Predictive Capacity of Boar Sperm Morphometry and Morphometric Sub-Populations on Reproductive Success after Artificial Insemination

The aim of the study was to compare the morphometric features of sperm head size and shape from the Pietrain line and the Duroc × Pietrain boar crossbred terminal lines, and to evaluate their relationship with reproductive success after artificial insemination of sows produced from crossbreeding the York, Landrace and Pietrain breeds. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars. Only ejaculates with greater than 70% motility rate and < 15% of abnormal sperm were used for artificial inseminations (AI) and included in the study. Samples were analyzed using an ISAS®v1 computer-assisted sperm analysis system for eight morphometric parameters of head shape and size (CASA-Morph). Sub-populations of morphometric ejaculates were characterized using multivariate procedures, such as principal component (PC) analysis and clustering methods (k-means model). Four different ejaculate sub-populations were identified from two PCs that involved the head shape and size of the spermatozoa. The discriminant ability of the different morphometric sperm variables to predict sow litter size was analyzed using a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Sperm head length, ellipticity, elongation, and regularity showed significant predictive capacity on litter size (0.59, 0.59, 0.60, and 0.56 area under curve (AUC), respectively). The morphometric sperm sub-populations were not related to sow litter size.

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Relationship between Fertility Traits and Kinematics in Clusters of Boar Ejaculates

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10070595 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (7) ◽

pp. 595

Author(s):

Vinicio Barquero ◽

Eduardo R. S. Roldan ◽

Carles Soler ◽

Bernardo Vargas-Leitón ◽

Francisco Sevilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Clustering Methods ◽

Operating Characteristics ◽

Kinematic Parameters ◽

Roc Curve Analysis ◽

Predictive Capacity ◽

Head Displacement ◽

Multivariate Procedures ◽

Discriminant Ability ◽

Principal Factors

The aim was to determine the relationship between kinematic parameters of boar spermatozoa and fertility rates of sow, as well as to assess the effect of sperm clusters on the fertility capacity of the ejaculate. Semen samples were collected from 11 sexually mature boars. Samples were analyzed by an ISAS®v1 CASA-Mot system for eight kinematic parameters. Ejaculate clusters were characterized using multivariate procedures, such as principal factors (PFs) analysis and clustering methods (the k-means model). Four different ejaculate clusters were identified from two kinematic PFs which involved linear trajectory and velocity. There were differences (p < 0.05) between the sperm kinematic variables by sire line. There was no statistical difference (p > 0.05) between dam lines and ejaculate clusters in fertility variables. The discriminant ability of the different kinematics of sperm variables to predict litter size fertility was analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis. Curvilinear velocity (VCL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) showed significant, albeit limited, predictive capacity for litter size fertility variables (range: 0.55–0.58 area under curve, AUC). The kinematic analysis of the ejaculates in clusters did not have a predictive capacity for litter size variables.

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309 MORPHOMETRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LAMA GLAMA SPERM HEAD

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv22n1ab309 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

pp. 310

Author(s):

C. I. Casaretto ◽

D. Lombardo ◽

S. Giuliano ◽

M. Gambarotta ◽

M. I. Carretero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Artificial Insemination ◽

Companion Animals ◽

Sperm Head ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Equivalent Circle Diameter ◽

Curve Length ◽

Length Width ◽

Sperm Morphometry ◽

Lama Glama ◽

Circle Diameter

During the last decades, the interest in breeding South American Camelids has increased, not only as companion animals but also for their high- quality fiber. Although several studies have been carried out on artificial insemination in Lama glama, this technique has not been widely applied in reproductive programs, principally due to the difficulty in collecting raw semen from males and the lack of knowledge about freezing/thawing techniques and semen characteristics. The aim of the present study was to objectively characterize llama sperm morphometry by a computer-assisted system, thereby increasing the knowledge on male llama physiology, leading to further developement of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination. Five semen samples were obtained by electroejaculation from each of 8 males, 6- to 10-year-old llamas of proven fertility. Smears were prepared from each sample and stained with Tinción 15® (Biopur S.R.L., Rosario, Argentina) and observed at x 1000 magnification. Images of sperm heads were captured by a Leica DC180 camera (Leica Microsystems Co., Wetzlar, Germany), obtaining 200 images from each sample. Binary images were obtained and area, length, width, equivalent circle diameter, curve length, curve width, perimeter, convex perimeter, roundness, and elongation were measured using QWin Plus (Leica Microsystems Co.). A total of 8005 sperm heads were measured. Descriptive statistics of the complete population was performed, with the following results obtained (mean ± SD): area (μm2) 20.09 ± 0.6, length (μm) 6.6 ± 0.3, width (μm) 4.14 ± 0.1, equivalent diameter ((μm) 5.06 ± 0.1, curve length (μm) 5.8 ± 0.3, curve width (μm) 3.48 ± 0.3, perimeter (μm) 18.54 ± 0.1, convex perimeter (μm) 17.34 ± 0.3, roundness 1.28 ± 0.04, and elongation 1.6 ± 0.01. Coefficients of variation were between 0.47 and 8.72%. A design considering the male as a fixed factor and the ejaculate as a nested factor was used for the purpose of identifying differences in morphometry between ejaculates of the same male and/or between males. Normality was tested using the Kolmogorov test. Significant differences between ejaculates of some males were found for curve length, curve width, perimeter, roundness, and elongation (P < 0.05). There were no intra-male differences for sperm head area, length, width, equivalent circle diameter, and convex perimeter. Of the parameters, there were significant differences between males for sperm area, length, equivalent circle diameter, and convex perimeter (P < 0.05). The differences found in sperm morphometry confirm the great polymorphism observed when subjectively evaluating llama semen morphology and make the establishment of a single pattern of normal llama sperm morphometry impossible.

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Differences in boar sperm head shape and dimensions recorded by computer-assisted sperm morphometry are not related to chromatin integrity

Theriogenology ◽

10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.052 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 68 (2) ◽

pp. 196-203 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

F. Saravia ◽

I. Núñez-Martínez ◽

J.M. Morán ◽

C. Soler ◽

A. Muriel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Head ◽

Computer Assisted ◽

Head Shape ◽

Boar Sperm ◽

Sperm Morphometry ◽

Chromatin Integrity

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Pituitary and ovarian response to transient doe-litter separation in nursing rabbits

Reproduction ◽

10.1530/reprod/118.2.361 ◽

2000 ◽

pp. 361-366 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

E Ubilla ◽

PG Rebollar ◽

D Pazo ◽

AI Esquifino ◽

JM Alvarino

Keyword(s):

Pituitary Gland ◽

Litter Size ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Ovarian Response ◽

Major Effect ◽

Free Access ◽

Plasma Prolactin ◽

Follicular Waves ◽

Higher Sensitivity

The effects of a transient doe-litter separation on plasma prolactin, FSH and oestradiol concentrations, as well as the effect on LH response to exogenous GnRH administered at the time of artificial insemination, were determined in nursing rabbits. The effects on fertility, and litter size after parturition, as well as litter survival after doe-litter separation, were also studied. Control does (n = 12) had free access to nursing, whereas biostimulated does (n = 12) were separated from their litters for 48 h before artificial insemination. Plasma prolactin concentrations were decreased 24 h after the doe-litter separation (P < 0.05). The response of prolactin to suckling reached 10 times the basal values measured on day 10 after parturition (P < 0.0001). Increased oestradiol concentrations were found during the 48 h after the doe-litter separation: at 0 h, before artificial insemination (P< 0. 0001), 1.0-2.0 h after artificial insemination (P < 0.001), at 2.5 h (P < 0.05), 3.0 h (P < 0.01), and at 3.5 h (P < 0.05) after artificial insemination. Exogenous GnRH administered at the time of artificial insemination caused a greater LH response in does previously separated from their litters during 48 h (P < 0.01). The transient doe-litter separation did not affect plasma FSH concentrations, fertility, litter size or litter survival. These results suggest that a transient separation of nursing does from their litters before artificial insemination results in a decrease in plasma prolactin concentrations that could promote growth of follicular waves, and high steroidogenesis activity, leading to increased oestradiol concentrations and inducing higher sensitivity of the pituitary gland to exogenous GnRH. These findings associated to the absence of suckling episodes would lead to higher LH response and, therefore, exert a major effect on fertility.

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Altered urinary tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives in patients with Tourette syndrome: reflection of dopaminergic hyperactivity?

Journal of Neural Transmission ◽

10.1007/s00702-020-02289-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Philipp Capetian ◽

Veit Roessner ◽

Caroline Korte ◽

Susanne Walitza ◽

Franz Riederer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tourette Syndrome ◽

Diagnostic Value ◽

Tic Disorders ◽

Operating Characteristics ◽

Roc Curve Analysis ◽

Two Phase ◽

Dopaminergic Neurotransmission ◽

Hyperactivity Disorder ◽

The Central Nervous System ◽

Chronic Tic Disorders

AbstractTetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQs) such as salsolinol (SAL), norsalsolinol (NSAL) and their methylated derivatives N-methyl-norsalsolinol (NMNSAL) and N-methyl-salsolinol (NMSAL), modulate dopaminergic neurotransmission and metabolism in the central nervous system. Dopaminergic neurotransmission is thought to play an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic tic disorders, such as Tourette syndrome (TS). Therefore, the urinary concentrations of these TIQ derivatives were measured in patients with TS and patients with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (TS + ADHD) compared with controls. Seventeen patients with TS, 12 with TS and ADHD, and 19 age-matched healthy controls with no medication took part in this study. Free levels of NSAL, NMNSAL, SAL, and NMSAL in urine were measured by a two-phase chromatographic approach. Furthermore, individual TIQ concentrations in TS patients were used in receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis to examine the diagnostic value. NSAL concentrations were elevated significantly in TS [434.67 ± 55.4 nmol/l (standard error of mean = S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] and TS + ADHD patients [605.18 ± 170.21 nmol/l (S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] compared with controls [107.02 ± 33.18 nmol/l (S.E.M.), two-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001] and NSAL levels in TS + ADHD patients were elevated significantly in comparison with TS patients (two-way ANOVA, p = 0.017). NSAL demonstrated an AUC of 0.93 ± 0.046 (S.E.M) the highest diagnostic value of all metabolites for the diagnosis of TS. Our results suggest a dopaminergic hyperactivity underlying the pathophysiology of TS and ADHD. In addition, NSAL concentrations in urine may be a potential diagnostic biomarker of TS.

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Right choice of a method for determination of cut-off values: A statistical tool for a diagnostic test

Asian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9296 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 5 (3) ◽

pp. 30-34 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Balkishan Sharma ◽

Ravikant Jain

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Discriminant Analysis ◽

Diagnostic Test ◽

Roc Curve ◽

Traditional Method ◽

Statistical Technique ◽

Curve Analysis ◽

Operating Characteristics ◽

Roc Curve Analysis

Objective: The clinical diagnostic tests are generally used to identify the presence of a disease. The cutoff value of a diagnostic test should be chosen to maximize the advantage that accrues from testing a population of human and others. When a diagnostic test is to be used in a clinical condition, there may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cutoff value. To enhance the accuracy of diagnosis is to develop new tests by using a proper statistical technique with optimum sensitivity and specificity. Method: Mean±2SD method, Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been discussed with their respective applications. Results: The study highlighted some important methods to determine the cutoff points for a diagnostic test. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean±2SD method. Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been proved to be beneficial statistical tools for determination of cut-off points.Conclusion: There may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cut-off value with the help of a correctly identified statistical technique in a clinical condition when a diagnostic test is to be used. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean ± 2SD method. It was evidenced in certain conditions that logistic regression is found to be a good predictor and the validity of the same can be confirmed by identifying the area under the ROC curve. Abbreviations: ROC-Receiver operating characteristics and DA-Discriminant Analysis. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 30-34 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9296

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Semen Viability Properties of Sexually Stimulated Boars on the Fertilization Capacity of Artificially Inseminated Large White Sows

Indian Journal of Animal Research ◽

10.18805/ijar.bf-1413 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Tshepo Teele

Keyword(s):

Litter Size ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Practical Method ◽

Return Rate ◽

Practical Significance ◽

Large White ◽

Sexual Stimulation ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Fertilization Capacity ◽

Farrowing Rate

Background: This study aimed to investigate the influences of sexual preparation on the effects of boars’ semen viability on the fertilization capacity of artificially inseminated sows. After all, boar sires more pigs than farrowed by a sow which the boar has been mated to improve reproductive parameters in response to AI. Methods: The semen viability of boars were studied during various sexual stimulations and analyzed during the study period. Sperm rich fractions were collected and separated at every level of sexual stimulation during the morning (08:30) and the afternoon (14:30) hours, respectively. Artificial insemination was performed following three levels of sexual preparations of boars (0 minutes of sexual restraint (MSR), 5 MSR and 10 MSR) before semen collection. Receptive sows were inseminated and evaluated for fertility traits using non-return rate, farrowing rate and litter size. Result: The non-return rate was recorded as a percentage of sows conceived after insemination over the total number of sows inseminated. The farrowing rate was recorded as a percentage of sows that farrows over the number of sows conceived and litter size as several live piglets per sow. Sexual desire was influenced by sexual preparations and significantly influenced the fertility of the artificially inseminated sows. This study is of practical significance to the animal breeder mainly because boars have greater influence than sows on the average litter size and live piglets. The study concludes that the use of at least 5 to 10 minutes of sexual restraint during the afternoon periods prior to semen collection and artificial insemination is found to be a practical method for optimizing sperm viability and fertility of sows in the intensive system.

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