium 32,30 ± 17,64 mg/100 ml lebih tinggi, tetapi Natrium 170,00 ± 81,60 mg/100 ml; kalsium 40,00 ± 12,76 mg/100 ml, Fosfor 16,70 ± 6,17 mg/100 ml, dan Mangan 7,08 ± 2,48 mg/100 ml lebih rendah dibandingkan dengan sapi potong. Secara umum kuantitas dan komposisi plasma seminalis semen sapi aceh yang dihasilkan cukup baik, dan memenuhi syarat untuk diproses sebagai semen beku. (The characteristics of semen and chemical composition of the seminal plasma of aceh cattle maintaned in BIBD Saree Aceh Besar) ABSTRACT. This study aim were to determine characteristics and composition of semen plasma Aceh cattle. Semen samples were collected from two healthy Aceh bulls that aged from 3.0 to 3.5 year. Samples were yielded by using an artificial vagina. Samples collecting were conducted once a week for six consecutive weeks. The evaluation of semen characteristics includes volume, color, consistency, pH, sperm concentration, motility, viability, abnormal spermatozoa and seminal plasma chemical composition. Data of semen quality and chemical composition of seminal plasma were analyzed descriptively. The evaluation showed that Aceh Cattle semen had 3.82 ± 0.47 ml volume, beige whitish color, thick consistency, 6.84 ± 0.17 pH, 1194 ± 4.80×106 sp/ml sperm concentration, 77.28 ± 3.17% motility and 5.98 ± 1.77% abnormal spermatozoa. Plasma seminalis fresh semen of Aceh Cattle contained 1,51 ± 0,21 g/100ml total protein; 75,80 ± 22,63 mg/100ml potassium and 32,30 ± 17,64 mg/100ml magnesium higher than the heifer, but 170,00 ± 81,60 mg/100ml sodium; 40,00 ± 12,76 mg/100ml calcium, 16,70 ± 6,17 mg/100ml fosfor, and 7,08 ± 2,48 mg/100ml mangan lower. It was concluded that quality and composition of seminal plasma Aceh cattle semen could be made as frozen semen.


2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 377-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michal Vyvial ◽  
Eliška Horáčková ◽  
Markéta Sedlinská ◽  
Eva Jánová ◽  
Šárka Krisová ◽  
...  

Evaluation of selected components of seminal plasma as markers of ejaculate quality may be of interest when assessing the quality of semen. The aim of the study was to evaluate some biochemical parameters of seminal plasma in donkeys and compare them with the volume, concentration and motility of the ejaculate. A total of 11 ejaculates were collected from five donkey stallions (between one and three from each animal). Each ejaculate was assessed for volume, concentration and motility, and the seminal plasma biochemically examined after centrifugation. Total protein, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate-amino-transferase, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyl-transferase, lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH), sodium, potassium (K+), calcium, phosphate, chloride, copper (Cu), cholesterol, vitamin E (Vit E), magnesium (Mg2+), seminal plasma selenium (Se SP) and seminal plasma zinc (Zn SP) were identified. Biochemical analysis of the seminal plasma was then statistically evaluated using the Spearman coefficient of correlation. A significant positive correlation between ALP, ALT, LDH, Cu, Se SP and Zn SP and sperm concentration was found. Also there was a significant positive correlation between Vit E and sperm motility. Finally, there was a significant positive correlation between urea, K+, Mg2+ and the ejaculate volume. This is the first report about selected biochemical components of donkey's seminal plasma that we know of. However, further research using a larger number of individuals is necessary to confirm that these components of seminal plasma are useful as markers of ejaculate quality in donkey stallions.


2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-28
Author(s):  
A. Baharun ◽  
I. Arifiantini ◽  
N. W. K. Karja ◽  
S. Said

Artificial Insemination Center (AIC) produces frozen semen that was taken from superior bull. The selection of superior bull was based on breeding soundness evaluation. This study is aimed to evaluating the correlation between the molecular weight (MW) of seminal plasma protein and semen quality of Simmental bulls. Semen ejaculates from nine Simmental Bulls, that belong to AIC of Central Java, at Ungaran, were collected by using an artificial vagina. The sub population of sperm in ejaculates was evaluated through macroscopically and microscopically, in which the semen then centrifugated 6500 rpm for 30 minutes. The supernatant was collected and inserted into mini straw and stored in liquid nitrogen container. The concentration of seminal plasma protein was determined by the Bradford method. The Bradford protocol of analysis was suitable with User Guide Coomasize (Bradford) Protein Assay Kit. Thermo Skanlt RE for Multiskan Go Software, 3.2 version was applied for analyzing of the data, and protein characterization used was 1D-SDS-PAGE. The Coomassie Brilliant Blue was used for coloring the gels, and the proteins MW was determined by MW markers. The result demonstrated that there was no significant correlation between protein concentration and semen quality (P>0.05). Protein expressions based on MW were 62-48 kD, 100-71 kD found in this study. The analysis of correlation showed that the proteins with 100-71 kD MW correlated with sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, and sperm concentration. Semen quality in all parameters was significant (P˂0.05 and P>0.01) with 62-48 kD protein MW. The result concluded that seminal plasma protein had a correlation with semen quality and can be used as additional indicator for bull’s candidate selection. 


2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michał Dobrakowski ◽  
Zbigniew Kaletka ◽  
Anna Machoń-Grecka ◽  
Sławomir Kasperczyk ◽  
Stanisław Horak ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations between standard semen parameters and the parameters reflecting oxidative stress intensity, antioxidant defense functions, levels of selected macro and trace elements, and parameters characterizing immune system function. The study group consisted of 103 fertile males. Based on semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, and percentage of motile sperm at 1 hour postcollection, the individuals were divided into two equal groups—those with excellent (EX) semen quality and those with mediocre (ME) semen quality. The remaining measured parameters characterizing motility and the percentage of normal morphology were higher in the EX group than in the ME group; however, the seminal plasma pH did not differ between the examined groups. The phosphate level was 31% lower in the EX group than in the ME group, whereas there was a tendency toward a 25% lower level of Fe in the EX group than in the ME group (p=0.064). The activities of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, CuZn-SOD, CAT, and G6PD, were 14%, 63%, and 39%, respectively, higher in the EX group than in the ME group. However, the level of alpha-tocopherol was 32% lower in the EX group than in the ME group. The other measured parameters characterizing antioxidant defense and the parameters of oxidative stress intensity and immune system function were not significantly different. The value of seminal plasma pH is not related to the semen quality of fertile males. Higher fertility potential estimated based on standard semen parameters in fertile males is associated with lower levels of Fe and higher activities of some antioxidant enzymes.


2015 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Shanmugam ◽  
S. V. Rama Rao

Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenoloic constituent in fruits and nuts, has been shown to have antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary EA supplementation on semen quality parameters in chickens. Forty roosters (Dahlem Red breed), 28 weeks of age, were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing EA at 0, 25, 50, or 75 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Semen was evaluated for volume, appearance, individual motility, sperm concentration, 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dye reduction test, and live, dead and abnormal sperm counts. The seminal plasma was separated and evaluated for protein, alkaline phosphatase, and lipid peroxidation. At the end of the experiment, blood from individual birds was collected, and serum was separated and evaluated for superoxide dismutase activity, lipid peroxidation, and ferric-reducing ability of plasma. Supplementation with EA had no effect (P > 0.05) on gross semen parameters. Seminal plasma protein and lipid peroxidation were different (P < 0.01) between the treatment groups. The group fed EA at 75 mg/kg had high (P < 0.01) seminal plasma lipid peroxidation and lower (P < 0.05) serum superoxide dismutase activity. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of EA in chickens had no effect on the gross semen qualities and increased lipid peroxidation in seminal plasma.


2021 ◽  
pp. 5-6
Author(s):  
Anshu Anshu ◽  
Usha Kumari ◽  
Debarshi Jana

Background: The importance of male factor contribution to infertility is well recognised. Semen analysis is an indispensable diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the male partners of infertile couples. Aim and objective of the study was conducted to determine the abnormalities in semen among male partners in infertile couples. Detailed history, examination and Methods: semen analysis was done. Semen samples were analysed for volume, viscosity, sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, according to WHO guidelines. This study, done at Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Results: JLNMCH, Bhagalpur, Bihar has demonstrated that abnormal semen quality is a major factor contributing to infertility in couples. Total number of participants were 94. Most of the male partners i.e. 65.96%, who came for infertility evaluation were between 30-39 years of age with 56.38% participants having abnormal semen parameters. The most common abnormality found was asthenozoospermia seen in 35.11% of cases followed by oligozoospermia seen in 25.53% of cases. Teratozoospermia and azoospermia were seen in 7.45% and 4.26% of cases respectively. Males contribute towards infertility in Conclusions: couples signicantly. Abnormal semen pattern is a common cause. More research is needed to render more valuable and signicant results regarding male infertility


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 247 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.P. Viudes de Castro ◽  
L. Casares-Crespo ◽  
A. Monserrat-Martínez ◽  
J.S. Vicente

<p>The objective of this study was to determine rabbit seminal plasma enzyme activity. Furthermore, correlations between semen parameters and enzyme activity and male age were examined. The study was performed using 17 New Zealand White males from 5 to 9 mo old. Overall, 252 semen samples were collected from bucks from May to September. Semen characteristics were analysed and the seminal plasma was obtained by centrifugation. The activities of alanyl aminopeptidase (APN), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) in the seminal plasma fluid were measured. Significant differences between males were found in APN, GGT, LDH, ALKP and ALT activities (P&lt;0.05). No significant differences between enzyme activity and male age were found. We also observed significant positive correlations between male age and sperm concentration (r=0.26), progressive motility (r=0.17) and amplitude of lateral head displacement (r=0.21), and negative ones between male age and average path velocity (r=–0.56), velocity of the sperm head along its actual curvilinear path (r=–0.61), straight line velocity (r=–0.50), linearity index (r=–0.13), and cytoplasmic droplet (r=–0.33). Furthermore, a significant negative correlation between APN activity and the status of the acrosome (r=–0.20) and significant positive correlations between APN activity and the sperm abnormalities (r=0.21), GGT activity and sperm concentration (r=0.34) and the status of the acrosome (r=0.31), and ALKP activity and sperm concentration were observed (r=0.41). In our study, APN and GGT seem to be the most predictive enzymes for rabbit semen quality.</p>


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