Abstract
Motility is an important criterion in the assessment and quantification of the quality of ejaculated and epididymal sperm samples. Ovine sperm spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to cryodamage, and shortening the interval from collection to cryostorage may potentially minimize the negative effects of cryopreservation, thereby improving the post-thaw viability of ram spermatozoa. The use of the swim-up technique (SUT) in quantifying spermatozoa motility is well documented, especially for the isolation of highly motile spermatozoa for assisted reproductive purposes. However, this technique is time consuming and involves a swim-up period of 10 minutes before the motility of a sample is recorded by using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) software such as the Sperm Class Analyser® (SCA®). The novel flush technique (FT) allows for capturing of sperm motility tracks via the SCA® system shortly after semen collection, that is, within a minute. This study compared fresh ejaculated sperm motility traits by using the SUT and FT. Motility evaluations were performed using 45 semen samples obtained from 15 adult Merino rams (Ovis aries) at weekly intervals. Motility recordings were captured at 100 frames per second, using a calibrated 20 μm deep Leja slide. The percentage total motile spermatozoa of samples subjected to the FT was 89.2%, which was significantly higher than that recorded by the SUT (83.9%). The results also indicated that the wobble (WOB) parameter showed significantly higher values when using the FT, and parameters curvilinear velocity (VCL) and amplitude of the lateral head displacement (ALH) indicated significantly higher values when using the SUT. Establishing the ideal spermatozoa concentration and analysis of sperm subpopulation motility characteristics would assist in the optimization of the FT, and its use in CASA motility analysis of ovine spermatozoa. Standardization of CASA analysis of ovine semen samples, which would enable the selection of quality spermatozoa samples for use in field insemination (fresh samples) or in vitro fertilization programs, and laparoscopic AI cryopreserved samples warrants further investigation.Keywords: Cryopreservation, merino, sperm class analyser, sperm motility, sperm separation technique
Highlights
Modern livestock production systems are increasingly incorporating assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) as part of management programs to optimize reproductive efficiency and increase the number of progeny from high genetic merit animals
The lower total motility for the swim-up technique (SUT) could be ascribed to the time that elapsed from semen collection to recording of motility
The dilution of the sample during the SUT could result in a dilution of protective proteins in the seminal plasma, which would inhibit the spermatozoa’s ability to be resilient to the changes induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced during normal sperm metabolism (Soleilhavoup et al, 2014)
Summary
Modern livestock production systems are increasingly incorporating assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) as part of management programs to optimize reproductive efficiency and increase the number of progeny from high genetic merit animals. These techniques allow for the dissemination of germplasm, nationally and internationally, ensuring genetic integrity of livestock populations (Madan, 2005; Alexander et al, 2010; Van Arendonk, 2011; López-Saucedo et al, 2012; Hafez, 2015). Sperm motility is linked to viability, which . Sci. vol 48 determines the ability of sperm to migrate through the female reproductive tract to locate the oocyte and successfully fertilize it (Herman et al, 1994; Suarez & Pacey, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
