Changes In Semen Characteristics Research Articles

Seasonal changes in semen characteristics of pure and crossbred rabbit bucks fed graded levels of vitamin C under heat stress conditions

The experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of season and graded vitamin C levels on semen quality of rabbit bucks in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria. A total of 55 rabbit bucks consisting of 40 pure New Zealand White (NZW) and 15 New Zealand x California (NZW×CAL) crossbreds were used for the study. The duration of the study spanned the hot dry (March-May) and cool wet (June-August) seasons. The traits investigated were semen motility, concentration, volume, pH, colour, live and dead sperm. Results obtained showed that vitamin C had significant (p<0.01) effect on semen characteristics. There was a progressive increase in semen motility, concentration and live sperm and decrease in dead sperm as vitamin C level increased. Semen volume deviated from this pattern while colour was consistent all through. The result on monthly variation indicated that volume increased during the months of March to May ranging between 1.32-1.43 ml while during the months of June to August, it oscillated between 0.41 - 0.95 ml. Sperm concentration significantly (p<0.05) increased from the hot dry months (75.72-129.48x106) to the cool wet months (98.17-102.78x106) while colour remained consistent with an increase in live sperm cells. There was significant (p<0.001) interaction between vitamin C level and season on sperm motility, concentration and live sperm being better in the hot dry (70.9%, 114.5x106, 85.31%) and cool wet (76.3%, 121.6x106, 90.14%) seasons on 400 mg/kg feed vitamin C. Sperm volume was higher on 100 mg/kg feed vitamin C in the hot dry (1.60 ml) and cool wet (0.98 ml) seasons and 400 mg/kg feed in the hot dry (1.57 ml) and cool wet (0.77 ml) than other levels. Based on the results, it is concluded that vitamin C improved the semen characteristics of rabbit bucks at 400 mg/kg feed during the hot dry season which translates to improved semen quality.

Changes in Semen, Hormonal profile and Testicular Morphology of West African Dwarf Goat Bucks treated with Danazol

This study was carried out to investigate the changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profile and testicular morphometry of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks treated with danazol. For this purpose, eighteen matured WAD bucks average of about two years were randomly divided into groups A, B and C comprising of six bucks per group. Group A was the control while B and C bucks were given danazol at a dose rate of 20mg/kg body weight orally daily for four weeks. The group B bucks‘ testes were harvested thereafter for gross and histo-morphometric studies while those of group C were left intact but danazol treatment was withdrawn for four more weeks. The bucks‘ semen samples (collected by electro-ejaculation) and hormonal samples (taken via the jugular vein) were analyzed. The semen characteristics studied included color, volume, mass activity, motility, percentage normal live-dead ratio, morphology and concentration; while the hormones studied included testosterone, follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Results show that there were significant decreases in semen characteristics of group B and C bucks compared with those of group A in the first four weeks. The semen characteristics of the group C bucks were reversed to normal range (similar to those of group A bucks) two weeks after danazol treatment was withdrawn. Similar results were observed with the hormonal studies. In conclusion, danazol caused a reversed reduction in sperm cells characteristics suggesting its possible use as a contraceptive in WAD goat bucks.

Changes in semen characteristics and sex hormones of rats treated with iron oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their mixture

Changes in semen characteristics and sex hormones of rats treated with iron oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their mixture

Changes in semen characteristics and sex hormones of rats treated with iron oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their mixture

Few studies have demonstrated the toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3NPs), and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and their combination on reproductive performance.Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the reproductive toxicity of iron oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles and their combination in male rats. Forty Wistar male rats were divided into 4 equal groups. Group 1 served as control, group 2 was administered orally with Fe2O3NPs (5 mg/kg BW; >50 nm), group 3 was treated intraperitoneally with AgNPs (50 mg/kg BW; >100 nm) and group 4 was administered with the mixture of Fe2O3NPs with AgNPs. Animals were treated with doses every day for 79 days. The results revealed that semen parameters (sperm count, abnormal sperm and sperm motility) of adult male rats treated with Fe2O3NPs, AgNPs and their combination showed significant (P

Seasonal and age-related changes in semen characteristics and composition of seminal plasma in sex-reverse female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in comparison with normal males

All-male or all-female progeny is preferable in reproduction of fish species. In rainbow trout, all-female progeny is desirable, and the most common and healthful approach is to use sex reversed (SR) females as broodstock by including androgen hormones through the diet at the larval stage. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences and changes of seminal plasma ions (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cl−) and pH in 2 to 3 and 3 to 4 year-old SR females, compared with 2 to 3 year-old normal (N) males at the beginning, middle, and end of the spawning season (SS). Additionally, osmolality, spermatozoa concentration, and sperm motility characteristics were determined. Percentages of sperm motility of SR females were negatively correlated with seminal plasma pH and sperm concentrations (r = −0.479 and r = −0.534, respectively, P < 0.05). Seminal plasma pH (7.14 ± 0.05 to 7.40 ± 0.10) in SR females was less than for N males (7.66 ± 0.10 to 8.04 ± 0.10) at all periods of the SS (P < 0.05). The Ca2+ concentrations in the mid-SS were 0.74 ± 0.23 mM in N males, 1.09 ± 0.29 mM in 2 to 3 year-old SR females, and 0.83 ± 0.29 in 2 to 3 year-old SR females, without significant differences (P > 0.05). Furthermore, using of 2 to 3 year-old rather than 3 to 4 year-old SR females for reproduction could provide an advantage in terms of sperm motility characteristics. These findings could be useful for not only understanding of SR of semen from sexually reversed females but also for design of a maturation medium both for further studies and aquaculture production.

Effects of Cabergoline on Thyroid Hormones and Semen Quality of Dog

In this study, the concentration of prolactin, FT4, and semen quality were investigated in 5 clinically healthy fertile mixed-breed dogs (1-3 years old) treated with cabergoline (5μg/kg) during 9 weeks. Semen analysis was performed for volume, live or dead, concentration, and motility factors every week. The results indicated that cabergoline administration caused a minor but significant reduction of the mean prolactin concentration (P < .05) and did not affect the secretion of FT4 (P > .05). Further, there was not a significant effect of cabergoline on semen quality, statistically. We could not find any relationship between prolactin and FT4 concentration and changes in semen characteristics.

Pattern of Changes in Semen Characteristics in Subfertile Males of South Asian Subcontinent: Analysis of 1,000 Semen Samples

ABSTRACT Aim To investigate and compare whether semen quality has changed in South Asian subfertile males attending three different infertility units. Objectives To characterize the semen parameters of subfertile men in South Asian region and to study the prevalence of abnormal semen parameters of subfertile males of South Asian subcontinent. Materials and methods Study period — January 2014 to December 2014. Setting: Centre for Assisted Reproduction, BIRDEM, Dhaka, Bangladesh Malhotra Nursing Home, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan The possible decline in semen parameters related to male fertility was evaluated by determining the volume, sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology in individuals attending infertility clinics. WHO 2004 initially and then WHO 2010 criteria were used to analyze the semen sample. Results There was no significant age difference among the participants from three different countries. There was significant increase rate of azoopsermia in all the population groups especially in Bangladeshi population. Necrozospermia (100%) immotile sperm is higher in Pakistani populations compare to Bangladeshis and Indians. Normal sperm parameters (Normozoospermia) rate is compatible in Pakistani and Indian male but lower rate is noted in Bangladeshi population. No significant changes were noted in oligozospermia group but significant changes in asthenozospermia noted in Bangladeshi population compare two other two countries Statistical analysis Statistical analysis were performed by using Statistical Software Package (SAS) version 9.1.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Conclusion Our finding suggested that the values of sperm parameters were in agreement with WHO criteria, significantly different in subfertile men of this region. A further study with good quality collaborative long term research should be carried out, including aspects such as semen quality, reproductive hormones and xenobiotics as well as a strict definition of fecundity in this region is needed. How to cite this article Mahmud N, Malhotra N, Malhotra J, Khan HL. Pattern of Changes in Semen Characteristics in Subfertile Males of South Asian Subcontinent: Analysis of 1,000 Semen Samples. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(2):145-148.

17 EFFECT OF LOCAL TREATMENT OF SEMINAL VESICULITIS ON THE QUALITY OF EQUINE FRESH SEMEN

Stallions affected by seminal vesiculitis present history of infertility or subfertility, ejaculatory disturbance, spread of sexually transmitted pathogens, and changes in semen characteristics, leading to reduced semen quality and longevity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the semen quality of stallions with seminal vesiculitis before and after local treatment. Five stallions with a mean age of 12.4 years diagnosed with seminal vesiculitis were used. The identification of the microorganism involved in the pathogenesis of seminal vesiculitis of each animal was performed by bacterial culture of the seminal vesicles flush with Ringer Lactate solution, performed in duplicate at 1-week intervals. After identification of bacteria was performed, there was susceptibility testing to antibiotic (antibiogram) and the appropriate antibiotic was chosen. The local treatment was performed by endoscopy for 10 consecutive days, and this consisted of flushing with Ringer Lactate solution, followed by infusion of the antibiotic selected. The semen analyses were performed before starting the local treatment for seminal vesiculitis (M0), after a week (M1), and after a month (M2) of therapy. Sperm kinetics were performed by computerized method – CASA for the following parameters: percentage of sperm with total motility, progressive motility, and rapid sperm. Analysis of plasma membrane integrity was performed by epi-fluorescence microscopy, using the combination of fluorescent probes carboxyfluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. Percentage of leukocytes was assessed through evaluation in light optical microscopy of semen smears stained with DiffQuick. The content of nitric oxide (NO) was determined by colourimetric Griess reaction by a spectrophotometer through the concentrations of nitrate (NO3–) and nitrite (NO2–). To perform the count of colony forming units per millilitre (CFU mL–1), an aliquot of 0.1 mL of semen was diluted in 9.9 mL of saline. A 0.1-mL aliquot of this sample was plated on Mueller-Hinton agar. The seeded plates were incubated, and the bacterial colonies were counted after 24 h. According to the performed dilution, total colonies identified corresponds to ×10 000 CFU mL–1. The data were analysed by two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test (P &lt; 0.05). The values (mean ± standard error) of seminal parameters on M0, M1, and M2 were the following, respectively: sperm kinetics (total motility: 46.5 ± 5.13a; 75.1 ± 3.42b; 42.8 ± 5.28a; progressive motility: 19.3 ± 3.86a; 33.4 ± 2.39b; 16.5 ± 2.40a; rapid sperm: 22.2 ± 1.82a; 52.2 ± 5.65b; 22.1 ± 2.62a); plasma membrane integrity (47.5 ± 4.65a; 62.9 ± 5.41b; 39.1 ± 4.32a); percentage of leukocytes (35.2 ± 2.36a; 15.1 ± 2.55b; 36.1 ± 4.04a); CFU (119 980 × 103 ± 19 528.0 × 103a; 5375 × 103 ± 2453.7 × 103b; 65 850 × 103 ± 19 701.0 × 103ab) on fresh semen; and NO content (0.645 ± 0.172a, 0.117 ± 0.023b, 0.364 ± 0.110ab) on seminal plasma. The results demonstrate that local treatment after a week leads to an improvement in sperm quality; however, this was not maintained after 1 month of therapy, since the seminal parameters at this time are similar to pretreatment, which can be justified by recurrent disease.

Seasonal Changes in Semen Quality and Cooling Ability in the Caspian Pony.

Because only poor and conflicting information is available about annual changes in semen characteristics especially sperm morphology and semen cooling ability the aim of this study was to investigate seasonal changes in Caspian pony semen quality and to determine the best time for semen cooling. Experiments were performed using 10 Caspian pony from animal breeding center of Iran. Ejaculates were collected and cooled once every other week during 1 year in each of the four seasons. Volume, concentration, motility, and the number of morphologically normal sperm and sperm with major defects (abnormal heads, proximal droplets and abnormal midpieces) were evaluated. For all cooled semen samples motility as well as progressive motility was analyzed with CASA, and the hypo osmotic swelling test (HOS) was performed. To analyze seasonal differences 4 periods of 3 months each were defined: autumn, winter, spring and summer. During the 1 year experiment all semen quality parameters showed a clear seasonal pattern. The volume, total sperm count and motility in fresh semen were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in spring than in autumn, while sperm concentration was significantly lower in autumn compared with the other seasons. Regarding morphology, normal sperm was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in summer than at any other time of the year and higher values (P < 0.05) were found for major defects in autumn compared with spring and summer. The HOS test revealed that significantly (P < 0.05) more membrane damaged spermatozoa in autumn than in winter, spring, and summer. In conclusion, in our climatic conditions clear seasonal differences occur in semen quality of fresh and cooled semen, and that cooling of stallion semen should preferably be performed in spring. (platform)

EFEITO DOS MEIOS DILUÍDORES MMC (MÍNIMA CONTAMINAÇÃO) E LGM (LACTOSE-GEMA MODIFICADO) NA VIABILIDADE DO SÊMEN DE CÃES CONSERVADO POR 24 HORAS EM EQUITAINER®.

The aim of this study was to compare the viability of canine semen after dilution in Minimum Contamination Medium (MMC) and Modified Lactose-Egg yolk extender (LGM) and incubation at 4 oC for 12 and 24 hours. Thirteen ejaculates were collected from 5 adult dogs by digital manipulation. Macroscopic and microscopic characteristics were assessed right after collection. Semen was divided to be diluted (1:3) in MMC and LGM and subsequently chilled in Equitainer®. Seminal parameters of motility and spermatic morphology, membrane integrity (hyposmotic test), spermatic viability and spontaneous acrosome reaction (Trypan-blue Giemsa stain) were evaluated in fresh and chilled semen after 12 and 24 hours of incubation at 4 oC. No difference between extenders was identified in semen conservation after 12 hours. After 24 hours just spermatic motility was different (p>0.05). But, after both periods of conservation, semen diluted in LGM maintained most of the characteristics verified in the fresh semen. The mean of true and false acrosome reaction did not exceed 2% in both semen extenders, which demonstrates no influence of media component and incubation period on these phenomena at 4 oC. In conclusion, these results indicate that both extenders can be used in canine semen conservation at 4 oC in conteiner during 12 hours without significant changes in semen characteristics. KEYWORDS: Dogs, sperm, cooling.

Short- and long-term effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation on rabbit sperm quality

Infections and resulting inflammation are widely known to cause transient or permanent male infertility. The objectives of this study were (1) to provide a suitable animal model of a sub-acute inflammatory state by intraperitoneally inoculating bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and (2) to define the short- and long-term effects of this state on the sperm quality of rabbit bucks. Two series of experiments were performed to accomplish these objectives. In experiment 1, 15 healthy New Zealand White rabbit bucks were divided into five homogeneous groups, receiving 25, 50, 100 and 150 μg/kg body weight (b.w.) of E. coli LPS dissolved in 2 ml of sterile saline or only saline (control), respectively. White blood cells (WBC), rectal temperature, feed intake and mating ability were observed for 3 consecutive days following inoculation. Inoculation of 50 μg/kg b.w. produces a reversible inflammation-like state that lasts for about 3 days, with minimal distress to the animals, and therefore it was used in our experiment. The major symptoms were fever and anorexia. Changes in WBC count and a moderate reduction in reproductive activity also occurred. In experiment 2, two groups of five rabbit bucks each were treated with 50 μg/kg b.w. E. coli LPS diluted in 2 ml of saline or only saline (controls), respectively. Semen samples were collected weekly up to 56 days after inoculation and the changes in semen characteristics were examined. During the first 3 days, semen volume and concentration decreased in both experimental groups, probably due to the high collection frequency. Sperm membrane integrity and the number of necrotic sperm were seriously affected 30 days after the LPS challenge, reaching a maximum at the end of the spermatogenic cycle (56 days). These results suggest that a sub-acute inflammation may cause infertility by compromising sperm membrane integrity which decreases a month after LPS-treatment. In addition, the rabbit could be a useful LPS animal model for further study of the effects of inflammation and the underlying mechanisms on sperm characteristics.

Seasonal Changes in Semen Characteristics, Composition of Seminal Plasma and Frequency of Acrosome Reaction Induced by Calcium and Calcium Ionophore A23187 in Large White Boars

This study attempted to explain the mechanisms regulating boar fertility by examining seasonal changes in semen characteristics, the composition of seminal plasma and responsiveness of sperm acrosomes to Ca(2+) and the Ca(2+) ionophore A23187 (Ca(2+)/A23187). Sperm-rich and sperm-poor fractions were separately collected from 3 mature fertile Large White boars once a month over a one-year period. During the period of study, ambient temperature and relative humidity were recorded for within the stall in which the boars were kept and the semen characteristics, composition of the seminal plasma of sperm-rich fractions, and occurrence of the acrosome reaction in response to Ca(2+) (3 mM)/A23187 (0.3 microM) were examined. The highest mean maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were recorded in August-September, whereas the lowest mean maximum and minimum ambient temperatures were recorded in December and January, respectively. There was a moderate peak in relative humidity from July to October. The lowest percentages of motile spermatozoa and of spermatozoa with intact acrosomes and highest percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal morphology and strongest agglutination were seen in August-September. The total protein and albumin concentrations were lowest in August-September. Testosterone levels increased gradually as day length decreased after the summer solstice (June) and peaked in October-November. The percentage of acrosome reactions in response to Ca(2+)/A23187 was highest with the quickest response in August-September, as shown by the shortest time required for 50% of relative acrosome reactions. The farrowing rates were lowest in these same 2 months. These results suggest that seasonal infertility in Large White boars may be due, at least in part, to a combination of low motility, abnormal morphology including acrosomal abnormality, and early occurrence of the acrosome reaction in response to stimulus, possibly resulting from a decrease in acrosomal stabilizing proteins in the seminal plasma during summer. These changes may be modulated by heat/humidity stress and/or photoperiod-regulated testosterone.

Male serum Chlamydia trachomatis IgA and IgG, but not heat shock protein 60 IgG, correlates with negatively affected semen characteristics and lower pregnancy rates in the infertile couple

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether serum Chlamydia trachomatis immunoglobulin-A (IgA), IgM and C. trachomatis heat shock protein 60 (CHSP60) IgG are of additional value to C. trachomatis IgG regarding the impact on fecundity in infertile couples, and to relate C. trachomatis serum antibodies to semen characteristics, diagnoses and pregnancy outcome. A total of 226 infertile couples, previously tested for C. trachomatis IgG, were tested for C. trachomatis IgA, IgM and CHSP60 IgG, and semen samples from all men were analysed. Chlamydia trachomatis serum IgA in men (but not in women) correlated with reduced chances of achieving pregnancy [p = 0.021, relative risk (RR) =0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-1.005] and in combination with C. trachomatis IgG the chance was further reduced (p =0.001, RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.84). Chlamydia trachomatis serum IgA was also significantly correlated with reduced motility of the spermatozoa (-8.7%, p = 0.023), increased number of dead spermatozoa (+10.5%, p = 0.014) and higher prevalence of leucocytes in semen (+122%, p = 0.005), and in combination with C. trachomatis IgG positivity, there was also a decrease in sperm concentration (-35%, p = 0.033), the number of progressive spermatozoa (-14.8%, p = 0.029) and a rise in the teratozoospermia index (+4.4%, p = 0.010). CHSP60 IgG correlated with reduced motility (-5.6%, p = 0.033), and in the women to tubal factor infertility (p = 0.033), but no correlations of C. trachomatis serum IgM or CHSP60 IgG with pregnancy rates were found. Chlamydia trachomatis serum IgA in the male partner of the infertile couple has an additive value to IgG in predicting pregnancy chances, and serum IgA and IgG are associated with subtle negative changes in semen characteristics.

Seasonal changes in semen characteristics, hormonal profiles and testicular activity in Zaraibi goats

Ten Zaraibi buck goats were used to study the effect of season on semen quality. Bucks were housed and fed according to standard recognized practices. Semen was collected twice a week for 7 consecutive weeks (starting from the 3rd to the 9th week) in the mid of the each season. During these periods scrotal circumference was measured fortnightly. The number of mounts terminating in ejaculation and the time interval between the first mount and ejaculation were also recorded. The physical parameters of semen and semen index (semen volume × spermatozoa concentration/ml × live spermatozoa% × progressive motility%) were measured for the first and the second ejaculates of each semen collection during the week. At the end of each season, testicular biopsies were obtained surgically from three bucks for histological evaluation. Plasma testosterone, FSH and LH concentrations were also determined twice weekly. Bucks demonstrated the highest libido in summer, using the least ( P < 0.01) number of mounts and a shorter ( P < 0.01) reaction time. This coincided with a higher ( P < 0.01) level of plasma testosterone (10 ng/ml) and the best semen quality (semen index: 3354 × 10 6). During autumn, bucks recorded the highest ( P < 0.01) ejaculate volume (0.98 ml) and the maximum output of sperm (4565 × 10 6), as well as a lower ( P < 0.01) percentage of sperm abnormalities (8.8%). This was accompanied by high concentrations of plasma LH (average 2.9 mIU/ml). The histological structure of the testis indicated that during autumn (natural breeding season) seminiferous tubules (Sta) occupied the majority of the testicular tissues (76.6%) and the spermatic layers were highest. It can be said that Zaraibi bucks have distinct seasonal activity, with poor semen characteristics during winter and spring—which may be a critical obstacle for implementing intensive systems of three kidding in 2 years when natural mating is applied.

Seasonal variation in semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and libido of Persian Karakul rams

The aim of the present study was to evaluate seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Persian Karakul rams. Six Karakul rams (3–4 years old) were trained to serve the artificial vagina. Semen collection was performed every 2 weeks, commencing in January (at onset of winter) to December (end of autumn) 1999. Semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, total sperm output, mass motility and the percentage live sperm. Moreover, changes in the scrotal circumference, body weights, libido and plasma testosterone concentrations of the rams were also recorded at 2-week intervals. The semen was characterized by a mean (±S.D.) ejaculate volume of 1.2±0.3 ml, a mean (±S.D.) mass motility of 3.8±0.8, and a total number of 4442±1247 (×106) sperm per ejaculate for the observation period. The overall mean (±S.D.) scrotal circumference recorded was 32.0±1.2 cm. Seasonal variations (P<0.05) were recorded for semen volume, mass motility, scrotal circumferences and plasma testosterone concentrations, but not for the total sperm output. In conclusion, albeit there were seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Karakul rams, the semen has the capability and quality to be used for artificial insemination all year round. Semen of superior quality and quantity was especially collected in late summer and throughout autumn.

Seasonal variation in semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and libido of Persian Karakul rams

The aim of the present study was to evaluate seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Persian Karakul rams. Six Karakul rams (3–4 years old) were trained to serve the artificial vagina. Semen collection was performed every 2 weeks, commencing in January (at onset of winter) to December (end of autumn) 1999. Semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, total sperm output, mass motility and the percentage live sperm. Moreover, changes in the scrotal circumference, body weights, libido and plasma testosterone concentrations of the rams were also recorded at 2-week intervals. The semen was characterized by a mean (±S.D.) ejaculate volume of 1.2±0.3 ml, a mean (±S.D.) mass motility of 3.8±0.8, and a total number of 4442±1247 (×10 6) sperm per ejaculate for the observation period. The overall mean (±S.D.) scrotal circumference recorded was 32.0±1.2 cm. Seasonal variations ( P<0.05) were recorded for semen volume, mass motility, scrotal circumferences and plasma testosterone concentrations, but not for the total sperm output. In conclusion, albeit there were seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Karakul rams, the semen has the capability and quality to be used for artificial insemination all year round. Semen of superior quality and quantity was especially collected in late summer and throughout autumn.

Elevated body temperature directly contributes to heat stress infertility of broiler breeder males

Alterations in the male reproductive tract, sperm, or both may be responsible for heat stress infertility of broiler breeder males. The present study was conducted to determine the direct effects of hyperthermia during heat stress on sperm viability, the spermquality index (SQI), and seminal plasma ion concentrations by incubation of semen in vitro at and above normal body temperature. Thirty-seven Cobb males were divided into the upper (best group = B) and lower (poor group = P) 50% of the population according to their SQI. Semen characteristics and seminal plasma ion concentrations (Ca++, Na+, K+, and Cl-) for B and P males were evaluated at two temperature treatments (41.5 and 42.5 C) and four incubation times (0, 30, 60, and 90 min). The results revealed that sperm viability and the SQI were decreased by increasing incubation temperature and duration of exposure. Seminal plasma ion concentrations were not affected by semen incubation temperature; however, plasma Ca++ concentration in the P-SQI group was higher than that of the B-SQI group. Seminal plasma K+ concentration increased in both SQI groups over time. In conclusion, it is apparent that changes in semen characteristics due to elevated body temperature alone contribute to heat stress infertility of broiler breeders.

Semen characteristics after vasectomy in the ram

The objective of this study was to monitor the changes in semen characteristics in vasectomized rams and to determine if infertility was present 14 days after vasectomy. Experiments were performed using five cross-breed rams, aged between 18 and 30 months. Semen was collected weekly by artificial vagina from 2 months before to 5 months after vasectomy. After sexual rest for 10 days, vasectomy was performed by the cranial midscrotal approach. In all ejaculates the volume, concentration, total sperm number, motility and morphology (normal spermatozoa, loose heads) were determined and sperm viability (SYBR-14/PI) was evaluated in all semen samples collected after vasectomy. In the first ejaculate obtained 14 days post vasectomy all rams showed a significant (P < 0.05) drop in mean volume (from 1.2 to 0.5 mL), total sperm count (from 5176.8 to 51.1 × 10 6) and morphologically normal sperm (from 84.1 to 15.7%), when compared to the last prevasectomy collection. We could also demonstrate a positive correlation (r = 0.89) between the individual cumulative total number of spermatozoa after vasectomy and the scrotal circumference measured before vasectomy. Sperm motility and viability could never be demonstrated after vasectomy and normal spermatozoa continuously decreased concomitant with an increase in loose heads. On post mortem examination 5 months after surgery, spermatocele formation and multiple sperm granulomas were present in all five rams. Our results show that in the first ejaculate collected by artificial vagina 14 days after vasectomy, no motile and viable spermatozoa could be detected. Despite weekly collections during a 5-month period after sterilization, azoospermia could never be achieved.

R-022. Age-dependent changes in semen characteristics of patients attending a tertiary infertility clinic

R-022. Age-dependent changes in semen characteristics of patients attending a tertiary infertility clinic

Percutaneous Varicocele Embolization versus Surgical Ligation for the Treatment of Infertility: Changes in Seminal Parameters and Pregnancy Outcomes

To compare the success of percutaneous varicocele embolization to surgical ligation with regard to changes in semen characteristics and pregnancy outcome. Infertility records from 346 men who underwent correction of their varicocele for infertility (surgical ligation 149; embolization 197) were reviewed retrospectively. Preprocedural and postprocedural semen analyses and pregnancy outcomes were obtained with use of chart and telephone follow-up. In men who successfully impregnated their partners, there were significant improvements in sperm density, percent total improvement, motility, and progression. Postprocedural (embolization vs surgery) percentage increases in seminal parameters were density, 156.8% versus 138.5%; total, 168.8% versus 157.91%; and motility, 2.7% versus 3.2%. The percent of individuals who had a change in sperm progression was 31% versus 41%. There was no statistical difference between the techniques based on t tests. The pregnancy rates were similar for the two groups, 39% and 34% for embolization and surgery, respectively. There is no significant statistical difference in seminal values or pregnancy outcome between the two techniques.