Effect of Dietary Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Semen Quality of Murrah Bulls

Author(s):  
Abhradip Majumder ◽  
Manjula Thakur ◽  
Mukesh Bhakat ◽  
Manorama Saha ◽  
Tushar Kumar Mohanty ◽  
...  

The effect of dietary supplementation of Cu and Zn on semen quality parameters and certain bio-chemicals parameters were evaluated in Murrah bulls. Twelve mature Murrah bulls (4-6 years of age) were divided into three groups (n=4) T1, T2, and T3 based on semen volume and concentration and were fed as per ICAR standard (2013). However, the animals were supplemented with 0%, 25%, and 50% Cu and Zn above the basal diet in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively for 180 days. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen, blood and seminal plasma antioxidant status, blood and semen minerals (Cu, Zn, Ca and Mn) were determined in experimental Murrah bulls. Semen ejaculate volume (mL) increased in T2 and T3 while sperm concentration (million/mL), intact acrosome (%), HOST reacted spermatozoa (%) increased in T3 group compared to T1 and T2 groups. No difference was observed in mass motility, pH, live spermatozoa (%) in semen sexual behaviour except dismounting time which was decreased in T3 than T1 and T2 (plessthan0.05). SOD activity in blood plasma and LPO activity decreased in seminal plasma in both T2 and T3 groups than T1, whereas catalase activity did not show any significant difference. Cu and Zn supplementation in T2 group improved plessthan0.05) Zn level in blood and seminal plasma and Cu level in blood plasma only, but not in seminal plasma. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of Zn and Cu at 50% above the recommended levels of ICAR (2013) improved the qualitative and quantitative attributes of semen in Murrah bulls.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Zou ◽  
Xiaogang Wang ◽  
Qing Chen ◽  
Huan Yang ◽  
Niya Zhou ◽  
...  

Objectives. To study the associations between kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma and blood plasma and semen quality. Materials and Methods. We conducted a male reproductive health survey in June 2014. A total of 666 volunteers were recruited from colleges in Chongqing, China. All volunteers completed a questionnaire including information on domestic characteristics and some potential confounders. We tested the kisspeptin levels in both blood and seminal plasma. Total seminal kisspeptin was calculated as the concentration of kisspeptin in seminal plasma multiplied by semen volume. Semen samples were tested according to the 2010 World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines. Spearman correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to explore the association between kisspeptin concentrations in seminal plasma and blood plasma and semen quality. Potential confounders that were adjusted for included age, abstinence time, body mass index (BMI), grade, and smoking. Results. The median of kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma was 60,000 times higher than kisspeptin in blood plasma (28.0 × 106 pg/ml versus 448.9 pg/ml). Each interquartile range (IQR) of kisspeptin in seminal plasma was associated with a 4.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6%–7.6%) increase in sperm concentration. Each IQR of total kisspeptin was associated with a 7.7% (95% CI: 4.4%–11.0%) increase in total sperm number and a 7.8% (95% CI: 4.0%–11.7%) increase in total motile sperm count. Kisspeptin levels were further classified into quartiles and Q1 was set as the reference level. Subjects in the high total kisspeptin group had 57.5% (95% CI: 33.2%–86.2%) higher total sperm number than the reference group. Conclusion. The positive association between kisspeptin levels in seminal plasma and semen quality supported an important role for the KISS1/GPR54 system in male reproductive health. Kisspeptin may be a potential marker of male reproductive health and an alternative strategy for treating infertility.


Animals ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 547 ◽  
Author(s):  
Youssef A. Attia ◽  
Asmaa Sh. El-Naggar ◽  
Bahaa M. Abou-Shehema ◽  
Ahmed A. Abdella

In this study, we investigated the influence of betaine (Bet, 1000 mg/kg), with or without vitamin C (VC, 200 mg/kg ascorbic acid) and/or vitamin E (VE, 150 mg/kg α-tocopherol acetate) on semen quality, seminal and blood plasma constituents, antioxidants’ status, DNA repair, and the welfare of chronic heat stress (CHS)-exposed roosters. A total of 54 roosters were divided into six groups of nine replicates. One group was kept under thermoneutral conditions, whereas the other five were kept under CHS. One of the five groups served as an unsupplemented CHS group, and was fed with a basal diet. The other four CHS groups were supplemented with Bet, Bet + VC, Bet + VE, and Bet + VC + VE, respectively. Our data indicate that supplementation with Bet, Bet + VC, Bet + VE, and Bet + VC + VE, resulted in complete recovery of the CHS effect on sperm concentration and livability, semen pH, and fertility compared to the thermoneutral group. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was significantly (p < 0.05) increased with Bet, with or without vitamins, compared to the thermoneutral and CHS groups. Urea and blood plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) were totally recovered with Bet, with or without vitamin treatments. Both the jejunum and ileum DNA were partially recovered following Bet, with or without vitamin supplementation. In conclusion, Bet, at 1000 mg/kg feed, may be a useful agent for increasing semen quality, fertility, welfare, and to improve the breeding strategy of breeder males in hot climates.


2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2-1) ◽  
pp. 303-306
Author(s):  
Tijjani Haruna Usman ◽  
Saleh Mohammed Sir ◽  
Ma’aruf Bashir Sani

The experiment was carried out to compare the semen characteristics of indigenous and Amo strains of cockerel at poultry unit of teaching and research farm of Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. Semen samples were collected from nine indigenous and nine Amo breeds of cockerel at three days interval for two weeks using abdominal massage technique. Semen samples were examined macroscopically for semen colour, pH and ejaculation volume. Then, microscopic observation was carried for sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live and dead sperms percentage, normal and abnormal sperm, all for semen characteristics. The results showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between mass motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration and head defects of 4.85 ± 0.27 to 4.37 ± 0.19, 95.13 ± 0.43 to 81.63 ± 1.15%, 4.93 ± 1.84 to 3.40 ± 1.07×109/ml and 2.96 ± 0.17 to 3.44 ± 0.12% for indigenous and Amo breeds of cockerel, respectively. There were no significant differences observed as semen colour, ejaculate volume, semen pH, live / dead normal sperm neck (mid-piece), tail defects and sperm total abnormalities were found to be 2.85 ± 0.07 to 2.00 ± 0.090.21 ± 0.17 to 0.20 ± 0.02 /ml, 88.85 ± 0.58 to 72.70 ± 0.54% /ml, 11.14 ± 0.58 to 27.29 ± 0.54%, 81.00 ± 0.78 to 66.22 ± 0.61%,9.03 ± 0.42 to 13.96 ± 0.47%, 9.70 ±  to 13.00 ± 0.30 and 21.70 ± 0.59 to 30.40 ± 0.53% for the indigenous and Amo breed groups of cockerel, respectively. It was concluded that semen quality characteristics could be differed between genetically improved (Amo strain) and indigenous breed of cockerels.


2019 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
Wenli Cao ◽  
Xinyao Pan ◽  
Feijun Ye ◽  
Jing Zhou ◽  
Zengshu Huang ◽  
...  

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the semen quality of male adults whose spouses suffer from recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) in the island area, and to explore the association between RSA and occupational exposures. Methods: A total of 131 male patients were recruited and divided into two groups: spouse with recurrent spontaneous abortion group (RSA group, [Formula: see text]) and the normal fertility group (control group, [Formula: see text]). Information such as height, weight and occupational exposure history of 131 men were obtained. Semen samples were collected and analyzed. Differences in semen parameters and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) between the two groups were compared. Odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate the association between occupational exposures and RSA status. Results: Overall, no significant difference was found in sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology rate between RSA and control groups. Only DFI was observed to be significantly higher in the RSA group. Evaluation of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed DFI (AUC: 0.623, [Formula: see text]) could discriminate between males from the couples with RSA and without RSA. Conclusion: The analysis of conventional semen parameters could not directly reflect their influence on embryonic development, and test of integrity of the sperm DNA is of paramount importance to fully understand male fertility. It is crucial to conduct studies regarding occupational exposures and pregnancy loss and/or RSA risk, since it will provide population-level data to aid in the identification of important risk factors that warrant further mechanistic investigation, and eventually lead to effective prevention and treatment strategies.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tchoula Mamiafo Corinne ◽  
Pieme Constant Anatole ◽  
Ngogang Yonkeu Jeanne

Objective. Hormones play a vital role in initiating and maintaining male reproductive function. The present study explores the influence and predictive ability of two reproductive hormones on semen quality among men who were partners in an infertile couple. Design. During our cross sectional study, men were recruited from private and public hospital and laboratories for clinical evaluation of fertility status. Methods. Fresh semen samples were assessed for quality (concentration, motility and morphology) according to the 2010 World Health Organization manual and the serum levels of hormones, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Inhibin B was measured (ELISA). Results. We found a significant difference in the two groups regarding sperm concentration (p<0.0001), total sperm count (p<0.0001), progressive motility (p<0.0001), vitality (p<0.0001) and the percentage of normal forms (p=0.043). We found a strong and negative correlation between FSH and Inhibin B in the overall population, the normozoospermic reference group and the case group. Our study confirmed that Inhibin B was significantly and positively correlated with sperm concentration and leucocytes, and that FSH was negatively correlated to sperm concentration and vitality. Conclusion. Consistent with other studies, our results show strong association between semen quality and FSH and Inhibin B.


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.


Author(s):  
Gurjot Kaur Mavi ◽  
P.P. Dubey ◽  
Ranjna S. Cheema ◽  
S. K. Dash ◽  
B. K. Bansal

The present study was conducted to characterize the semen quality parameters in roosters of three genetic groups viz. Rhode Island Red (RIR), Punjab Red and RIR X local cross. The roosters for each genetic group were also evaluated for fertility rate. There was no significant difference in color, pH and abnormalities among different genetic groups. RIR X local cross had significant higher (p less than 0.01) ejaculate volume (0.51±0.02 ml vs. 0.27±0.01 and 0.30±0.01ml), sperm concentration (2804.70±114.61 vs. 1826.10±77.66 and 2133.50±81.18X106 sperms/ml), sperm motility % (66.60±2.12 vs. 55.38±1.82 and 51.95±1.84), sperm viability % (72.43±2.06 vs. 64.67±1.88 and 51.25±1.89) and HOST % (64.59±2.61 vs. 58.55±1.17 and 47.09±2.11) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively. Interestingly, RIR X local cross had significant lower (p less than 0.01) partially damaged sperm % (36.96±2.81 vs. 41.84±1.78 and 48.98±1.89) and fully damaged sperm % (14.15±3.39 vs. 26.27±1.93 and 31.25±2.46) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively indicating desirable performance. The fertility rate for RIR X local cross was also found to be higher than Punjab Red and RIR respectively. Sperm traits were significantly positively correlated among groups with high correlation between fertility rate and sperm traits. It can be concluded that the selection of roosters on the basis of sperm function tests for artificial insemination may improve fertility rate and thereby may reduce maintenance cost of large number of cocks.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hampl ◽  
Jana Kubátová ◽  
Vladimír Sobotka ◽  
Jiří Heráček

AbstractThe data on hormonal steroids in the human seminal plasma and their role in spermatogenesis are summarized. The seminal steroid levels need not correlate with the blood plasma levels. The recent reports showed that androgen, especially dihydrotestosterone, and the estrogen levels in the seminal fluid may be used as the markers of spermatogenesis impairment. The estradiol concentration in the seminal plasma was higher than in the blood plasma, and its levels were significantly increased in men with impaired spermatogenesis. A good indicator for predicting the normal spermatogenesis, therefore, seems to be the testosterone/estradiol ratio. The seminal plasma also contains significant amounts of cortisol, which influences the androgen biosynthesis through its receptors in the Leydig cells. The local balance between cortisol and inactive cortisone is regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the activity of which may be affected by the environmental chemicals acting as the endocrine disruptors (EDCs). These compounds are believed to participate in worsening the semen quality – the sperm count, motility, and morphology, as witnessed in the recent last decades. As to the steroids’ role in the testis, the EDCs may act as antiandrogens by inhibiting the enzymes of testosterone biosynthesis, as the agonists or antagonists through their interaction with the steroid hormone receptors, or at the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Surprisingly, though the EDCs affect the steroid action in the testis, there is no report of a direct association between the concentrations of steroids and the EDCs in the seminal fluid. Therefore, measuring the steroids in the semen, along with the various EDCs, could help us better understand the role of the EDCs in the male reproduction.


1983 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 725-729 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Claus ◽  
D. Schopper ◽  
H.-G. Wagner

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