Abstract
Simple SummaryMale fertility is often estimated by simple sperm assessment, and therefore, it is crucial to establish species-specific baselines for normal sperm parameters. In this paper, sperm physiology, function, and common abnormalities in stallions will be reviewed.As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of semen physiology as it applies to overall fertility. This segment of our two-section review will focus on normal sperm parameters, beginning with development and extending through the basic morphology of mature spermatozoa, as well as common issues with male factor infertility in IVP. Ultimately, the relevance of sperm parameters to overall male factor fertility in equine IVP will be assessed.
Highlights
During natural breeding, a stallion will deposit millions of sperm within the intrauterine environment of the mare [1]
The wholistic picture of sperm fertility is integral to the maximization of in vitro embryo production (IVP) outcomes, and, in Section I of this review we will focus on equine spermatogenesis, sperm morphology, and common sperm abnormalities leading to infertility
The source of the net negative charge is due to the addition of negatively charged sialoglycoproteins to the glycocalyx, such as the bipolar glycopeptide CD52, that appear in the sperm membrane during epididymal maturation [43,69,77,78]
Summary
Adequate production of high-quality sperm by the male is critical to both natural and artificial reproductive processes. A1 cells do not express NGN3 and, will undergo several rounds of mitosis and differentiation while remaining connected by intercellular bridges (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2 stages) [3,4,27,32] This period of cell replication is known as spermatocytogenesis and, produces preleptotene primary spermatocytes [4]. The strict compaction of protamine-DNA complexes prevents transcription, provides translational control, and promotes stability in the genome until penetration of the oocyte [33] This final form produced via spermiogenesis is known as a spermatozoon and is released into the lumen of the seminiferous tubule during the event of spermiation [4,32]. The remainder of this review will be focusing on the mature ejaculated spermatozoa and its relation to IVP, a process during which seminal plasma is largely removed, and, we will not be elaborating on the significance of accessory sex glands and their secretions
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