Abstract
Simple SummarySemen analysis can be subjective and time-consuming if automated instruments are not available. However, such devices are expensive and not transportable for on-field analyses. A portable device (iSperm®) is available for the evaluation of semen concentration and motility, but data on its reliability for canine semen analysis are still scarce. This study assessed the performances of the iSperm® on a large sample size (n = 224) by evaluating its correlation with a conventional computer-assisted sperm analyzer (ISAS®v1) for semen concentration and motility. The intra-assay variability of both the iSperm® and the ISAS®v1 and their ability to estimate semen concentration at a fixed value of 40 × 106/mL were also investigated. Results showed that the intra-assay variability was lower for the ISAS®v1 compared to the iSperm®. Hence, iSperm® results were more variable in-between fields. Both the iSperm® and the ISAS®v1 were not reliable in estimating semen concentration. Finally, the two devices were positively correlated, although providing different values for each parameter. Some improvements of the iSperm® software are therefore needed to make it a valid alternative to automated computerized systems for the analysis of canine semen.The iSperm® is a portable device for semen analysis. This study aimed to investigate its correlation with a conventional computer-assisted sperm analyzer (ISAS®v1) for the assessment of semen concentration and kinematic parameters in dogs (n = 224). The intra-assay variability of both devices and their ability to estimate semen concentration at a fixed value of 40 × 106/mL were also investigated. Results showed that the intra-assay variability was lower for the ISAS®v1 for all parameters compared to the iSperm®. Hence, iSperm® estimates were more variable in-between fields. Both the iSperm® and the ISAS®v1 were not reliable in estimating semen concentration (ISAS®v1: median 30 × 106/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 12, p < 0.01; iSperm®: median 35.12 × 106/mL, IQR 11.11, p < 0.01). Finally, positive correlations were found between both devices with stronger correlations obtained when four fields were analyzed by the iSperm®. However, the low number of spermatozoa analyzed per field and the inability to avoid artifacts are downsides that currently limit the reliability of the iSperm®. Therefore, the software of iSperm® needs some improvement to make it a valid and practical alternative to automated computerized systems for the analysis of canine semen.
Highlights
Semen analysis is a key part of a complete breeding soundness examination in male dogs
Strengths of correlation vary upon parameters and increase for device iSperm® are correlated to the ones reported by a ®conventional computer-assisted semen analyzers (CASA) system some parameters when more fields are captured by the iSperm
Strengths of correlation vary upon parameters and increase for some intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) of the iSperm® indicates that the repeatability of this device is lower than parameters when more fields are captured by the iSperm®
Summary
Semen analysis is a key part of a complete breeding soundness examination in male dogs This practice consists of both a macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the ejaculate and is important when investigating conditions such as subfertility and infertility [1]. Hemocytometers are time-consuming and require adequate training [4], and spectrophotometers are not able to discriminate between spermatozoa and other cells, particles, or debris that may be present in the ejaculate [5]. For this reason, more advanced and sophisticated equipment, such as computer-assisted semen analyzers (CASA) and the NucleoCounter® (Chemometec, Denmark), has been developed to objectively evaluate semen motility and concentration [6–8].
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