Seasonal changes in reproductive activity, sperm variables and sperm freezability in Blanca Andaluza bucks

Interest in the preservation of endangered breeds such as the Blanca Andaluza goat, has increased and some steps should be therefore taken to ensure it. The study was designed to determine the seasonal reproductive pattern of Blanca Andaluza bucks, and whether this affects the quality of their semen and its freezability over the year. Seven bucks were used and their body weight, testicular weight, plasma testosterone concentration and fresh sperm quality determined every week. The collected sperm was cryopreserved and stored; it was then thawed and the same sperm quality variables measured every fortnight. High plasma testosterone concentrations were recorded during the summer and autumn, and low concentrations were recorded during winter and spring (p<0.001). No differences were seen between seasons in terms of the percentage of bucks ejaculating, the percentage of active bucks, or ejaculate volume. However, the sperm concentration, the total number of sperm per ejaculate, and the values for most fresh sperm variables were lower during the winter period (at least p<0.05). After freezing-thawing, the quality of winter-collected sperm was better, in some respects, than that of summer-collected sperm (at least p<0.05). These results reveal that Blanca Andaluza bucks show seasonal reproductive activity in terms of their plasma testosterone concentration, but no clear change in their sexual behaviour between seasons was observed. The values of fresh sperm variables also vary over the year, reaching their lowest during winter. However, after freezing-thawing, winter-collected sperm is of overall better quality than sperm collected during the summer.

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Concentrated ambient PM2.5 exposure affects mice sperm quality and testosterone biosynthesis

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.8109 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 ◽

pp. e8109 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Yingying Yang ◽

Tingting Yang ◽

Shengxin Liu ◽

Zhijuan Cao ◽

Yan Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cytochrome P450 ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Regulatory Protein ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽

Plasma Testosterone ◽

Gene Expressions ◽

Exposure System ◽

Testosterone Concentration ◽

Testosterone Biosynthesis

Background Studies suggested that PM2.5 exposure could lead to adverse reproductive effects on male animals. However, the underlying mechanism is still not clear. Besides, animals in the majority of previous studies were exposed to PM2.5 through intratracheal instillation which should be improved. In addition, limited amount of research has been conducted in China where the PM2.5 concentration is higher and the PM2.5 components are different. The aim of this work is to explore the effects of concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) on mice sperm quality and testosterone biosynthesis. Methods A total of 12 male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or CAP for 125 days using the Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System. The mice sperm concentration, sperm motility, DNA fragmentation index, high DNA stainability and plasma testosterone were analyzed. Testicular histology and sperm morphology were observed through optical microscope. Testosterone biosynthesis related gene expressions were analyzed using real-time PCR, including cytochrome P450 CHOL side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR). Results Exposure to CAP resulted in disturbance of various stages of spermatogenesis and significant higher percentage of abnormal sperm (FA vs. CAP: 24.37% vs. 44.83%) in mice testis. CAP exposure significantly decreased sperm concentration (43.00 × 106 vs. 25.33 × 106) and motility (PR: 63.58% vs. 55.15%; PR + NP: 84.00% vs. 77.08%) in epididymis. Plasma testosterone concentration were significantly declined (0.28 ng/ml vs. 0.69 ng/ml) under CAP exposure. Notably, the levels of testosterone biosynthesis related genes, StAR, P450scc, P450arom, ER and FSHR were significantly decreased with CAP exposure. Conclusion Concentrated ambient PM2.5 exposure altered mice sperm concentration, motility and morphology, which might be mediated primarily by the decline in testosterone concentration and testosterone biosynthesis process.

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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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Development of sperm sexing and associated assisted reproductive technology for sex preselection of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rd05108 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 319 ◽

Cited By ~ 63

Author(s):

J. K. O'Brien ◽

T. R. Robeck

Keyword(s):

Tursiops Truncatus ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Bottlenose Dolphins ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Motility Index ◽

Liquid Storage ◽

Directional Freezing

Research was conducted to develop sperm sorting and novel sperm preservation methodologies for sex predetermination in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) using artificial insemination. In Study 1, the effect of seminal plasma (SP), sperm concentration and freezing rate (FR) on in vitro sperm quality of liquid-stored, non-sorted spermatozoa was examined. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of prefreeze SP addition on post-thaw quality (progressive motility, kinetic rating, sperm motility index (SMI), viability and acrosome integrity). Post-thaw motility parameters and viability were higher (P < 0.05) for slow FR than fast FR samples. In Study 2 investigating the effects of liquid storage and sorting on sperm quality, motility and SMI after sorting and centrifugation were lower (P < 0.05) than those of the initial ejaculate. The sort rate for enrichment (91 ± 4% purity) of X- and Y-bearing spermatozoa was 3400 ± 850 spermatozoa sex−1 s−1. In Study 3, compared with a modified straw method, directional freezing resulted in enhanced in vitro quality of sorted and non-sorted spermatozoa derived from liquid-stored semen (P < 0.05). In Study 4, endoscopic insemination of three dolphins with sorted, frozen–thawed X-bearing spermatozoa resulted in one conception and the birth of a female calf. High-purity sorting of dolphin spermatozoa, derived from liquid-stored semen, can be achieved with minimal loss of in vitro sperm quality and samples are functional in vivo.

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Evaluation of Holstein stud bulls by productivity and quality of sperm

Scientific Horizons ◽

10.48077/scihor.23(11).2020.28-38 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. 28-38

Author(s):

Liudmyla Piddubna ◽

Daria Zakharchuk ◽

Ruslan Bratushka

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Individual Characteristics ◽

Productivity Index ◽

Strong Positive Correlation ◽

Sperm Production ◽

Freezing Resistance ◽

High Quality ◽

Important Indicator

The sperm quality of stud bulls is an important indicator on which depends the result of cattle reproduction. The aim of the study was to evaluate the Holstein bulls in terms of productivity and quality of sperm in the conditions of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company”. The study was carried out on livestock of 20 stud bulls of the Holstein breed of foreign selection, which were in the same conditions of feeding, keeping and use. The sperm production parameters were determined using an IVOS sperm analyser and evaluated in accordance with respective DSTU standard. Freezing resistance of sperm was estimated as a percentage ratio of sperm doses rejected after cryopreservation to their total amount. The absolute sperm efficiency of stud bulls was evaluated by the method of the experts of the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics nd. a. M.V. Zubets of National Academy of Agrarian Science. It was found that that stud bulls of LLC “Ukrainian Genetic Company” are characterized by sufficient fertility. They have produced, on average, 156 ejaculates within a year, which included 106 high-quality ejaculates (67.9%). Characteristics of sperm efficiency of experimental stud bulls are rather variable (Сv from 23.1-79.7%), and vary within the following limits: the number of high-quality ejaculates throughout a year – 32-173 pcs., native sperm obtained – 201-1016 ml, percent of rejected sperm – 3.1-76.1, doses of sperm obtained – 5755-61920 pcs. It was revealed that probable difference in sperm production indicators of sperm providers is associated with their individual characteristics. Volume of ejaculate ranges from 3.77 to 7.30 ml (d=3.57; td=16.6; P<0.001), sperm motility ranges from 7.2 to 8.3 points (d=1.1; td=11.1; P<0.001), sperm concentration in ejaculate ranges from 1.51 to 3.52 bln/ml (d=2.01; td=24; P<0.001), freezing resistance of sperm ranges from 59.6 to 99.6%. Holstein stud bulls of LTD “Ukrainian Genetic Company” have rather high sperm productivity index that ranges from 5.19 to 15.29 bln of motile spermatozoids in ejaculate. A strong positive correlation was found between motility and sperm concentration (r = +0.825; P<0.001), motility and the quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.766; P<0.001), concentration and quantity of sperm doses obtained per year (r = +0.595; P<0.001)

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The quality of buck semen after feed additive minoxvit administration

Livestock and Animal Research ◽

10.20961/lar.v19i1.41894 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

pp. 87

Author(s):

Anita Hafid ◽

Riasari Gail Sianturi ◽

Diana Andrianita Kusumaningrum ◽

Yeni Widiawati ◽

Anneke Anggraeni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Motility ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Positive Influence ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Concentration Data ◽

Randomized Design ◽

Microscopic Evaluation

Objective: Reproduction and nutritional status is closely related. Nutritional deficiency or insufficiency directly affects reproductive efficiency. Deficiency of nutrition could affect the sperm quality and the ability to fertilize. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feed additive (Minoxvit) on semen quality of buck.Methods: This study used 6 sexually mature bucks, aged 1.5 years old. The bucks were fed daily with 3 kg of freshly chopped king grass, 1 kg of Legume (Calliandra sp.), and 500 g of concentrate. Three bucks were given Minoxvit by 1.25 g/day in the concentrate, while three other bucks were considered as control. Semen was evaluated once a week for 49 days. Semen was evaluated macroscopically and microscopically. The macroscopic evaluation consisted of volume, color, and consistency of semen, while microscopic evaluation consisted of mass motility, sperm motility, viability, and sperm concentration. Data were analyzed using Completely Randomized Design with Tukey test.Results: The result showed significantly different (P<0,05) in which bucks semen in Minoxvit addition group had higher semen volume (0.75 ml vs 0.54 ml), mass motility (3.32 vs 2.67), sperm motility (70% vs 58 %), sperm viability (86.67% vs 79.19%), and sperm consentration (2,6x109 mL vs 1,7x109 mL).Conclusions: This study concludes that the addition of Minoxvit has a positive influence on the quality of buck sperms providing volume, mass motility, individual motility, viability, and concentration of the sperm.

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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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PSII-25 The effect of the organic acid on the bulls’ sperm quality

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.494 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 243-243

Author(s):

Polina Anipchenko ◽

Kirill Plemyashov ◽

Georgiy Nikitin ◽

Anastasia Nikitina ◽

Sergey Shabunin

Keyword(s):

Organic Acid ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Average Score ◽

Average Value ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Maximum Value ◽

Average Activity ◽

Positive Effect

Abstract Carnitine is actively used in medicine in the treatment of male infertility. L-carnitine is an organic acid that normalizes the balance of oxidative and antioxidant processes. Bulls (n = 15) with low sperm quality (low sperm activity) were selected. The bulls were injected intramuscularly L-carnitine solution (NaturVet, Australia) at the rate of 1 ml per 30 kg of animal body weight twice a week for one month. A macroscopic assessment of the ejaculate was carried out, the activity of the spermatozoa in the freshly obtained ejaculate, the concentration, the activity of the spermatozoa after thawing the sperm samples was evaluated.Investigated samples obtained from bulls one month before the start of L-carnitine using, during the period of the experiment and during one month after the end of the experiment.The minimum value of sperm activity in the period prior to the use of L-carnitine was 2 points. The average activity of bull semen is 2.7 points. Research results showed that the average score of sperm activity increased to 7.2 points. The maximum value of sperm activity is 8 points.The volume in the period prior to the injection of L-carnitine was 1.9 ml, while the drug was in use - 3.4 ml. The sperm production rate increased by 44%.The average value of sperm concentration in the ejaculate of bulls when using L- carnitine was 0.9 billion / ml. This indicator increased by 11% compared to this indicator in the period before using of the drug (0.8 billion / ml). Thus, based on the data obtained, it can be noted that using the injection form of the L-carnitine solution has a positive effect on the quality of sperm obtained from bulls.

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Influence of environmental factors on the qualitative and quantitative parameters of male ejaculate (literature review)

Reports of Vinnytsia National Medical University ◽

10.31393/reports-vnmedical-2019-23(3)-32 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 530-534

Author(s):

S.V. Khmil ◽

O.Yu. Mayorova ◽

I.V. Dudchuk

Keyword(s):

Environmental Factors ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Count ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Toxic Substances ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Qualitative And Quantitative ◽

Literary Sources ◽

The Impact

Today it is important to study the problem of male infertility, as well as to identify the factors of its occurrence. The purpose of the work is to evaluate the overall picture of the quality of ejaculate during the last 50 years and to determine the reasons for such changes. More than 40 literary sources were published for thorough analysis in the period 1984–2018 (the share of new references is 20%). There was a decrease in sperm concentration by 1.5% / year, total sperm count — 1.6% / year, total sperm motility — 0.4% / year, decrease in the percentage of progressive motility sperm by 5.5% / year and with normal morphology 2.2% / year. One of the main reasons for the deterioration of sperm quality is the impact of negative environmental factors — chemical and radioactive contamination, as well as electromagnetic radiation. Among the most toxic substances are the heavy metals, pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin and its derivatives. Thus, over the last 50 years there has been a decline in the qualitative and quantitative indices of ejaculate men worldwide. One of the reasons is the worsening environmental situation.

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Rasio Spermatozoa X:Y dan Kualitas Sperma pada Kambing Kacang dan Peranakan Ettawa

Sains Peternakan ◽

10.20961/sainspet.9.2.65-71 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 65

Author(s):

S Bintara

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Animal Science ◽

Spermatozoa Motility ◽

Animal Physiology ◽

Smear Preparation ◽

Sperm Volume ◽

The Difference ◽

Scion Image

The objective of the study was to know the difference of X:Y spermatozoa ratio and sperm quality of Kacang and Ettawa-crossed breed goats. It was conducted at Laboratory of Animal Physiology and Reproduction, Faculty of Animal Science Universitas Gadjah Mada for three months, starting December 2009 to February 2010. Materials of the study were sperm collected from six two-year Ettawa-crossed breed goats weighing 31.5±2.2 kg and from six two-year Kacang goats weighing 18.0±2.1 kg. The sperm was collected using artificial vagina with frequency of twice a week for each goat and it was repeated eight times. The quality and quantity of the sperm was immediately evaluated by its volume, concentration, motility, viability and abnormality. To determine the ratio of X:Y spermatozoa, smear preparation was made and spermatozoa head was then measured using Scion Image software. The results of the measurement were used for identification of X or Y spermatozoa. Spermatozoa having bigger head than the average were identified as X and those having smaller head as Y. The result showed that the ratio of X:Y spermatozoa of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (50.6±1.8:49.4±1.8 %) was not significantly difference with that of Kacang goats (49.7±1,7:50.3±1.7 %). Sperm volume of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (1.00±0.2 ml) was higher than that of Kacang goats (0.62±0.2 ml). Sperm concentration of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (2,865±431 million/ml) was not significantly difference compared to that of Kacang goats (2,840±383 million/ml). Spermatozoa motility of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (66.7±9.8 %) was higher (P<0.05) than that of Kacang goats (50.0±7.1 %). Spermatozoa viability of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (80.0±7.1 %) was higher (P<0.05) than that of Kacang goats (67.5±9.4 %). Spermatozoa abnormality of Ettawa-crossed breed goats (8.2±3.3 %) was not significantly difference compared to that of Kacang goats (8.6±2.4 %). The study was concluded that the breeds of Ettawa-crossed breed and Kacang goats have indifferent ratio of X:Y spermatozoa, while the sperm volume, motility and viability of Ettawacrossed breed goats was better than that of Kacang goats.Key words: XY spermatozoa, quality and quantity, Ettawa-crossed breed, Kacang.

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Comparison of seminal characteristics of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls before and after cryopreservation

Research Society and Development ◽

10.33448/rsd-v10i16.23382 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (16) ◽

pp. e408101623382

Author(s):

Diego André Costa Saranholi ◽

Rafael Rocha de Paula ◽

Edmilson Pytilak ◽

Fabíola Afonso ◽

Luis Felipe Canela ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Statistical Difference ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Sperm Concentration ◽

Physical Parameters ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Before And After ◽

Holstein Bulls ◽

The Difference ◽

Fresh Semen

The aim of this study was to evaluate parameters indicative of sperm quality of fresh and post-thawed semen of Aberdeen Angus, Holstein and Nelore bulls. Thirty-nine bulls were used: Aberdeen Angus (n=13), Holstein (n=13) and Nelore (n=13). The ejaculate collects were performed twice a week using artificial vagina, totaling 792 semen collections, 307 for Aberdeen Angus, 225 for Holstein and 260 for Nelore bulls. After collection, fresh semen was evaluated and semen freezing was performed. After freezing, the batches were thawed and progressive motility was determined. The analysis of fresh semen showed that there was no difference (P = 0.053) between the Aberdeen Angus and Nelore breeds, while ejaculates from Holstein bulls showed a statistical difference (P = 0.024). As well, a difference (P<0.001) was identified in the sperm concentration of the three breeds. In the samples evaluated after thawing, a statistical difference was observed between Holstein and Nelore breeds (P<0.001), while the values of the Angus breed were similar to the other two breeds. The difference in motility of fresh and post-thawing semen showed that Nelore and Angus bulls showed greater variation in values between the analyzes (26.0±8.9% and 25.3±8.4%, respectively) showing a significant difference (P<0.001) in relation to Holstein bulls (20.6±9.3%) that obtained the smallest difference. The analysis of fresh and post-thawing semen did not show any significant difference (P=0.13) between breeds. In conclusion, the semen cryopreservation process causes a decrease in the physical parameters of the semen and these quality losses suffer interference according to the breeds.

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