Functional evaluation of dog ejaculates with priority given to the aspect of acrosome integrity

Abstract

38 ejaculates of dogs of various breeds from2to 6 years old were examined in a short-term 120 min survival test. The examination focused on the functional parameters of sperm (motility, percentage of live sperma­tozoa, acrosomal integrity) and their morphology. The levels of relationship between individual criteria of sperm analysis were demonstrated. Statistically highly significant correlations between motility, ratio of live spermatozoa, percentage of intact acrosomes and percentage of spermatozoa with altered superficial structures were proven. Our findings proved the sensitivity of superficial structures, primarily plasmatic membranes, and the higher resistance of structures with an organelle basis. Strict morphological sperm analysis provides important information about the rise in qualitative alterations of ejaculates caused by changes in superficial structures during the course of a short-term survival test.