Results Regarding Some Morphometric Features of Spermatozoa in Ram

Abstract

It is well known nowadays that morphological type classification of spermatozoa is an important component of the modern semen evaluation. Meanwhile, current methods of analysis are subjective and highly diversified; they are also ones of the best tools for artificial insemination using cryogenic preserved semen for the contemporary livestock producer. The aim of the present study was to determine if there are differences associated with sperm head morphometric dimensions in individuals with different sexual maturity ratings. For the present results, there was setting off ram groups depending on age: 12, 36 and 72 months of age. There were used random images from fresh sperm and each head spermatozoon was measured with the aid of a specialized soft for four primary parameters (length, L; area, A; width, W and perimeter, P) and four derived parameters (ellipticity, L/W; rugosity, 4πA/P2; elongation, L–W/L+W and regularity, πLW/4A). The analyzed data were statistically processed, being recorded the main population parameters: the average, its error, the standard deviation, the coefficient of variability. There were no significant differences in the sperm head dimension or shape among middle-aged and old individuals (P > 0.05). However, significant differences were detected in area, perimeter and width (lower values) and length, ellipticity and elongation (higher values) in old or middle-aged individuals compared with young individuals (P < 0.01). As a conclusion, this study confirms that ram age is related to sperm morphometric size. Therefore, the present study provides information regarding the maturation of ram sperm and supports the idea that the dimensions of ram spermatozoa may be taken as an approximate indication of its relative maturity.