Urethral catheterization as an alternative method for collecting sperm in the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Abstract The endangered black-footed ferret (BFF; Mustela nigripes) is an important example of the benefits of assisted reproduction in species conservation with both semen evaluation and artificial insemination using fresh and frozen sperm being successfully incorporated into the breeding program. Currently, electroejaculation (EE) is routinely utilized for semen collection in BFFs, a technique that requires custom equipment and experienced operators, and does not consistently yield viable samples in this species. In this case study, we evaluated the feasibility of urethral catheterization (UC) for semen collection, a method predominately tested in domestic and non-domestic felids, on four occasions (three BFF males). After general anesthesia with a combination of ketamine, midazolam and α2-agonist dexmedetomidine (thought to promote semen release into the urethra), a lightly lubricated, flexible feeding tube was passed into the urethral opening and advanced ~7–8 cm into the urethra. A syringe attached to the feeding tube was used to apply mild negative pressure to collect sperm. Semen samples were successfully collected on all four attempts. Sperm characteristics ranged as follows: 10.5–26.0 × 106 sperm/ml concentration, 50–90% motility and 36–61% normal sperm morphology. This is the first report of the use of UC as a potential alternative to EE in the BFF, a more field-friendly technique that is less invasive and more consistent for obtaining samples free of urine contamination.

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Quality of domestic cat semen collected by urethral catheterization after the use of different alpha 2-adrenergic agonists

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery ◽

10.1177/1098612x20973183 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1098612X2097318

Author(s):

Mónica Madrigal-Valverde ◽

Rodrigo F Bittencourt ◽

Antonio DL Ribeiro Filho ◽

Vivian F Barbosa ◽

Catharina A Vieira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Morphology ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Domestic Cat ◽

Domestic Cats ◽

Adrenergic Agonists ◽

Urethral Catheterization ◽

Seminal Parameters ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Economical Alternative

Objectives We compared the effects of two alpha (α)2-adrenergic agonists on semen traits. Methods In this study, 13 adult domestic cats were divided into two experimental groups, according to the chemical ejaculation protocol used: the first group received medetomidine hydrochloride (100 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg); the second group received dexmedetomidine hydrochloride (25 µg/kg) and ketamine (5000 µg/kg), both by the intramuscular route. Results The animals responded positively ( P >0.05) to chemical collection. Seminal parameters evaluated included volume, sperm vigor, total motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration, and the structural and functional integrity of the plasma membrane; sperm morphology values did not differ between groups ( P >0.05). Conclusions and relevance The results indicated that dexmedetomidine is a more viable and economical alternative to medetomidine in domestic cats submitted to semen collection by urethral catheterization. Semen collection by urethral catheterization after using α2-adrenergic agonists is a recently developed technique in feline species that is considered to be quick and highly applicable to assisted reproduction programs in felids.

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Establishment of semen collection technique using electroejaculator and semen cryopreservation of Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809)

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.3156-3163 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 3156-3163

Author(s):

Bongot Huaso Mulia ◽

Ardyta Widianti ◽

Jansen Manansang ◽

Dedi Rahmat Setiadi ◽

Vincentia Trisna Yoelinda ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Total Concentration ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Panthera Pardus ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Frozen Semen ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Microscopic Evaluation

Background and Aim: The Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas Cuvier, 1809) is a subspecies of Panthera pardus spp., spread across the African and Asian regions. Information on reproductive aspects is crucial for wild animals, including the Javan leopard. In this study, we aimed to develop electroejaculator (EE) techniques and evaluate cryopreservation success in Javan leopard semen. Materials and Methods: The semen of four adult Javan leopards was collected once a week using EE. Placement of the EE probe in the rectum was performed after ultrasound imaging (ultrasonography) to determine the prostate body location. The semen obtained was then evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. Three Javan leopards were used for cryopreservation. The ejaculate was divided into two parts [i.e., one part diluted with AndroMed® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and the other part with Steridyl® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany)] at a 1:1 ratio immediately after collection and evaluation. The semen was then packed in a 0.25 mL MiniStraw® (Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) then equilibrated at 4°C for 2 h. After equilibration, the straw was then frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. Frozen semen was then stored in containers until further evaluation. Results: The results showed that ejaculation response occurred at all levels of stimulation, while erections did not always occur. The fastest ejaculation and erection occurred at the fourth voltage. The macroscopic evaluation showed that the semen volume was 0.80±0.26 mL, cloudy white, pH 7.44±0.14, and with watery semen consistency. The microscopic evaluation showed that the sperm motility was 66.98±0.39%, with sperm viability of 75.6±1.79%. Sperm concentration was 62.17±46.95×106 mL–1 with a total concentration of 42.14±23.51×106 cells. Normal sperm morphology is only 40.72±6.26%. Conclusion: This study concluded that the development of a semen collection technique using an EE preceded by imaging of the EE probe location using ultrasound was effective for the ejaculation of Javan leopards. The characteristics of the semen of the Javan leopard showed moderate semen volume, sperm motility, and viability. Javan leopard showed low sperm concentration and normal sperm morphology.

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Physical and morphological characteristics of the first three jets of Pêga jackasses sperm-rich fraction

Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia ◽

10.1590/1678-4162-7891 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 68 (4) ◽

pp. 845-852

Author(s):

L.E. Carvalho ◽

J.M. Silva Filho ◽

M.S. Palhares ◽

A.L.R. Sales ◽

A.T. Gonczarowska ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Morphological Characteristics ◽

Open Model ◽

Cytoplasmic Droplet ◽

The Third ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Artificial Vagina

ABSTRACT The first three jets of the sperm-rich fraction of Pêga jackasses were collected and assessed separately. Five fertile Pêga jackasses were used as semen donors and underwent fractionated semen collection, using an open model artificial vagina. The first three jets of the semen were collected separately and assessed for volume, sperm motility, vigor, concentration/mL of semen, and sperm morphology. These characteristics were compared between first, second and third jets and between jackasses. It was observed that the jet volume differed (P<0.05) between jackasses, although it was similar (P>0.05) between first, second and third jets. Sperm motility did not differ (P>0.05) between jets and jackasses. Vigor was similar (P>0.05) between jets of the same jackass, and only the first jet differed (P<0.05) between jackasses. The first, second and third jets of the sperm-rich fraction had decreased sperm concentrations (P<0.05) of 955.56, 725.56 and 280.56x 106 sperm/mL of semen, respectively. Sperm morphology differed between the first three jets only for the incidence of mid-piece defect, higher in the third one (4.26%), compared to the first (3.36%) and second (3.38%) ones. When comparing the morphological characteristics of the sperm-rich fraction between five jackasses, regardless of the jet, there were differences in the percentage of normal sperm, proximal cytoplasmic droplet, mid-piece and head defects.

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Comparison of Sperm Dna Fragmentation and Maturation Outcomes in Isolated Theratozoospermia Group Patients to Patients with Normal Sperm Morphology in Terms of Embryo Growth and Pregnancy Rates

Türk Üreme Tıbbı ve Cerrahisi Dergisi ◽

10.24074/tjrms.2020-80624 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 11-17

Author(s):

Onat UĞURLU ◽

Recai PABUÇCU ◽

Emre Göksan PABUÇCU ◽

Müge KESKİN ◽

Tufan ARSLANCA

Keyword(s):

Dna Fragmentation ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Pregnancy Rates ◽

Sperm Dna Fragmentation ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Sperm Dna

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Assessment of Sperm Quality - A Light Microscope Study

Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences ◽

10.14260/jemds/2021/299 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (19) ◽

pp. 1417-1421

Author(s):

Jyothi A. Raj ◽

Heera Sankar ◽

Sagarika Mahapatra ◽

Ashima Binny

Keyword(s):

Light Microscope ◽

Sperm Morphology ◽

Clinical Laboratory ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Complete Evaluation ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Middle Piece ◽

Sperm Counts ◽

Work Up

BACKGROUND Semen analysis is an integral part of work up for infertility in men, with sperm morphology being an important qualitative parameter. Qualitative defects can affect any part of the sperm and are classified as defects in the head, middle piece, and tail, based on morphology. The focus of the study was to assess qualitative defects in sperms by light microscopy, in semen with normal sperm counts. METHODS This study is hospital based, descriptive, retrospective study. Of the semen samples received in the clinical laboratory, fifty with normal sperm counts were included in the study and processed according to standard protocol. For evaluation of qualitative defects by sperm morphology, smears were fixed in ethanol, stained with Papanicolaou stain [PAP], and assessed under light microscope. RESULTS The 50 semen samples included in the study had sperm counts ranging from 15 to 80 million / ml. Thirty samples had less than 10 % abnormal forms, fourteen samples had 11 - 20 % abnormal forms, five samples had 21 - 30 % abnormal forms and one sample had 40 % abnormal sperms. Qualitative defects were classified as morphological abnormalities in head, neck, and tail. Of the fifty cases, most defects were found in the head, followed by those in the neck and tail. Common defects noted were double head (44 %), abnormal sized heads, and bent neck (48 %). Coiling was a common defect noted in the tail (10 %). Most sperms showed a combination of defects. CONCLUSIONS Qualitative defects in sperm morphology are often seen in samples with normal sperm counts. Assessment of microscopic characteristics of human spermatozoa is as important as count and motility in the complete evaluation and work-up of semen samples in cases of infertility. KEY WORDS Semen, Sperm, Quality, Microscopy, Morphology

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