Use of Infrared Thermography during Ejaculation Process and Its Link with Semen Quality and Freezability in Dogs

This study aimed to describe the thermal variation of external reproductive tracts during ejaculation in relation to sperm quality in dogs. Forty-six adult fertile dogs were monitored using a thermal camera before, during and after the semen collection, taking into account penile and scrotal temperatures as reproductive thermal patterns while eye and perianal temperatures were recorded as complementary thermal patterns of behavioral response. The parameters were classified depending on age (≤4 years and >4 years), body weight (BW) (≤75 kg and >75 kg), sperm concentration (CON) (≤300 million and >300 million), total testicular volume (TTV) (≤600 cm3 and >600 cm3) and total ejaculation time (TET) (≤800 s and >800 s) of the animals from which semen was collected successfully. Heavier males (p < 0.05) that have more consistent testicles (p < 0.01) as well as quicker ejaculate responders (p < 0.001) and lower scrotal temperature had better semen (Δ motility) freezability. The lower eye temperature prior to the ejaculation (p < 0.01), lower scrotal temperature following ejaculation (p < 0.01), and conversely, higher penile temperature during the ejaculation (p < 0.001) had a higher sperm concentration. Furthermore, the sperm freezability was negatively correlated with total ejaculation time (r = −0.39, p < 0.05) and sperm abnormalities were lower in the ejaculate of dogs having a higher temperature of the scrotum, bulbus and penis. In conclusion, infrared monitoring throughout semen collection in dogs can provide information on behavioral reactions during human manipulation, as well as semen quality and testicular functionality.

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Seasonal effect on semen availability and quality of racing pigeon in Thailand

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2021.1459-1464 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1459-1464

Author(s):

Suwarak Wannaratana ◽

Em-on Olanratmanee ◽

Kuekaroon Charoenmuang ◽

Thanvarath Boriharnthanawuth ◽

Banpatee Tangtrongwanich ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Seasonal Effect ◽

Seasonal Temperature ◽

Success Rates ◽

Average Temperature ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Geographical Regions

Background and Aim: Seasonal variations among geographical regions could influence pigeon semen quality differently. This study aimed to determine the seasonal effect on semen availability and quality of racing pigeons in Thailand to understand and improve breeding management in the country. Materials and Methods: Semen was collected from six fertile captive pigeons once a week during summer (March-June), monsoon (July-October), and winter (November-February) during 2019-2020. The success rate of semen collection and semen quality was determined in each season – by which changes in average temperature, humidity, and photoperiod were obtained. Results: Comparable success rates of semen collection were acquired among different seasons, while varied semen qualities were revealed. The percentages of total motility and progressive motility score of sperm were significantly lowest in summer (66.35±3.40 and 3.88±0.15, respectively) compared to monsoon (85.45±2.91 and 4.67±0.10, respectively) and winter (79.29±1.96 and 4.37±0.10, respectively), while its concentration (×109 sperm/mL) and outputs (×106 sperm) were significantly highest in winter (7.62±0.54 and 91.44±10.83, respectively) compared to summer (4.23±0.41 and 48.45±6.35, respectively) and monsoon (3.57±0.30 and 51.45±7.21, respectively). Besides, semen samples collected from birds housing at an average temperature of <29.5°C demonstrated better sperm motility sperm concentration and total sperm counts than those from at a higher temperature. Conclusion: Winter was regarded as the best season contributing the best semen quality, while summer was the worst. Due to the fluctuation of temperature during summer and winter, the seasonal temperature was implied as the major factor contributing to changes in sperm quality of racing pigeons in Thailand.

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Factors affecting the response of working boars to changing environmental temperature

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Production (1972) ◽

10.1017/s0308229600020900 ◽

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.

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

American Journal of Men s Health ◽

10.1177/1557988320925985 ◽

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.

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

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv32n2ab23 ◽

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<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<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<0.05), although to a lower extent. Conversely, C and TM were not affected by inbreeding depression (P>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.

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Secular variations in sperm quality: fact or science fiction?

Cadernos de Saúde Pública ◽

10.1590/s0102-311x2002000200004 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 403-412 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

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.

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Comparative study on the semen quality characteristics of parthenotes and parent toms reared in Nsukka

Nigerian Journal of Animal Production ◽

10.51791/njap.v46i5.288 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 46 (5) ◽

Author(s):

F. U. Udeh ◽

I. J. Ohagenyi ◽

N. E. Ikeh ◽

M. O. Onodugo ◽

V. C. Udeh ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Cell ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Quality Characteristics ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Motile Sperm ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Normal Sperm ◽

Abnormal Sperm ◽

Significant Difference

The study was conducted to evaluate the semen quality characteristics of turkey parthenotes and parent toms. A total of twenty-four turkeys were used for the study. These comprised of twelve parthenotes toms and twelve parent toms. Parthenotes are male turkeys produced through parthenogenesis. The toms were subjected to abdominal massage techniques for semen collection. Semen collection was done twice per week and analyzed for volume, motility, sperm concentration, like sperm, abnormal sperm, normal sperm, dead sperm, total sperm/ejaculates and total motile sperm cells. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in semen volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm cell, abnormal sperm and total motile sperm with mean values being 0.35mL, 1.74x109/mL, 97.80%, 2.20%, 1.68x1012 and 0.41ml, 1.50x109/mL, 94.00%, 6.00% and 1.42x1012, respectively for both parthenotes and parent toms. However, semen parameters such as motility, live sperm cell, dead sperm cell and total sperm/ejaculate showed no significant difference (p>0.05) with values of 96.7%, 97.7%, 2.30% and 6.07x109 for parthenotes toms and 93.20%, 98.50%, 1.50% and 6.23x109 for parent toms. It was observed from the results that turkey parthenotes possess good quality semen characteristic and therefore, recommended for use in poultry industry for turkey production.

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The Association Between Abstinence Period and Semen Parameters: Results in Normal Samples and Different Sperm Pathology

10.21203/rs.3.rs-576492/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Min Xie ◽

Silvan Hämmerli ◽

Kerstin Blickenstorfer ◽

Brigitte Leeners

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Sexual Abstinence ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Few Data ◽

Total Motile Sperm Count ◽

Abstinence Period

Abstract Purpose: The length of sexual abstinence seems to influence sperm quality. However, few data on the relevance of abstinence time in pathological sperm samples are available. With our study, we look for associations of abstinence length and semen quality. Methods: We studied semen samples from 4423 men undergoing fertility evaluation. Sperm concentration, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, total motile sperm count, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, were compared after each day and 0-2, 3-7 and >7 days of abstinence. Results: We found that a longer abstinence time was related to higher sperm concentration in normal semen samples (P<0.001) and in semen samples with any sperm pathology (P<0.001, P=0.004) with the exception of oligozoospermia (P=0.125). Longer abstinence time was also associated with significantly reduced progressive motility in normal samples (P<0.001) and in cases of teratozoospermia (P<0.001). In normal samples a higher percentage of sperm were morphologically normal after a shorter abstinence period (P=0.03); in oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) samples, this was the case after a longer abstinence period (P=0.013). Conclusion: A longer abstinence time is associated with higher sperm concentration, whereas sperm motility is optimal after shorter abstinence times; results on morphology are controversial. The recommendation on abstinence time needs to be adjusted in relation to the parameter that needs to be improved.

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Evaluation of Native Rooster Based on Breeding Value of trait of Macroscopic and Microscopic Semen Quality

Jurnal Sain Peternakan Indonesia ◽

10.31186/jspi.id.16.3.228-232 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 228-232

Author(s):

Sutiyono Sutiyono ◽

E. Kurnianto ◽

Sutopo Sutopo ◽

D. K. Ariyanto ◽

D. Samsudewa

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Breeding Value ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Native Chicken ◽

Semen Volume ◽

Individual Cage ◽

Yellowish White

The aim of this research is to a determined the breeding value of native roosters based on macroscopic and microscopic semen. Ten native roosters were used in this research. Complete individual cage, semen collection tools and substance, macroscopic and microscopic tools, and substance were used in this research. The native rooster was rested for 2 weeks. Massage techniques were used for semen collection. Parameters observed were volume, pH, color, viscosity, smell, sperm concentration, and sperm livability. The semen collection was repeated 5 times. One-way analysis of variances was used for data analysis with the tools SPSS 16. The breeding value was estimated based on primary traits of semen and calculated for each rooster to make a rank. The results showed that significant parameters (P<0,05) are semen volume and sperm concentration, while the non-significant parameters (P?0,05) are pH semen and sperm livability. Semen color is yellowish-white, semen viscosity is medium-viscous and smell is spermin. The results of breeding value rank are rooster numbers 6, 7, 5, 3, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 1. The conclusion is the breeding value of Native roosters is varied. The recommendation is Native chicken breeding need to apply selection used breeding value based on semen quality.

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Effect of temperature and time after collection on buck sperm quality

BMC Veterinary Research ◽

10.1186/s12917-019-2135-y ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Kirsten Hahn ◽

Klaus Failing ◽

Axel Wehrend

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Effect Of Temperature ◽

Sperm Viability ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Examination Time ◽

Collection Period ◽

Time Point

Abstract Background Different parameters are assessed as part of the semen analysis but a standard protocol for evaluation of goat semen is still missing. The aim of this study was to analyse two different factors affecting buck sperm quality in the post-collection period prior to adding the extender. Here we examined the effects of two handling temperatures (20 °C, 37 °C) and various examination time points (3–30 min) after semen collection. Results Examination time point had a significant influence on raw sperm viability (p < 0.05), motility (p < 0.05) and on semen pH (p < 0.05). The two different handling temperatures had no significant effect on sperm viability (p > 0.05), motility (p > 0.05), with the exception of fast moving sperm (p = 0.04), or on semen pH (p > 0.05). Conclusion Examination time point was identified as factor strongly influencing raw peacock buck semen after collection. Raw goat semen can tolerate room temperatures for at least 10 min without impacting overall semen quality. In order to obtain comparable results, semen samples should always be examined within 10 min after collection.

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P–092 The more, the merrier: does ejaculatory frequency influence seminal parameters in oligospermic men?

Human Reproduction ◽

10.1093/humrep/deab130.091 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

C Massarotti ◽

E Maccarini ◽

L Loberti ◽

C D Leo ◽

S Stigliani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Male Gametes ◽

Semen Collection ◽

Ejaculation Frequency ◽

Sperm Volume ◽

Few Data

Abstract Study question Does ejaculatory frequency during the three months preceding semen collection influence semen parameters in oligospermic men? Summary answer A frequency of 2–3 ejaculations/week during the three months preceding semen collection significantly optimizes sperm motility, without any reduction in sperm concentration. What is known already Male gametes undergo crucial physiological and biochemical changes during epididymal transit, but a longer storage is known to have negative effects on semen quality, especially on motility. Previous studies focused on abstinence prior to semen collection, while few data are available on the effect of ejaculation frequency. On one hand, a longer storage could increase exposure to reactive oxygen species and a pro-inflammatory environment, with a reduction in vitality and motility. On the other, an increased ejaculation frequency could cause a reduction in sperm volume and concentration. The effects of ejaculatory frequency are particularly understudied in men with oligospermia. Study design, size, duration This is a retrospective study performed at a tertiary level public infertility center. We included all semen samples, collected both for diagnostic purposes and ART cycles between September 2019 and September 2020, with a sperm concentration of 15 million/ml or less, and an abstinence of 3- 5 days. Exclusion criteria were surgically collected or collected for fertility preservation semen samples. Participants/materials, setting, methods Standard demographic and clinical data were recorded, as well as semen parameters. Ejaculation frequency was considered “optimal” (at least 2–3/week) or “reduced” (<1/week). The potential predictive role of ejaculation frequency, age, BMI, smoking habits, previous cryptorchidism, varicocele, days of abstinence on semen parameters was evaluated by univariate and then by multivariate analysis for all factors significant in the univariate models. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Main results and the role of chance: Out of 738 men, 491 reported an optimal ejaculation frequency, 247 had <1 ejaculation/week, no one reported everyday ejaculations. Total sperm mobility (35.91±22.84% vs. 32.28±16.91%, p = 0.02) and sperm rapid progressive motility (5.56±6.09% vs. 4.20±6.1%, p = 0.006) were significantly higher in the group with optimal ejaculation frequency. Ejaculation frequency remained predictive of total mobility (p = 0.04) and rapid progressive mobility (p = 0.03) in a multivariate linear regression model with age and sperm concentration. Sperm volume (2.92±1.56 ml vs. 2.91±1.54 ml, p=NS) and concentration (5.74±5.05 mil/ml vs. 6.05±4.78 mil/ml, p=NS) did not significantly differ depending on the declared ejaculation frequency. Limitations, reasons for caution The study is retrospective and ejaculatory frequency was self-reported as an estimate of the mean of the number of ejaculations per week. Wider implications of the findings: Optimizing ejaculatory frequency may improve ART outcomes as well as success of spontaneous conceptions. There is no reason to limit ejaculatory frequency in oligospermic men for a hypothesized benefic in sperm concentration. Trial registration number Not applicable

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