The Effect of Different rearing Systems on Microscopic Quality of Fresh Semen in Thin Tail Sheep

In this study, three sheep aged two years old with a bodyweight of 20-25 kg were used. The treatments consisted of R1 (10% palm kernel cake and ammoniated citronella waste), R2 (20% oil palm kernel cake and ammoniated citronella waste) and R3 (30% oil palm kernel cake and ammoniated citronella waste). Research design used was Latin Square Design with three treatments and three replications. The parameters of semen observed were macroscopic and microscopic quality which included color, odor, volume, consistency, pH, concentration, mass movement and individual motility. The results showed that the administration of palm kernel cake with concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% and ammoniated citronella waste had no significant effect (P0.05) on the quality of fresh thin-tailed sheep's semen both macroscopically and microscopically. The semen had an average volume of 0.62 ml, creamy in color, had a characteristic as semen odor, thick in consistency and has a normal pH of 6.89. Microscopically, it had average concentration of 1809x106/ml, average mass movement of ++, and average individual motility of 57.57%. Based on the results, the administration of palm kernel cake and ammoniated citronella waste does not affect the quality of the fresh semen of thin-tailed sheep, both macroscopically and microscopically.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different ages on Thin-tailed Sheep (Ovis aries) on the quality of fresh semen macroscopically and microscopically. The study was conducted in July 2023 at the Teaching Farm, Animal Husbandry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung in the form of a case study with two age groups, namely 8-12 months (P1) and 13-18 months (P2) as many as 5 animals per age group. Observation variables are 1) macroscopic quality of semen (color, odor, pH, consistency, and volume of semen); 2) microscopic quality of semen (mass movement and motility of individual spermatozoa). Semen collection uses a special artificial vagina for Kruuser sheep. Assessment of color, odor, consistency of semen, and mass movement of spermatozoa through observation and quantification by scoring; pH using paper indicator strips; semen volume by looking at the numbers on the scale tube; mass movement and motility of individual spermatozoa through subjective assessment under a Leica DM750 binocular light microscope. Data for each variable between age groups are presented in the table of averages ± SD. Data analysis was performed statistically by comparing the two age treatment groups with the Independent Sample T-test statistical model at a 95% confidence level using SPSS series 24.0. The results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between different age groups. The conclusion of the study is that Thin-tailed Sheep (Ovis aries) at the Teaching Farm of the Animal Husbandry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung at the age range of 8-18 months produce the same fresh semen quality macroscopically and microscopically, with a tendency to produce higher fresh semen quality in the 13-18 month age group.

Long term effects of immunization against inhibin on fresh and post-thawed semen quality and sperm kinematics during low and peak breeding seasons in Beetal bucks

Bali cattle is one of Indonesia's local cattle that has high economic potential. The quality of the semen used plays an important role as a factor in the success of artificial insemination (AI) programs. Climate change, including temperature variations, rainfall, and length of solar exposure, can affect the quality of fresh semen produced by bulls. Differences in environmental conditions can affect semen characteristics, such as spermatozoa concentration, motility, and morphology, which in turn have an impact on the field fertility rate. The aim of this study is to explore the differences in male fertility based on environmental conditions that change throughout the seasons. The research method used in this study is non-experimental, using secondary data on the quality of fresh semen and frozen semen production collected from the Regional AI Center, Bali Province. In addition, this study also used data from the big data of the National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS) to calculate field fertility represented by conception rate. Climate data was obtained from the Indonesian Agency for Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysics (BMKG) Bali Province, the data collected was climate data in Tabanan Regency. The differences in the appearance of fresh semen quality, frozen semen production, and field fertility were analyzed using the Independent T-Test. In this study, there was no significant difference in fresh semen quality, frozen semen production, and field fertility (P>0.05) in all parameters, but the average reproductive performance of bali bulls was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season.

Semen is subject to experience a decrease in the quality including motility of the sperms. Decreasing the quality of semen begins during collecting process and continues at the processing stage. Low quality of semen will have an impact on the low fertilization rate, so that efforts are needed to maintain the quality of semen. This is thought to be caused by oxidative reactions that are triggered by free radical activity. Some active ingredients in the Arabian jujube leaf are thought to function as natural antioxidants. This study aimed to determine the effect of supplementation of Arabian jujube leaf extracts (Ziziphus spina Christy) on sperms motility in an effort to maintain the quality of Bali bull fresh semen. This study was conducted at the Laboratory of Animal Reproduction; Semen Processing Unit, Faculty of Animal Science, Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The Arabian jujube leaf extracts was added in the extender at three different treatments; P1 (1%), P2 (3%), P3 (5%) and P0 (control). The results of this study showed that there were different motility of the sperms after supplementing the extender with Arabian jujube leaf extracts. The sperms motility of Bali bull semen at concentration of 5% during five days equilibration at 5°C had higher than 3%, 1%, and control, respectively (50.0 vs. 48.7, 43.8, and 46.3%). It can be concluded that supplementation of Arabian jujube leaf extract in the extender material could maintain the quality of Bali bull semen.

Effect of feeding a docosahexaenoic acid-enriched nutriceutical on the quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen in Holstein bulls

The study aimed to determine the quality of frozen semen sexing with percoll medium and Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) in Dorper sheep and Saanen goats. The research was designed based on the experimental method, as the main plot is livestock (M) consisting of two levels, namely M1 (Dorper sheep) and M2 (Saanen goats), while as a sub plot is sex separation medium (S) consisting of percoll medium (S1) and BSA medium (S2), each treatment combination was repeated 3 (three) in the form of semen collection. The results of analysis of variance showed that the quality of unsexed semen in sample and separation medium did not show significant differences (P>0.05). It means that the quality of unsexing semen in Dorper sheep and Saanen goats both using percoll medium and BSA was relatively the same. The results showed a decrease in the quality of spermatozoa Y from post-thawing sexing frozen semen compared to the quality of fresh semen unsexing in Dorper sheep for motility, viability, concentration respectively by 16.55; 4.52; and 20.34% and an increase in abnormality of 103.37% compared to fresh semen unsexing. While in Saanen goats there was a decrease in the quality of X spermatozoa from post-thawing sexed frozen semen compared to the quality of fresh unsexed semen for motility, viability, concentration of 19.23; 21.91; and 17.08%, respectively, and an increase in abnormality of 110.52%. However, the quality of sexed frozen semen in Dorper sheep and Saanen goats was still within the limits that can be used for artificial insemination programs. It can be concluded that to obtain Y spermatozoa in Dorper sheep, and X spermatozoa in Saanen goats using 45:60% percoll medium and 5:15% BSA medium separation.

The aims of this study were to determine the characteristics and quality of fresh semen from Sumba Ongole (SO) bulls which were diluted with tris dilution supplemented with skim milk. The study used a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments and 5 replications. The treatments were P0 = 100 % Tris, P1 = 88 % Tris + 12 % Susu skim, P2 = 86 % Tris + 14 % Susu skim, dan P3 = 84 % Tris + 16 % Susu skim. The parameters observed were the colour, smell, consistency, pH, volume, motility, viability, and abnormalities of semen. The results showed that the characteristics of the semen were normal, the color of the semen was creamy white, the semen volume was 4.6 ml, the consistency was moderate, pH 6.3, the smell was typical of SO cattle, the motility was 80%, the mass movement was +++, the concentration was 758 million/ ml, viability is 74.24% and abnormality is 16.12%. The characteristics and quality of cement in the four treatments showed no significant difference (P>0.01). The motility and viability of spermatozoa in each treatment were able to survive up to day 3. The Tris diluent with the addition of skim milk was not able to maintain the characteristics and quality of the semen.

Simple SummarySemen collection frequency and season are the primary factors influencing the ability to effectively utilize artificial insemination technology during rooster fertility to ensure semen quality and a usable number of sperm for cryopreservation. In this present study, we first conducted an experiment for one year to study the influence of semen collection frequency (once, twice, and thrice per week) and seasonal factors on the quality of fresh and frozen semen from Thai native roosters raised under an open-housed system. The results showed that neither fresh nor frozen semen quality was affected by semen collection frequency, but they were influenced by season. Semen collection can be conducted three times per week in native Thai roosters without affecting semen quality while maximizing sperm production. However, the rainy season negatively affected sperm concentration. The highest sperm production was obtained during the winter compared to the summer and the rainy season. Moreover, the decreased sperm motility of frozen-thawed semen obtained in the summer season might be related to the higher malondialdehyde concentration.This study aimed to determine the effects of the frequency of semen collection (once, twice, and thrice weekly) and seasonal variations on the fresh and frozen semen quality of Thai native roosters throughout the year. Data on temperature and humidity were collected and used to calculate the temperature–humidity index (THI). The average temperature and THI were lower in the winter than in the rainy season and the summer (p < 0.05). In contrast, the average relative humidity was not different among the seasons but was higher in the rainy season (p > 0.05). None of the fresh or frozen semen quality parameters were influenced by the frequency of semen collection, but the season did have an effect. The highest sperm concentration was obtained in the winter (p < 0.05). In contrast, the lowest sperm concentration was found during the rainy season, which presented the highest humidity. Regarding the frozen semen quality, the highest malondialdehyde concentration and the lowest motility were found in the summer (p < 0.05). In conclusion, semen collection can be conducted thrice per week for a consecutive year without affecting semen quality while maximizing sperm production. However, the highest sperm production was obtained in the winter, which is also a suitable season for producing semen for cryopreservation.

ABSTRACTBackgroundWide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality.ResultsZinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics.ConclusionsMicroelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

The success of artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed semen in cattle is influenced by both female factors and sperm quality. In terms of sperm quality, prior studies indicate that the ability of frozen-thawed bovine sperm to fertilise an oocyte is dependent on their quality and resilience to cryopreservation. Cryopreservation induces oxidative stress, leading to ultrastructural damage in the sperm. This study aimed to determine whether the quality of fresh semen can identify bulls with good and poor sperm freezability. This difference between fresh and frozen semen from the same bull allows us to predict fertility. Motility and kinetic parameters were assessed using computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), while six functional variables were evaluated through flow cytometry, both before and after the freeze-thaw process on the sperm from 13 bulls. Invivo fertility was measured using 90-day non-return rates. The principal component analysis (PCA) of eight sperm variables post-thaw identified one principal component explaining 81.19% of the total variance and classified the bulls into two groups: Poor freezability bulls (progressive motility: 48.12% ± 8.41%; viability: 77.51% ± 7.61%) and good freezability bulls (progressive motility: 58.64% ± 6.64%; viability: 88.12% ± 2.52%). Bulls with higher freezability showed better sperm viability and motility, as well as lower levels of ROS, superoxides and intracellular calcium before cryopreservation that were significantly correlated with higher non-return rates (NRR). The results underscore the importance of assessing the quality and functionality of fresh semen to predict the fertility potential of cryopreserved sperm. This approach can aid in selecting ejaculates with the best potential for successful artificial insemination, ultimately improving reproductive performance in dairy cattle.

The potentiality of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), D-Aspartic acids (D-Asp), Maca or vitamin C, as antioxidant agents, to reduce negative impacts of high ambient temperature on semen quality, oxidative capacity and fertility of Muscovy ducks was investigated. Seventy-five Muscovy males (34-wk of age) were distributed randomly into five experimental groups of fifteen ducks each. The first group was fed a basal diet without supplementation and served as a control. The other four groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 400mg CoQ10, 400mg D-Asp, 500mg Maca and 200mg vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per kg diet for 17 consecutive weeks under high ambient temperature conditions. The dietary inclusion of antioxidants significantly maintains better semen variables and a higher fertility rate either for fresh or preserved semen. Among the tested antioxidants, the Maca group showed the best status and outperformed the others in terms of motility, viability, sperm cell concentration, intact acrosome and membrane integrity percentages, total proteins, total antioxidants capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), testosterone, and the fertility rate for the fresh semen, as well as, forward motility, SOD and MDA for the preserved semen. The CoQ10showed similar results to Maca in some measurements. Conversely, the basal diet had the poorest performance in all examined variables. The dietary incorporation of antioxidants (Maca or CoQ10) enhances fresh and preserved semen quantity and quality, as well as the fertility rate of Muscovy males under high ambient temperature conditions.

The libido of buffalo bulls is crucial factor for influencing the semen production for artificial insemination programs. The present study investigated the relationship of libido with hormonal profiles and semen quality of Murrah (n = 5) and Nili Ravi (n =1) buffalo bulls classified into good (n = 2), average (n = 2) and poor (n = 2) libido groups based on reac tion time (&lt; 3 min, between 3-6 min and &gt; 6 min, respectively). Serum testosterone, estradiol, prolactin and kisspeptin levels were assayed post-GnRH administration using ELISA kits, while serum nitric oxide (NO) was assayed using Griess reaction kit (ELISA kit). Fresh semen quality (volume, concentration, total motility) and post-thaw frozen semen qual ity, including CASA-derived motion traits and morphological parameters, were evaluated. Serum testosterone, estradiol, prolactin kisspeptin and NO didn’t significantly differ across libido groups, however testosterone to estradiol (T/E) ratio was significantly higher in bulls exhibiting good libido traits (p &lt; 0.05). Among hormones, solely kisspeptin and T/E ratio showed significant positive correlation with each other. Fresh semen parameters (volume, sperm concentration and fresh motility) were significantly superior in the good libido buffalo bulls (p &lt; 0.01). For post-thaw semen, motility parameters were similar across groups, while several kinetic motion traits (DCL, DSL, DAP, VCL, VSL, VAP, radius, ALH, HAC) were significantly higher in good libido group (p &lt; 0.01). Sperm viability, acrosomal integrity, and mito chondrial membrane potential didn’t differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05). Evaluating correlation among serum hormones and semen quality, T/E ratio showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) correlation with DCL, DSL, DAP and VSL, while relation among other parameters remained non-significant (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, good libido of buffalo bulls positively influences their semen quality. Among serum hormones, T/E ratio influences the libido exhibition in buffalo bulls

Buffalo bull spermatozoa are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and are prone to lipid peroxidation. We hypothesised that lipid peroxidation in buffalo bull semen will increase with age and will affect the semen quality. The objective was to compare malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and the quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen between aged (13.6 ± 1.0 years; n = 3) and young (3.4 ± 0.3 years; n = 3) Nili-Ravi bulls. The concentration of MDA did not differ (p >.05) between aged vs. young bulls in fresh (2.3 ± 0.2 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7 nmol mL−1), frozen-thawed (53.1 ± 2.8 vs. 48.4 ± 2.6 nmol mL−1) semen and seminal plasma (5.71 ± 0.97 vs. 5.19 ± 1.36 nmol mL−1), respectively. In fresh semen, sperm motility and total concentration did not differ (p > .05) between aged and young bulls. The volume of fresh semen increased (p > .05) while sperm viability and DNA integrity decreased (p < .05) in aged vs. young bulls. In frozen-thawed semen, sperm motility, viability and DNA integrity decreased (p < .05) in aged vs. young bulls. In frozen-thawed vs. fresh semen, MDA level increased within young (48.4 ± 2.6 vs. 2.3 ± 0.2 nmol mL−1) and aged bulls (53.1 ± 2.8 vs. 2.9 ± 0.7 nmol mL−1). Conversely, sperm motility and viability decreased (p < .05) within the age groups between fresh and frozen-thawed semen. In conclusion, (1) lipid peroxidation (MDA) does not increase due to age; however, it is negatively associated with semen quality and (2) cryopreservation steps up lipid peroxidation irrespective of age and deteriorates semen quality of Nili-Ravi bulls.

This study evaluated the quality of fresh and frozen semen of Bali cattle and its correlation with the molecular weight (MW) of seminal plasma protein. This study collected semen from 10 bulls aged 5–10 years using an artificial vagina and evaluated the samples macroscopically and microscopically. Two batches of frozen semen obtained in 2020 and 2021 were also analyzed. The frozen semen samples were thawed at 37 °C for 30 seconds. The sperm motility, viability, intact plasma membrane (IPM), and sperm abnormalities were investigated. The concentration of the seminal plasma proteins was determined using the Bradford method, and the proteins were characterized using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-SDS-PAGE). Additionally, the gels were stained with Coomassie brilliant blue, and the MWs of the proteins were determined using MW markers. The sperm motility, viability, and abnormalities of fresh semen varied significantly among the bulls (p<0.05); however, sperm IPMs among the bulls were similar (p>0.05). No differences in sperm motility after freezing were found among the bulls. However, the sperm viability, abnormality, and IPM varied among the bulls. Meanwhile, the seminal plasma proteins contained bands with different MWs. No difference in the expression of protein bands between bulls. Linearity analysis showed that sperm motility (r= 0.281), viability (r= 0.189), abnormalities (r= 0.141), and IPM (r= 0.173) were positively correlated with the protein bands at each MW (p<0.05). The results conclude there was a positive correlation between the MW of the protein marker and the same protein expression levels in Bali bulls. Therefore, the band intensity of Bali cattle seminal plasma proteins can be used as a biomarker for selecting superior Bali bulls.