Should single layer centrifugation of dog semen be done before or after the semen is cooled?

2015 ◽  
Vol 176 (14) ◽  
pp. 359-359 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. J. Gálvez ◽  
I. Ortiz ◽  
M. Hidalgo ◽  
J. M. Morrell ◽  
J. Dorado

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of sperm selection by single layer centrifugation (SLC) on canine sperm quality when SLC was performed before or after the cooling process, or when double SLC (before and after cooling) was performed. Twenty ejaculates from four dogs were divided into four aliquots as follows: unselected: no SLC was performed; SLC prior to cooling (SLC-PC): sperm selection was carried out before cooling; SLC after cooling (SLC-AC): sperm selection was performed after cooling; and double SLC: sperm selection was carried out before and after cooling. Sperm motility (by computer-assisted semen analysis), morphology (Diff-Quick staining), sperm membrane integrity (Vital-Test kit) and acrosome integrity (double fluorescent stain) were assessed in re-warmed semen samples. Four sperm subpopulations (sP) were detected using a pattern analysis technique (sP1: highly active, non-progressive; sP2: low velocity, highly progressive; sP3: less vigorous, poorly progressive; sP4: highly progressive motility). A higher proportion of sperm were classified as sP4 in SLC-AC samples. Most of the sperm parameters assessed showed higher values in the SLC-AC group. We conclude that SLC-AC is the best protocol to improve sperm quality in chilled canine semen in comparison to the other procedures tested.

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. F. R. Sancler-Silva ◽  
G. A. Monteiro ◽  
F. S. Ignacio ◽  
F. P. Hartwig ◽  
F. O. Papa

Previous studies in humans and current studies in horses show that the presence of leukocytes in the semen promotes increased reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines production. These substances cause damage to membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, DNA integrity, and lead to increased expression of apoptosis markers in the spermatic cell. As a result of these effects, decreased quality and longevity of the semen that lead to fertility reduction could be highlighted. A 6-year-old stallion was admitted in the Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science School, UNESP, Botucatu-SP, Brazil, with a history of pyospermia due to seminal vesiculitis. Therefore, because of the high demand of the stallion semen and attempting to allow its use in equine embryo transfer programs, a process to reduce leukocyte numbers was performed. For the evaluation of the percentage of leukocytes in the sample, a 10-µL aliquot of semen was smeared and stained with Quick PanoticTM. Semen was diluted in skim milk-based extender BotuSemenTM (1 : 1; Nidacon International AB, Mölndal, Sweden) and then analyzed for sperm kinetic parameters by computer assisted semen analysis (CASA). Sequentially, seminal plasma was removed by filtration with SpermFilterTM (Nidacon International AB). The sample was resuspended with BotuSemenTM to a concentration of 300 × 106 sperm mL–1 and subjected to a single layer gradient centrifugation (EquiPureTM; Nidacon International AB) at 400g for 20 min. A proportion of 5 mL of diluted semen in 5 mL of EquiPureTM (1 : 1) was used for the centrifugation. The pellet was resuspended with BotuSemenTM at a concentration of 50 × 106 sperm mL–1. Before and after processing, sperm kinetic means were, respectively: Total motility (TM) = 46% and 89%, progressive motility (PM) = 20% and 55%, and rapid sperm cells (RAP) = 32% and 81%. The mean percentages of leukocytes in semen smears before and after processing was 80% and 5%, respectively. The processed semen was used for artificial insemination of 5 mares and none of them showed signs of post-breeding endometritis. In addition, in all cases, embryos were recovered when uterine flushes were done on Day 8 post-ovulation. In conclusion, the method used for the processing of semen with pyospermia was effective in reducing leukocyte loads and promoted an improvement of seminal kinetics parameters which allowed its use in embryo transfer programs. The authors acknowledge FAPESP (2011/23139-9) for financial support and Botupharma for donation of BotuSêmenTM extender and SpermFilterTM.


Zygote ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 301-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
José A. B. Bezerra ◽  
Andréia M. Silva ◽  
Patrícia C Sousa ◽  
Lívia B. Campos ◽  
Érica C. G. Praxedes ◽  
...  

SummaryThe aim of this study was to establish a functional freezing–thawing protocol for epididymal sperm of collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu L., 1758) by comparing different extenders. The epididymal sperm from 12 sexually mature males was recovered by retrograde flushing using Tris-based or coconut water-based (ACP®-116c) extenders. After initial evaluation, samples were diluted and frozen with the same extenders to which 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol were added. After 2 weeks, thawing was performed at 37°C/60 s and sperm motility, vigour, morphology, functional membrane integrity, sperm viability, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) were assessed. In addition, to evaluate the survival of frozen–thawed sperm, a thermal resistance test (TRT) was executed. Samples preserved using Tris were in better condition compared with those preserved using ACP®, showing higher values for most assessments performed, including CASA and the TRT (P<0.05). After determining Tris to be the better of the two extenders, additional samples were thawed using different thawing rates (37°C/60 s, 55°C/7 s, 70°C/8 s). Sperm thawed at 37°C/60 s had the greatest preservation (P<0.05) of viability (54.1 ± 5.9%) and functional membrane integrity (43.2 ± 5.4%), and had higher values for various CASA parameters. In conclusion, we suggest the use of a Tris-based extender added to egg yolk and glycerol for the cryopreservation of epididymal sperm obtained from collared peccaries. In order to achieve better post-thawing sperm quality, we suggest that samples should be thawed at 37°C/60 s.


2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 221
Author(s):  
D. Le Bourhis ◽  
S. Camugli ◽  
P. Salvetti ◽  
L. Schibler ◽  
E. Schmitt

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 133
Author(s):  
E. Hurri ◽  
A. Johannisson ◽  
I. Lim-Verde ◽  
J. M. Morrell

Sperm quality in the first ejaculates of young bulls is often poor, leading to rejection of these samples for commercial freezing. It may be several weeks before sperm quality reaches the thresholds regarded as being acceptable for commercial production. Single-layer centrifugation (SLC) has been shown to separate robust bull spermatozoa from the rest of the ejaculate (Goodla et al. 2015 J. Dairy Sci. 97, 2204-2212; Nongbua et al. 2017 Reprod Domest. Anim. 52, 596-602). The aim of this study was to test whether SLC can be used to select spermatozoa from the ejaculates of young bulls and thus freeze samples earlier than is currently possible. Ejaculates (at least 3 per bull; n=33) were collected from 9 young Holstein or Swedish Red bulls, 255 to 415 days old. The sperm concentration was adjusted to 69×106 spermatozoa mL−1 with Andromed™ (Minitub, Tiefenbach, Germany) before layering part of the sample over 4mL of Bovicoll colloid. The remaining sample served as the unselected control. After centrifugation at 300×g for 20min, the sperm pellet was aspirated into fresh extender. Both control (uncentrifuged) and SLC samples were frozen and stored in LN pending analysis. Membrane integrity was evaluated by flow cytometry after staining for 10min at 37°C with SYBR14/propidium iodide (Live-Dead Sperm Viability Kit, L-7011; Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Paired t-test was used to compare results for control and SLC samples, and Pearson correlation was used for age and membrane integrity. The median age at which the samples were taken was 319 days (range: 255-415 days). Membrane integrity varied considerably among bulls (range: 11-72%). The mean proportion of membrane-intact spermatozoa in controls and SLC samples was 40±15 and 47±16%, respectively (P&lt;0.01). In 21 of the 33 ejaculates (64%), the SLC sample had a higher membrane integrity than the controls (Table 1). Age in days was positively correlated with membrane integrity for SLC samples (r=0.40; P&lt;0.05) but not for controls. These results suggest that SLC might be a useful technique for selecting membrane-intact spermatozoa from the ejaculates of young bulls. However, there is considerable variation among bulls, possibly due to age, which is currently being investigated. Other parameters of sperm quality, such as chromatin integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential reactive oxygen species production, and motility, are also being evaluated. Table 1.Age and membrane integrity (mean±standard deviation) in ejaculates from young bulls before and after SLC (n=33) This project was funded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry, Viking Genetics, and the Faculty for Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, SLU. We thank Viking Genetics for supplying the semen samples.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanling Zhao ◽  
Yaomei Wang ◽  
Feipeng Guo ◽  
Bo Lu ◽  
Jiale Sun ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Tibetan pigs (TP) exhibit heritable adaptations to their hypoxic environments as a result of natural selection. Whereas, what candidate proteins affecting the sperm quality of boar on plateaus has not been clearly investigated yet. Methods: In this study, to reveal the candidate proteins affecting the quality of spermatozoa from boar on plateaus, we analyzed the sperm quality by Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, compared the sperm proteomes between TP and Yorkshire pigs (YP) raised at high altitudes using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) in combination with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) proteomic method, and confirmed the relative expression levels of the four proteins by western blot. Results: The sperm quality of the TP was superior to that of the YP on plateaus. Of 1,555 quantified proteins, 318 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the DEPs were predominantly associated with the sorbitol metabolic process, removal of superoxide radicals, cellular response to superoxide, response to superoxide and regulation of the mitotic spindle assembly. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were mainly enriched in pathways involved in the regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, glutathione metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and estrogen signaling. And based on the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, we identified 8 candidate proteins (FN1, EGF, HSP90B1, CFL1, GPX4, NDUFA6, VDAC2, and CP) that might play important roles that affect the sperm quality of boar on plateaus. Moreover, the relative expression levels of the proteins (CFL1, EGF, FN1, and GPX4) were confirmed by western blot. Conclusions: Our results reveal 8 candidate proteins (FN1, EGF, HSP90B1, CFL1, GPX4, NDUFA6, VDAC2, and CP) affecting the sperm quality of boar on plateaus, providing a reference for studies on improving sperm quality and the molecular breeding of boar on plateaus.


2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
J. Dorado ◽  
M. J. Galvez ◽  
M. R. Murabito ◽  
S. Demyda ◽  
L. J. De Luca ◽  
...  

Tris-egg yolk-based diluents provide adequate cryoprotection for the sperm of most species. This study was conducted to compare the ability of Tris-glucose extender containing 2 different concentrations of egg yolk to maintain sperm motility and acrosome integrity of canine spermatozoa during 72 h of preservation. For this purpose, a total of 20 ejaculates from 4 clinically healthy dogs (2 Spanish Greyhound, 1 German Pointer, and 1 Crossbreed) were collected by digital manipulation. The sperm-rich fraction of each ejaculate was divided into 2 aliquots. Then, they were diluted in Tris-based extender and centrifuged at 700g for 8 min. Sperm pellets were resuspended in either Tris buffer added to 20% (EY20) or 10% centrifuged egg yolk (EY10) and cooled to 5°C over 72 h. The effects of these extenders on motility and acrosome integrity were assessed objectively using a computer-aided semen analyzer (Sperm Class Analyzer, Microptic SL, Spain) and Spermac® staining, respectively. Each cooled-rewarmed semen sample was evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation. Sperm motion parameters shown by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) are progressively motile (PMS) and motile spermatozoa (MS), curvilinear velocity (CLV), average path velocity (APV), progressive speed (SLV), and lateral head displacement (LHD). Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA. Dependent variables expressed as percentages were arsine-transformed before analysis. Differences between mean values were evaluated by the Duncan method. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Analyses were performed using the statistical package SPSS 12.0. A total of 98 172 motile sperm trajectories were analyzed by CASA: 52 259 in EY20 and 45 913 in EY10. After 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation, MS and PMS were statistically higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. No significant differences were found for LHD using either extender over a 72-h period. No significant differences were observed for CLV using either extender during the first 2 days. At Day 3, CLV data were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. Similarly, from Day 2, APV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. After 24 h of preservation, SLV was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY10, whereas the opposite tendency was found at Day 3. No significant differences were observed for SLV using either extender after 48 h of preservation. During the first 2 days, acrosome integrity was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. At hour 72, higher acrosome integrity (P < 0.001) was observed in EY10. In conclusion, we have observed that the EY20 extender provided higher motility after 72 h of chilled preservation; however, the acrosome membrane integrity was better preserved in EY10.


2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 159
Author(s):  
A. Vetokh ◽  
A. Tadzhieva ◽  
B. Iolchiev ◽  
N. Volkova ◽  
V. Bagirov

The results of AI depend on many factors, with the quality of semen being one of the most important. Not all male hybrids can meet the requirements for semen quality, because they often have reduced fertility following cryopreservation. Thus, it is necessary to improve semen processing before use in AI. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using the “swim-up” flotation method to improve sperm quality of hybrid males of the Ovis genus. Semen from interspecific hybrid rams (1/4 Argali×3/4 Romanov, n=15; 1/8 Argali×7/8 Romanov, n=15) was freshly obtained, frozen–thawed, and processed by the swim-up method. Evaluation of sperm motility was determined using computer-assisted semen analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS vs.15.0 (ANOVA and t-test; SPSS Inc.). Semen was collected during the breeding season (October–December) via artificial vagina. Assessment of acrosome integrity was determined using differential staining with a Diachem diff-quick kit (NPF ABRIS+). The degree of sperm DNA fragmentation was determined using the acridine-orange test. The sperm freezing/thawing cycle was accompanied by sperm damage and an increase in the proportion of immobile sperm from 10 to 58%, with non-progressive movement increasing from 9 to 19.3%. The number of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology doubled, and the DNA fragmentation index increased from 16 to 26%. Use of the swim-up procedure allowed us to sort progressively motile spermatozoa. The content of progressively motile spermatozoa in the samples obtained from the supernatant was 86%, which was 2.3 times higher than in frozen–thawed sperm (P≤0,01). The obtained results show the effective use of the swim-up procedure to determine the quality of semen in hybrid rams. These studies were carried out with financial support from the Russian Science Foundation, grant No. 18-16-00079 and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 824
Author(s):  
Fabio Mosca ◽  
Luisa Zaniboni ◽  
Ahmad Abdel Sayed ◽  
Nicolaia Iaffaldano ◽  
Dominga Soglia ◽  
...  

In seeking alternative cryoprotectants to glycerol for a reference chicken semen freezing procedure, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two concentrations of N-Methylacetamide (MA) and two thawing rates on the quality of frozen-thawed semen. Semen samples were diluted in Lake pre-freezing extender, including 0.1 M trehalose in presence of 6% or 9% MA, loaded into straws, frozen in nitrogen vapors, and stored in liquid nitrogen. The following thawing treatments were used: 5 °C for 100 s and 38 °C for 30 s. Sperm quality (cell membrane integrity, motility and kinetic parameters) was assessed before and after cryopreservation. The decrease of MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved sperm quality after freezing/thawing and this effect was dependent on thawing temperature. Decreasing the MA concentration from 9 to 6% improved the proportion of undamaged membrane, motile, and progressive motile sperm recovered after thawing at 5 °C for 100 s; in contrast, no effect of the MA concentration was observed thawing at 38 °C for 30 s. Therefore, the treatment with 6% MA and thawing at 5 °C for 100 s has given the best cryoprotective action. These results contribute to improve the efficacy of the current chicken semen cryopreservation procedures.


2010 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-579 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Kordan ◽  
M. Lecewicz ◽  
R. Strzeżek ◽  
A. Dziekońska ◽  
L. Fraser

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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kahynna Cavalcante Loureiro ◽  
Isabel Bezerra Lima-Verde ◽  
Anders Johannisson ◽  
Theodoros Ntallaris ◽  
Alessandro Jager ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Cryopreservation of stallion spermatozoa tends to cause plasma membrane damage due to the low ratio of cholesterol to phospholipids. Gums have been suggested as an alternative cryoprotectant to glycerol for stallion spermatozoa. Therefore, the present experiment was designed to verify whether the effect of addition of cashew gum (CG), or nanoparticles (NP) containing CG, to the extender before cooling on sperm quality in stallion semen. Ejaculates from 6 stallions were extended and split between six treatment groups (control, a-tocopherol [TOC], CG1, CG0.5, NP1 and NP0.5), stored in cryotubes at 4 °C. Results Aliquots were analysed by computer-assisted sperm motility analysis on the day of collection, and after 24 h and 48 h of cold storage. After 48 h, the total motility with NP1 (78.53 + 6.31%) was similar to control 85.79 + 6.31% at 0 h. The same pattern was observed for progressive motility. Membrane integrity assessed by flow cytometer was similar between control, TOC and G1 at all storage times. The DNA fragmentation in the control group increased at all time points, whereas chromatin integrity was maintained after 24 h in TOC and NP0.5 compared to 0 h. There was no increase in the proportion of live spermatozoa producing hydrogen peroxide, but there was a tendency for an increased proportion of spermatozoa in the live superoxide category in CG1 after 24 h cooled storage. Conclusions The addition of CG or CG-derived NP to extender for stallion semen was not harmful to the sperm cells.


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