scholarly journals Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Conjugated Linoleic Acids and Their Inclusion in Semen Extenders on Bovine Sperm Quality

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 483
Author(s):  
Mohammed S. Liman ◽  
Vittoria Franco ◽  
Claudia L. Cardoso ◽  
Valentina Longobardi ◽  
Bianca Gasparrini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Conjugated Linoleic Acids ◽  
Factor I ◽  
Bovine Sperm ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Oxidative Species

Isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) enhances circulating insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels. Furthermore, fertility rate of breeding bulls is positively correlated to seminal plasma IGF-I concentration. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary CLA supplementation and inclusion to the semen extender on bovine semen quality and freezability. Fourteen bulls, randomly assigned to control (CTL) and CLA (50 g/day) groups, were supplemented for 10 weeks. Samples were collected at Weeks −2 (before supplementation), 0, 4, 6 (during supplementation), 10, and 11 (after supplementation). Blood and seminal plasma were analyzed for IGF-I; the ejaculates were frozen in the following subgroups: CTL (no addition to semen extender), CLA c9, t11 (50 µM), CLA c9, t11 (100 µM), CLA t10, c12 (50 µM), CLA t10, c12 (100 µM), and CLA mix (50 µM each of CLA c9, t11 and CLA t10, c12). Sperm motility, morphology, viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxidative species were assessed. CLA supplementation decreased ejaculates’ total volume, increased sperm concentration, beat cross frequency, and decreased oxidative stress; it also increased plasma and seminal plasma IGF-I levels compared to the CTL. The inclusion of CLA c9, t11 100 µM and CLA mixture in the extender increased live spermatozoa percentage post-thawing compared to other groups. Our results show a beneficial effect of CLA supplementation on semen quality; however, further studies evaluating fertilization rates are necessary to corroborate the results.

Association between kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and macroscopic indicators of semen analysis: their relation to sperm motility

2009 ◽  
Vol 390 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nashmil Emami ◽  
Andreas Scorilas ◽  
Antoninus Soosaipillai ◽  
Tammy Earle ◽  
Brendan Mullen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Differential Diagnosis ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Differentially Expressed ◽  
Viscosity Data ◽  
Clinical Value

Abstract Human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are a family of proteases, the majority of which are found in seminal plasma and have been implicated in semen liquefaction. Here, we examined the clinical value of seminal KLKs in the evaluation of semen quality and differential diagnosis and etiology of abnormal liquefaction and/or viscosity. KLK1–3, 5–8, 10, 11, 13, and 14 were analyzed, using highly specific ELISA assays. Samples were categorized into four clinical groups, according to their state of liquefaction and viscosity. Data were compared between the clinical groups and in association with other parameters of sperm quality, including number of motile sperms, straight line speed, sperm concentration, volume, pH, and patient age. Seminal KLKs were found to be differentially expressed in the four clinical groups. Combination of KLK2, 3, 13, and 14 and KLK1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13, and 14 showed very strong discriminatory potential for semen liquefaction and viscosity, respectively. Liquefaction state was associated with several parameters of sperm motility. Finally, KLK14 was differentially expressed in asthenospermic cases. In conclusion, the expression level of several seminal plasma KLKs correlates with liquefaction and viscosity indicators of semen quality and may aid in their differential diagnosis and etiology.

scholarly journals Macro- and microelements in serum and seminal plasma as biomarkers for bull sperm cryotolerance

2021 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maja Zakošek Pipan ◽  
Petra Zrimšek ◽  
Breda Jakovac Strajn ◽  
Katarina Pavšič Vrtač ◽  
Tanja Knific ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Freezing And Thawing ◽  
Additional Tool ◽  
Bull Semen ◽  
Bull Sperm ◽  
Fresh Semen

ABSTRACT Background Wide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality. Results Zinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics. Conclusions Microelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

Factors affecting the response of working boars to changing environmental temperature

1991 ◽  
Vol 1991 ◽  
pp. 140-140
Author(s):  
Angela H Cliff ◽  
J H Dunne ◽  
P R English ◽  
J S M Hutchinson ◽  
O Macpherson
Keyword(s):  
Heat Stress ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Environmental Temperature ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
High Environmental Temperature ◽  
Sudden Rise ◽  
Sperm Output

It is well established that high environmental temperature can have adverse effects on sperm concentration and the normality of sperm in the boar. Induced abnormalities include reduced motility, abnormal heads, proximal droplets, coiled and bent tails and abnormal acrosomes (Malmgren and Larsson, 1989). While all stages of spermatogenesis can be adversely affected, the primary spermatocytes are most vulnerable to these influences. Since spermatogenesis occurs over 45 days, any adverse effects of elevated ambient temperature can affect sperm quality for around 6 weeks. The maximum period of infertility appears around weeks 3 and 4 after heat stress. Reduced levels of testosterone and sometimes of LH following heat stress are implicated in these adverse effects. There is evidence that boars subjected to high constant temperature (30°C), which have become acclimatised to such, are affected less in terms of sperm output and quality (Cameron and Blackshaw, 1980) than when boars are subject to sudden major increases in temperature from fairly low levels (15 to 30 C) e.g. during the summer months (Antonyuk et al, 1983). There also appears to be large differences between boars in their ability to adapt to exposure to high environmental temperature by minimising temperature rise and avoiding adverse effects on semen quality (Cameron and Blackshaw, 1980). These workers found that boars prone to heat stress show an acute rise in body temperature in response to elevated environmental temperature and this sudden rise has a more adverse effect on semen quality than the length of exposure to the elevated temperature. There appears to be little information available on the reasons for such important between boar differences. This study was carried out to determine rectal temperature responses of boars to varying summer temperature in an intensive pig enterprise in Scotland and to attempt to determine some of the factors associated with ‘high’ and ‘low’ responding boars.

scholarly journals The Association Between Race, Obesity, and Sperm Quality Among Men Attending a University Physician Practice in Washington, DC

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 155798832092598
Author(s):  
Nathan L. McCray ◽  
Heather A. Young ◽  
Michael S. Irwig ◽  
David Frankfurter ◽  
Arnold M. Schwartz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
World Health ◽  
Washington Dc ◽  
Physician Practice ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Men Of Color ◽  
Hispanic Men

A decades-long decline in sperm counts in Western countries has coincided with an increase in obesity rates, prompting study into their association. Few of these studies have incorporated men of color, the sperm health of whom is relatively unknown. The present exploratory study evaluated the association between body mass index (BMI), race, ethnicity, and sperm parameters among a diverse sample of U.S. men attending a Washington, DC physician practice. Semen samples were collected and processed at a single laboratory and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and count were evaluated according to World Health Organization (WHO) 5th edition criteria. Multivariate models accounted for covariates related to sperm health. The study population ( n = 128) was largely obese (45.3%) or overweight (34.4%), and 36.0% were black or Hispanic. Black men had lower adjusted sperm concentration compared to white men (75.0 million/mL to 107.4 million/mL, p = .01) and were more likely to have oligozoospermia ( p = .01), asthenozoospermia ( p = .004), and low sperm count ( p < .0001). Hispanic men had higher adjusted sperm concentration compared to non-Hispanic men (124.5 million/mL to 62.1 million/mL, p = .007) and were less likely to have teratozoospermia ( p = .001). Obesity and BMI were associated with lower sperm motility and count in crude models only. Given the study’s sample size its findings should be interpreted with caution but align with the limited epidemiological literature to date that has evaluated racial and ethnic differences in semen quality. Heightened clinical research attention is needed to ensure men of color are included in representative numbers in studies of urologic and andrologic health.

23 Sperm quality of Pure Spanish stallions is affected by inbreeding coefficient and age

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 137
Author(s):  
Y. Pirosanto ◽  
M. Valera ◽  
A. Molina ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
S. Demyda-Peyrás
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Inbreeding Depression ◽  
Negative Correlation ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Inbreeding Coefficient ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Computer Assisted

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.

Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 882-889 ◽  
Author(s):  
María F García ◽  
Romina Nuñez Favre ◽  
María C Stornelli ◽  
Ramiro Rearte ◽  
María C García Mitacek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Count ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Sds Page ◽  
The Relationship

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.

scholarly journals Secular variations in sperm quality: fact or science fiction?

2002 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 403-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luc Multigner ◽  
Alejandro Oliva
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Human Sperm ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Homogeneous Groups ◽  
Secular Variations

The debate concerning the possible degradation in human sperm quality began in the 1970s, was revived at the beginning of the 1990s and has continued to mobilize the scientific community ever since. After the meta-analysis by Carlsen et al. (1992) showing a decline in human semen quality over the last 50 years, several groups investigated the sperm characteristics of more or less homogeneous groups of men who had provided semen at the same center for 10 to 20 years. A significant decrease in sperm concentration was reported in some studies, but not in others. Meanwhile, there is an increasing number of reports suggesting that physical and chemical factors introduced and spread by human activity in the environment may have contributed to sperm decline. At the end of the 20th century the debate on declining semen quality is not closed. The lack of certainty and the serious consequences that such a decline would have on the fertility of human populations make this an important public health issue at the start of the 21st century. For this reason, intensive research should be developed in both fundamental and epidemiological domains, particularly in South America, where industrial and agricultural pollution pose a serious threat to the population.

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
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Alkaline Phosphatase ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Total Protein ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sodium Dodecyl ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Volume Viscosity ◽  
Glutamyl Transferase

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.

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

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abhradip Majumder ◽  
Manjula Thakur ◽  
Mukesh Bhakat ◽  
Manorama Saha ◽  
Tushar Kumar Mohanty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Seminal Plasma ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Sod Activity ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
T1 And T2 ◽  
Cu And Zn ◽  
In Blood Plasma

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.

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