scholarly journals Use of computer-assisted sperm motility assessment and multivariate pattern analysis to characterize ejaculate quality in Mohor gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr): effects of body weight, electroejaculation technique and short-term semen storage

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 265-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Abaigar ◽  
M Cano ◽  
AR Pickard ◽  
WV Holt

Subjective and objective semen assessments were performed on 18 male Mohor gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr). Sperm motility assessments combined with sperm plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity evaluations were undertaken as part of a captive breeding programme. The primary objective was to test methodology for short-term preservation of gazelle semen for artificial insemination (storage in N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid-Tris diluent (TEST) for up to 96 h at 17 degrees C). However, the secondary objective was to investigate phenotypic and genotypic influences on semen quality within this small population, which was established in 1971 with only 12 genetic founders. Sperm motility was measured by computer-assisted semen assessment and the data were analysed using a pattern analysis technique to detect and quantify naturally occurring sperm subpopulations within the semen samples. Four sperm subpopulations distinguishable by their motion characteristics were detected. The relative frequencies of two subpopulations (population 2: highly motile, non-linear; and population 4: poorly motile, non-linear) in fresh semen were correlated with the maximum voltage used during electroejaculation. The frequency of subpopulation 2 was negatively correlated with maximum voltage (r = -0.875, P < 0.0001) and the frequency of subpopulation 4 was positively correlated (r = 0.727, P < 0.005). The frequencies of all subpopulations varied significantly among the animals sampled (chi-squared = 2577.6, degrees of freedom = 54, P < 0.0001) and subpopulation 4 was also correlated with body weight (r = -0.59, P < 0.005). Semen stored at 17 degrees C retained motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity for 48 h, but these measures decreased thereafter. The frequency of a sperm subpopulation showing uncoordinated but active motility increased significantly over the first 48 h and then decreased.

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 183
Author(s):  
M. Ahmad ◽  
N. Ahmad ◽  
A. Riaz ◽  
M. Anzar

Extent and timing of alterations in structures and functions of sperm after its placement in the female reproductive tract are important for successful fertilization. To our knowledge, the few reports are available on the kinetics of alterations in bovine sperm structures and functions during pathway to their death. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the changes in motility, acrosome and plasma membrane asymmetry in fresh and frozen–thawed semen during incubation at 37°C over the period of 24 h. Semen was collected from 3 breeding beef bulls, pooled, and considered as one replicate (total replicates = 5). Each pooled semen sample was diluted in Tris-citric acid egg yolk glycerol extender (pH 6.8), cooled to +4°C over 90 min, and then cryopreserved by a programmable cell freezer. Fresh (pooled semen) and frozen–thawed semen were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Each semen sample was evaluated for sperm motility with computer-assisted semen analysis and acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane asymmetry using fluorescein isothiocyanate-peanut agglutinin/propidium iodide and Annexin V/propidium iodide assays, respectively, at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h of incubation at 37°C, with a flow cytometer. Statistical analysis was conducted using PROC MIXED model in statistical analysis system as 2 (semen types) × 6 (times) factorial model, using time as repeated measure. Progressive motility was higher (P < 0.05) in fresh than in frozen–thawed semen until 6 h. Progressive motility declined (P < 0.05) below the threshold level (i.e. 30%) much later (12 h) in fresh as compared with frozen–thawed semen (2 h). However, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane asymmetry deteriorated (P < 0.05) below threshold at the same time interval (2 h) in both fresh and frozen–thawed semen. Viable sperm (AN–/PI–) remained higher (P < 0.05) during the first 6 h in fresh than in frozen–thawed semen and declined (P < 0.05) below the threshold at 12 h in fresh and at 6 h in frozen–thawed semen. In fresh semen, the necrotic sperm (AN–/PI+) population increased (P < 0.05) over time and reached maximum (97%) at 24 h. In frozen–thawed semen, a mixed population of late apoptotic (53%) and necrotic (34%) sperm was found at 24 h. In conclusion, the alterations in sperm motility, acrosomes, plasma membrane integrity, and asymmetry were slower in fresh than in frozen–thawed semen. Fresh sperm followed necrosis and frozen–thawed sperm underwent necrosis and apoptosis-like pathways, respectively. This study was supported by the Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship Program by the Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE), and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 213
Author(s):  
N. Satake ◽  
S. D. Johnston ◽  
W. V. Holt

Koala semen contains a heterogeneous mixture of sperm morphotypes, mainly attributable to extreme degree of shape variability displayed by the hooked sperm head. By analogy with other species, we anticipate that the morphotypes may exhibit correspondingly different sperm-motility behaviors, largely caused by the differences in hydrodynamic interactions with the suspending media. This trend has been shown in human spermatozoa where motility behavior was demonstrably correlated with the sperm head morphology (Overstreet et al. 1981). In this study, we have investigated the heterogeneity of koala sperm motility profiles in semen in an effort to determine whether distinct sperm subpopulations within ejaculates are recognizable by the use of computer-assisted sperm motility analysis. Ejaculates from 5 males were collected by electroejaculation, then diluted and transported in Tris-citrate-glucose (TCG) diluent. Spermatozoa were washed through a 35–60% Percoll gradient to separate seminal plasma and the majority of the prostatic bodies from spermatozoa. Spermatozoa from the washed pellet were then diluted in TCG at 35°C, incubated for 10 min, and video recorded using a negative phase ×10 objective. Sperm motion parameters were then analyzed using the Hobson sperm tracker (Hobson Vision Systems, UK: Holt et al. 1996 J. Androl. 17, 587–596). Multivariate pattern analysis (PATN; CSIRO Australia; Abaigar 1999 Biol. Reprod. 60, 32–41) was used to distinguish 3 sperm subgroups, consistently shown in each ejaculate, within the data (1936 tracks × 6 kinetic parameters; VCL, VAP, MAD, BCF, ALH, LIN). After group allocation by PATN, all parameters showed significant differences between each of the groups (P < 0.0001). Group 1, approximately 25% of the sperm tracks, showed profiles of spermatozoa with fast, non-linear motility (VCL 106.88 ± 28.15; BCF 3.23 ± 3.81; LIN 14.08 ± 10.20). Group 2, approximately 27% of sperm tracks, showed profiles of fast, linear motility (VCL 63.92 ± 13.50; BCF 7.90 ± 3.42; LIN 28.10 ± 12.15). Group 3, 48% of sperm tracks, showed profiles of slow, non-linear or circular patterns of motility (VCL 39.05 ± 11.92; BCF 0.02 ± 0.35; LIN 5.15 ± 4.88). The recognition of 3 clearly identifiable subgroups supports our hypothesis that heterogeneity of sperm motility patterns exists within koala ejaculates. These may be a reflection of the heterogeneity in sperm-head morphotypes in koala semen, but that remains to be investigated in more detail. The clear distinctions between these groups, and the observation that all 3 subpopulations exist in each of the ejaculates, also suggest that the spermatozoa exhibit functional differences, possibly related to biochemical or maturational status. Many thanks to Dr. Michael Pyne and Dr. Vere Nicholson and their teams and animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctutary and Dreamwolrd QLD for all their help and support for the collection of samples.


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 219
Author(s):  
B. M. Toosi ◽  
G. Gratton ◽  
C. Lessard ◽  
G. P. Adams

Difficulties of adequate cryopreservation of bison semen has limited the success of artificial insemination and in-vitro embryo production in bison. We evaluated the effects of short-term cooling on motility of bison sperm using two commercial semen extenders (Triladyl® and Andromed®; Minitube, Ingersoll, ON, Canada). Semen was collected by electroejaculation of mature wood bison (n = 3) and plains bison (n = 3) twice a week for 2 wk. Upon collection, the ejaculate was divided into 3 equal aliquots, which were then diluted 1:2 (vol/vol) in Triladyl or Andromed, or were not extended (n = 24 samples per treatment). Samples were maintained at 37°C until transfer to the laboratory (≤2 h). One millilitre of each sample was then placed into a test tube (15 mL, BD Falcon, BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA) and were kept in water bath set at 5°C inside a walk-in refrigerator (4°C). Characteristics of sperm motility were evaluated before cooling (Day 0) and every 24 h after cooling for 5 days using a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), velocity curved line (VCL), velocity average path (VAP), and velocity straight line (VSL) were compared among treatments by ANOVA for repeated-measures. Values are expressed as mean ± SEM. After collection, the PM of the raw semen and semen extended in Triladyl or Andromed were not significantly different (63.1 ± 4.4%, 63.3 ± 3.1%, and 56.9 ± 4.5%, respectively). Cooling semen for a period of 24 h resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in PM in all 3 groups (4.4 ± 2.0%, 22.7 ± 2.9%, and 28.7 ± 4.3%, respectively). The PM of semen extended in Tryladyl or Andromed was greater than that of raw semen on Day 1 (P < 0.05). Semen extended in Triladyl and Andromed maintained PM on Day 2 (24.7 ± 3.3% and 21.8 ± 3.8%, respectively), but PM declined progressively to 1.1 ± 0.6% and 6.3 ± 2.1% by Day 5. A similar pattern was observed for the TM. The VCL, VAP, and VSL parameters for semen extended with Triladyl and Andromed decreased gradually between Day 0 and Day 5 (P < 0.05). From Day 1 to 4 after cooling, these velocity parameters were not significantly different between semen extended with Triladyl or Andromed; however, they were greater than those of raw semen (P < 0.05). All sperm velocity parameters for the raw semen declined by more than 60% between Days 0 and 2 (P < 0.05). On Day 0, VCL for semen extended with Andromed (152.2 ± 4.3) was greater than that of semen extended with Triladyl and raw semen (P < 0.05; 122.5 ± 7.0 and 122.4 ± 6.6, respectively). The VCL then decreased to 98.9 ± 12.9, 100.5 ± 10.8, and 18.6 ± 6.8 in Andromed, Triladyl and raw groups respectively on Day 2 (P < 0.05), followed by a further decline to 51.8 ± 14.3, 19.9 ± 10.0, and 9.0 ± 5.0, respectively, observed on Day 5. In conclusion, both Triladyl and Andromed improved characteristics of sperm motility of chilled bison semen. Despite an initial decrease within the first 24 h, bison sperm extended with Triladyl or Andromed maintained an acceptable degree of motility for up to 2 days after chilling to 5°C. Supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Agriculture and Development Fund, and Canadian Animal Genetic Resources program.


2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
S. Demyda-Peyrás

Inbreeding depression, a genetic condition produced by the mating of close-related individuals, has been associated with a reduction of fertility in several species. However, a loss in sperm quality was also associated with age. In horses, the few existing reports have described a tendency of both parameters to produce a negative effect on sperm quality. However, those reports were performed using a subjective evaluation of sperm motility. In the present study, a total of 692 ejaculates from 86 Pure Spanish stallions (PRE), aged between 3 and 22 years, were evaluated using a computer-assisted methodology to determine the effect of inbreeding in four semen parameters: free-gel volume (V), sperm concentration (C, by haemocytometer), and total (TM) and progressive (PM) sperm motility (by Spermvision sperm class analyser; Minitube). The inbreeding coefficient (F) was estimated using 300 000 PRE pedigree records approximately (minimum pedigree depth, eight equivalent complete generations; range, between 1 and 30.1%). Stallion, age, ejaculate, and season of semen collection were the variables included in the statistical model (general linear model), with ejaculate and season being the variables with a major effect (by variance components analysis). Our results showed that sperm concentration (r=−0.18; P&lt;0.0001) and volume (to a lesser extent) were reduced with advancing age, both showing a major decline after 15 years of age. To the contrary, sperm motility was not affected by age of the stallion. We also found a negative correlation between the inbreeding coefficient and ejaculate volume (r=−0.14; P&lt;0.001), with a marked decrease seen when F was between 7 and 20%. Also, a negative correlation was observed in PM (r=−0.08; P&lt;0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, our results demonstrated that high levels of inbreeding can compromise severely the sperm quality of the PRE stallion, which, subsequently, may have a negative influence on fertility. Ongoing studies using genomic data will help to detect genetic variants associated with stallion semen quality and how it is influenced by inbreeding in specific genomic regions.


2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-204 ◽  
Author(s):  
D W Lugar ◽  
W A Krom ◽  
P D Mings ◽  
K R Stewart

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of supplemental betaine in commercially available semen extenders. In experiment 1 (Exp1), semen was collected from six mature boars once weekly for 6 wk (3 wk in summer and 3 wk in winter) and diluted into a commercial extender with the following betaine concentrations: 0, 51, 102, and 205 mM. Semen samples were analyzed on the day of collection (D0) and after 72 h of storage (D3). In experiment 2 (Exp2), semen was collected from four mature boars for 3 wk and was diluted into three commercially available semen extenders (short term, ST; long term with bovine serum albumin, BSA; and long term without BSA, LT), with and without supplemental betaine (0 and 70 mM), and analyzed on D0 and D3. Semen was analyzed using computer-assisted sperm assessment (Ceros II, IMV) and morphology using phase contrast microscopy. In Exp1, total motility on D0 was less for 0 mM than that for 102 mM (P = 0.038) and was substantially reduced for 205 mM compared with 102 mM (P &lt; 0.001). Supplementation with 205 mM betaine resulted in a significant reduction in the percentage of morphologically normal sperm (P &lt; 0.001). In Exp2, 70 mM betaine reduced the total motility compared with 0 mM (P = 0.010) but did not impact percentage of normal sperm (P = 0.942). The use of supplemental betaine may partially alleviate the dilution effect on sperm, though boar genetics may impact its efficacy. Further research is needed to make a definitive conclusion.


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.


1970 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 34-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
AK Rajuana ◽  
MR Tayabur ◽  
MA Hoque ◽  
SS Husain ◽  
Z Sultana

Repeatability for seminal traits and their phenotypic relationships with testes measurements and performance traits in Black Bengal bucks were estimated from a total of 116 repeated observations on 15 young Black Bengal bucks. Performance traits included age, body condition and body weight of bucks. Testes measurements were testes length, breadth and volume, and scrotal circumference, while seminal traits were ejaculate volume, semen density, mass activity, sperm motility, sperm concentration, total sperm per ejaculation and percent of normal sperm. High positive correlations (ranging from 0.81 to 0.90) were found between body weight and testes measurements. Semen volume and percent of normal sperm were positively correlated with age, body condition and body weight of bucks (ranging from 0.24 to 0.60). The testes measurements were strongly and positively correlated with semen volume and total sperm per ejaculation (ranging from 0.53 to 0.61), while the correlations between testes measurement and percent of normal sperm were moderate (ranging from 0.34 to 0.44). Among seminal traits, strong correlations were found between semen volume and total sperm per ejaculation (0.81) and, between mass activity and sperm motility (0.82). Repeatability of ejaculate volume was higher (r = 0.78) which indicated that selection or culling for semen ejaculate volume could be practiced from single or few observations. It could be concluded that bucks’ age, body weight and body condition along with testes volume should be considered as selection criteria for improving semen quality and semen production of breeding bucks. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2.9879 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 34-41


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fitrah Khairi

This study was conducted to find the rate of body weight ideal study Simental cows to produce production and the best quality fresh semen. The material used in this study were 9 males Simental cows were divided into 3 ranges of body weight as a treatment that is P1 = low body weight (822-878 kg), P2 = moderate weight (910-958 kg) and P3 = body weight high  (983-1041 kg). The number of cows in each group of body weight is considered as replicates. The method used was a survey method. The research is designed to completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and weight range 3 replications. Each stud cows housed cement 2 times per week for 12 weeks so that each cow cement accommodated as many as 24 times. Parameters observed in this study is that the volume of fresh cement production of cement per shelter and semen quality bulls include sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by Duncan test if there are significant levels of different body weights. The results showed that differences in body weight bulls simental not significant (P>0.05) for fresh semen volume, sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa. Mean semen volume is best found in the high body weight group, whereas sperm motility and concentration of spermatozoa present in body weight groups were.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (03) ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
A. J. Dhami ◽  
Tapasvi M Patel ◽  
DV Chaudhari

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.


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