Good Quality Semen Research Articles

Male hypogonadism – brief review of symptoms, types and ways of treatment

Appropriate concentration of androgens is necessary for general men’s health, especially for development and maintain reproductive and sexual function, as well as metabolic balance. The state of deficiency of testosterone or its inadequate action, as well as inability to produce good quality semen is called hypogonadism. Depending on the function of the testicles, production of androgens and sperm is also conditioned on hypothalamus-pituitary axis, metabolic status and age of the individual. Considering that, hypogonadism of primary, secondary, functional or late-onset origin may be recognised. As it concerns susceptible matter of sexual and reproductive health, it requires special interest of differently clinicians, i.e. endocrinologists, andrologists or urologists.

EFFECT OF SWIM-UP AND GLASS WOOL TECHNIQUES, WITH ADDING ANTIOXIDANTS TO TRIS EXTENDER ON IMPROVING POST-CRYOPRESERVED TOTAL SPERM CHARACTERISTICS IN STRAW AND FREEZABILITY PERCENTAGE FOR LOW SEMEN QUALITY OF HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of swim-up and glass wool as sperm separation techniques with adding vitamin E and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to Tris extender on improving post-cryopreserved total sperm characteristics in straw and freezability percentage for low semen quality of Holstein bulls. Low and good of semen were extended using Tris extender. Good semen quality (GSQ) was divided into 3 groups (L1; Tris extender, L2; 2 mM vitamin E, L3; 200 IU SOD) Low semen quality (LSQ) was divided into two main groups, and subdivided into 3 sub-groups (L4; Tris extender, L5; 2 mM vitamin E, L6; 200 IU SOD). In the second main group, swim-up and glass wool techniques were used with adding vitamin E and SOD and subdivided into 3 sub-groups with each technique, and referred to L7, L8 and L9 for swim-up technique and L10, L11 and L12 for glass wool technique. Sperms with good motile intact acrosome and plasma membrane normal morphology of sperm were obtained using the glass wool separation technique with adding vitamin E.

KUALITAS SPERMATOZOA KAMBING BLIGON DALAM PENGENCER TRIS-KUNING TELUR DENGAN PENAMBAHAN BERBAGAI LEVEL EKSTRAK KULIT BUAH NAGA (Spermatozoa quality of bligon goat in tris - egg yolk diluent added with various levels of dragon fruit peel extract)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of adding various concentrations of dragon fruit peel extract (DFPE) in Tris-egg yolk diluent (TEY) on the quality of bligon goat spermatozoa. Semen was collected twice a week using the artificial vaginal method from three year old bligon male goats with normal body conditions and reproductive organs. After the macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, good quality semen with a sperm motility of > 70%, a concentration of > 800 x 106 mL-1, and abnormality of < 15 %, was diluted with TEY + DFPE at a concentration of 0% (P0), 2% (P1), 4% (P2), 6% (P3), 8% (P4), dan 10% (P5). The semen which still had a motility ≥ 70% was then stored at a temperature of 3-5oC. Evaluation of the quality of spermatozoa was carried out every 24 hours until the motility decrease to 40%. The results showed that from day 1 to day 5 of preservation, spermatozoa preserved in TEY + 6% DFPE diluent (P3) had higher motility and viability (P<0,05) than other treatments. The abnormalities of spermatozoa until the 5 day of preservation were below 6%, but showed a significant difference (P<0,05) between treatments that received DFPE suplemention with control (P0). It was concluded that the addition of DFPE in TEY up to 6% could reduce the decrease in sperm quality of bligon goats during in vitro preservation.

Using transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands for buck semen collection yields semen with greater cryoresistance than electroejaculation alone during the breeding season

The cryoresistance of bucks’ semen collected by transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) and electroejaculation (EE) was compared during the breeding season (Study 1) or the late non-breeding season (Study 2). Semen was collected from 10 Gabon bucks with both methods in each season and then frozen according to a standardized protocol. The time required for ejaculation, the number of electrical pulses applied, the sum of the electrical pulses applied∗voltage and the total number of vocalizations emitted during the collection by each animal were recorded. In Study 1, TUMASG required a longer time (P = 0.0006) but fewer electrical pulses and a lower sum of pulses∗voltage than EE (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bucks vocalized fewer times during TUMASG than during EE (P < 0001). Semen collected with TUMASG had greater sperm concentration, sperm mass motility, total number of motile sperm and of sperm with progressive motility, and tended to have greater total number of sperm with functional membrane than semen collected with EE (P = 0.02; P = 0.003; P = 0.02; P = 0.02; P = 0.06, respectively). After the freezing-thawing process, sperm collected with TUMASG had a greater quality of the motility, a total number of motile sperm and sperm with progressive motility, a greater percentage of motile sperm and sperm with functional membrane, and tended to have a greater total number of sperm with normal morphology than semen collected with EE (P = 0.04; P = 0.04; P = 0.03; P = 0.02; P = 0.04; P = 0.06, respectively). In Study 1 sperm collected with TUMASG had greater cryoresistance for almost all the variables considered than when it was collected with EE. In Study 2, the number of electrical pulses and the sum of pulses∗voltage were greater with EE than with TUMASG (P < 0001; P = 0.0002, respectively). There were no differences in any sperm variable in fresh or thawed samples collected with TUMASG or EE. However, the other seminal characteristics evaluated did not differ according to the method, and there were no differences in the cryoresistance of any variable. Overall, TUMASG affected animal welfare less than EE and was suitable for collecting semen of good quality with high cryoresistance during the breeding season in buck.

EFFECT OF SWIM-UP AND GLASS WOOL TECHNIQUES, WITH ADDING ANTIOXIDANTS TO TRIS EXTENDER ON IMPROVING POST-CRYOPRESERVED SOME SEMEN ATTRIBUTES OF LOW SEMEN QUALITY FOR HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of swim-up and glass wool as sperm separation techniques with adding vitamin E and superoxide dismutase (SOD) to Tris extender on improving some post-cryopreserved semen quality for Holstein bulls. Low and good of semen were extended using Tris extender. Good semen quality (GSQ) was divided into 3 groups (L1; Tris extender, L2; 2 mM vitamin E, L3; 200 IU SOD) Low semen quality (LSQ) was divided into two main groups, and subdivided into 3 sub-groups (L4; Tris extender, L5; 2 mM vitamin E, L6; 200 IU SOD). In the second main group, swim-up and glass wool techniques were used with adding vitamin E and SOD and subdivided into 3 sub-groups with each technique, and referred to L7, L8 and L9 for swim-up technique and L10, L11 and L12 for glass wool technique. Improving sperms’ cell motility and live sperm and reducing total sperms’ abnormalities percentages of low semen quality were noticed using swim-up and glass wool techniques were used with adding vitamin E and SOD. In conclusion, glass wool filtration separates out dead, abnormal and immotile sperm cells, a good sperm harvested by this technique.

How age, captivity and cryopreservation affect sperm quality and reproductive efficiency in precocious Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L. 1758)

In order to restore an extinct population in a river basin, enough biological material for restocking purposes needs to be produced which requires male semen of good quality but also in large quantities. For sperm production in Atlantic salmon, it is possible to rely on (i) early matured males or (ii) sperm cryopreservation. However, the quality of both, fresh and cryopreserved spermatozoa can be influenced by biological factors such as the age of the fish or factors linked to their environment (captive vs. wild fish). this study investigates the impact of these factors to ensure good reproductive success. For this purpose, spermatozoa viability (SYBR-14/PI) and mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1) were evaluated with flow cytometry staining techniques. Motility as well as velocity and trajectory parameters were evaluated using the Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis system (CASA). DNA integrity was assessed with the help of the Comet assay. After assisted reproduction, the reproductive success was determined at two developmental stages (i.e. eyed stage and hatching). For the first time, spermatozoa quality and reproductive success were compared between adult males and early parr of different ages and origins. Spermatozoa quality and reproductive success of fresh semen was similar for anadromous males and early parr regardless of their age and origin. This observation further supports the use of highly available young parr from captivity for reproduction purposes. Cryopreservation on the other hand, affected spermatozoa quality differently in the different conditions tested. The mitochondrial potential and motility of parr from captivity was more severely affected by cryopreservation, which directly translated into reduced reproductive success. This is the first report of decreased cryoresistance of spermatozoa of precocious salmon induced by captivity. It is therefore recommended that only the semen of anadromous males should be cryopreserved.

English

Various factors are believed to influence quality of semen in breeding bulls. The main objective of this study was to evaluate how breed, age and time of semen production are relevant in the production of good quality semen used for Artificial Insemination. A total of 16,827 ejaculates from 187 bulls (Holstein Frisian = 114, Jersey = 35, Borena = 12, 50%HF &times; 50%Borena = 5, 75%HF &times; 25%Borena = 15 and Fogera = 6) were collected and examined at the National Animal Genetic Improvement Institute (NAGII). All these factors (breed, age and period of production) had significant (p &le; 0.05) effect on semen volume, colour, concentration, mass activity, individual motility and production doses/ejaculate. All these semen quality measures were significantly (p &le; 0.05) minimal in 50%HF &times; 50%Borena crosses and all of them except concentration were observed superior in HF. Excluding ejaculate volume and production doses, all the semen quality measures were recorded better in the first two age classes (less than 2 and 2 to 4 years of age classes). Significance differences in ejaculate volume, concentration, mass activity, and individual motility were observed among production periods; these disparities could be due to the variation in managemental practice and efficiency of implementing the protocol in selecting candidate bulls for the time period. In conclusion, breed, age and period of semen production have significant effect on bovine semen characteristics.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Key words: Borena, cross breeds, Fogera, Holstein Frisian, Jersey, semen characteristics.

In vitro Fertilisation Capacity of Frozen Crossbred Bull Semen Cryopreserved During Different Seasons in Kerala

Background: Assessment of semen quality of bulls in frozen semen stations is of paramount importance as they are used for inseminating large number of cattle. The present study was conducted to assess the in vitro fertilisation capacity of crossbred bull semen cryopreserved during different seasons in Kerala as reports of such an evaluation are scarce.Methods: Semen samples from six crossbred bulls of same exotic inheritance, cryopreserved during rainy, post monsoon and summer seasons were procured from KLDB, Dhoni. The collected samples were evaluated for their in vitro fertilisation potential.Result: Hot dry summer season in Kerala adversely affects the fertilisation capacity of spermatozoa. Rainy season was observed to be the most favourable season for good quality semen production and post monsoon season was intermediate between summer and rainy season. It can be concluded from the present investigation that semen cryopreserved during summer season have lower fertilisation and cleavage rate than rainy and post monsoon season. This might be due to the harmful effect of significantly higher average maximum temperature and lower relative humidity occurred in the area during summer season on spermatogenesis.

Sperm Methylome Profiling Can Discern Fertility Levels in the Porcine Biomedical Model.

A combined Genotyping By Sequencing (GBS) and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP) protocol was used to identify—in parallel—genetic variation (Genomic-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and epigenetic differences of Differentially Methylated Regions (DMR) in the genome of spermatozoa from the porcine animal model. Breeding boars with good semen quality (n = 11) and specific and well-documented differences in fertility (farrowing rate, FR) and prolificacy (litter size, LS) (n = 7) in artificial insemination programs, using combined FR and LS, were categorized as High Fertile (HF, n = 4) or Low Fertile (LF, n = 3), and boars with Unknown Fertility (UF, n = 4) were tested for eventual epigenetical similarity with those fertility-proven. We identified 165,944 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) that explained 14–15% of variance among selection lines. Between HF and LF individuals (n = 7, 4 HF and 3 LF), we identified 169 SNPs with p ≤ 0.00015, which explained 58% of the variance. For the epigenetic analyses, we considered fertility and period of ejaculate collection (late-summer and mid-autumn). Approximately three times more DMRs were observed in HF than in LF boars across these periods. Interestingly, UF boars were clearly clustered with one of the other HF or LF groups. The highest differences in DMRs between HF and LF experimental groups across the pig genome were located in the chr 3, 9, 13, and 16, with most DMRs being hypermethylated in LF boars. In both HF and LF boars, DMRs were mostly hypermethylated in late-summer compared to mid-autumn. Three overlaps were detected between SNPs (p ≤ 0.0005, n = 1318) and CpG sites within DMRs. In conclusion, fertility levels in breeding males including FR and LS can be discerned using methylome analyses. The findings in this biomedical animal model ought to be applied besides sire selection for andrological diagnosis of idiopathic sub/infertility.

Stable bull fertility protein markers in seminal plasma

Bull fertility is an important trait in breeding as the semen of one bull can, potentially, be used to perform thousands of inseminations. The high number of inseminations needed to obtain reliable measures from Non-Return Rates to oestrus creates difficulties in assessing fertility accurately. Improving molecular knowledge of seminal properties may provide ways to facilitate selection of bulls with good semen quality. In this study, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the protein content from the seminal plasma of 20 bulls with Non-Return Rates between 35 and 60%, sampled across three seasons. Overall, 1343 proteins were identified and proteins with consistent correlation to fertility across multiple seasons found. From these, nine protein groups had a significant Pearson correlation (p < 0.1) with fertility in all three seasons and 34 protein groups had a similar correlation in at least two seasons. Among notable proteins showing a high and consistent correlation across seasons were Osteopontin, a lipase (LIPA) and N-acetylglucosamine-1phosphotransferase subunit gamma. Three proteins were combined in a multiple linear regression to predict fertility (r = 0.81). These sets of proteins represent potential markers, which could be used by the breeding industry to phenotype bull fertility. SignificanceThe ability of bull spermatozoa to fertilize oocytes is crucial for breeding efficiency. However, the reliability of this trait from field measures is relatively low and the prediction of fertility given by conventional methods to evaluate sperm quality is currently not very accurate. In this work, we identify sets of proteins in bull seminal plasma from repeated samples collected at different times of the year that correlate to fertility in a consistent way. We combined these individual proteins to build a molecular signature predictive of fertility. This study provides an overview of proteins linked to fertility in seminal plasma, thereby increasing knowledge of the bull seminal plasma proteome. Protein signatures from the latter, potentially related to fertility, may be of use to predict fertility for individual bulls.

Comparative study on the semen quality characteristics of parthenotes and parent toms reared in Nsukka

The study was conducted to evaluate the semen quality characteristics of turkey parthenotes and parent toms. A total of twenty-four turkeys were used for the study. These comprised of twelve parthenotes toms and twelve parent toms. Parthenotes are male turkeys produced through parthenogenesis. The toms were subjected to abdominal massage techniques for semen collection. Semen collection was done twice per week and analyzed for volume, motility, sperm concentration, like sperm, abnormal sperm, normal sperm, dead sperm, total sperm/ejaculates and total motile sperm cells. The results showed that there were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in semen volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm cell, abnormal sperm and total motile sperm with mean values being 0.35mL, 1.74x109/mL, 97.80%, 2.20%, 1.68x1012 and 0.41ml, 1.50x109/mL, 94.00%, 6.00% and 1.42x1012, respectively for both parthenotes and parent toms. However, semen parameters such as motility, live sperm cell, dead sperm cell and total sperm/ejaculate showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) with values of 96.7%, 97.7%, 2.30% and 6.07x109 for parthenotes toms and 93.20%, 98.50%, 1.50% and 6.23x109 for parent toms. It was observed from the results that turkey parthenotes possess good quality semen characteristic and therefore, recommended for use in poultry industry for turkey production.

Application of laparoscopic artificial insemination in conventional Lacaune sheep farm using frozen-thawed semen

The complex anatomical structure of the ewe reproductive tract accompanied with low quality of frozen ram semen for artificial insemination, resulted in a challenge with regard to using superior genotypes for reproductive ovine performance. Hence, improved genetics in ovine management has not been efficiently and widely used especially in undeveloped countries. Therefore, intrauterine semen deposition by laparoscopic insemination should be adopted in the current sheep production systems. Thus, this study aimed to assess the pregnancy rate and lambing rate of ewe inseminated by laparoscopic insemination techniques using frozen-thawed semen. The research used imported frozen semen from two rams of the Lacaune breed. Ewes were grouped according to age in years (1, 2 and 4). Before insemination, the semen was examined microscopically for its motility and viability and thereafter the laparoscopic artificial insemination technique was performed to 19 Lacaune breed ewes using frozen-thawed semen. The overall pregnancy and prolificacy rates were 31.57% and 42.10% respectively. Out of 2 ewes in the 1-year age group that were inseminated, only 1 ewe lambed representing 50%. However, from 16 ewes inseminated of four-year age group, 5 ewes lambed representing 31.25%. Significant difference based on age group was not evaluated due disproportionate of the data, (such that the data included 2 ewes in one-year-old age, 1 ewe in 2-year-old age and 16 ewes in 4-year-old age). Based on the ram semen, 33.33% and 30% of the inseminated ewes were pregnant from ram A and ram B semen respectively. However, in the case of prolificacy rate, 44.44% and 40 % of the ewes lambed from using semen of ram A and B, respectively. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in pregnancy and prolificacy rates based on semen from the two rams. In conclusion, in this research study, ram semen had no significant effect on pregnancy and prolificacy rates using laparoscopic AI on Lacaune sheep. This could be due to the fact that the rams had very good quality semen. Evaluation of ram semen, accompanied with appropriate ewe selection based on age and rightful deposition of semen could lead to better and more consistent results. Overall this could contribute to the successful application of laparoscopic artificial insemination in Lacaune sheep production systems for enhanced productivity.

Elucidating the processes and pathways enriched in buffalo sperm proteome in regulating semen quality.

Sperm carries a reservoir of proteins regulating the molecular functions to attain functional competence. Semen samples collected from buffalo bulls were assessed for sperm functional attributes (n=11) and proteome profiling (n=6). Sperm proteins were extracted and profiled by employing LC-MS/MS. Overall, the buffalo sperm contained 1365 proteins, of which 458 were common between the groups. The unique proteins were 477 and 430 in good and poor quality semen, respectively. In the whole proteome of buffalo sperm, sexual reproduction with phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein1 (PEBP1), fetuin-B (FETUB) and acrosin (ACR) was the most enriched (p=8.44E-19) biological process, also with thermogenesis (p=0.003), oocyte meiosis (p=0.007) and vascular smooth muscle contraction (p=0.009) apart from metabolic pathways. In good quality semen, mesenchyme migration (p=1.24E-07) and morphogenesis (p=0.001) were abundant biological processes. In good quality semen, the fluid shear stress (p=0.01) and, in poor quality semen, valine, leucine and isoleucine degradation (p=3.8E-05) pathways were enriched. In good quality semen, 7 proteins were significantly (p<0.05) upregulated and 33 proteins were significantly (p<0.05) downregulated. On validating the abundantly expressed sperm proteins, serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2-like (SPINK2; 2.17-fold) and neddylin (NEDD8; 1.13-fold) were upregulated and YBX2 was downregulated (0.41-fold) in good quality semen as compared with poor quality semen (1-fold). The present findings revealed the importance of sperm proteins in oocyte maturation, fertilization process and early embryonic development. The variations in the proteomic composition can be used as potential markers for the selection of breeding bulls.

Seminal plasma AnnexinA2 protein is a relevant biomarker for stallions which require removal of seminal plasma for sperm survival upon refrigeration†.

Some stallions yield ejaculates that do not tolerate conservation by refrigeration prior to artificial insemination (AI), showing improvement after removal of most of the seminal plasma (SP) by centrifugation. In this study, the SP-proteome of 10 different stallions was defined through high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and bioinformatic analysis in relation to the ability of the ejaculates to maintain semen quality when cooled and stored at 5°C. Stallions were classified into three groups, depending on this ability: those maintaining good quality after direct extension in a commercial extender (good), stallions requiring removal of seminal plasma (RSP) to maintain seminal quality (good-RSP), and stallions, unable to maintain good semen quality even after RSP (poor). Pathway enrichment analysis of the proteins identified in whole equine SP using human orthologs was performed using g: profiler showing enriched Reactome and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to hexose metabolism, vesicle mediated transport, post translational modification of proteins and immune response. Specific proteins overrepresented in stallions tolerating conservation by refrigeration included a peroxiredoxin-6 like protein, and transcobalamin-2, a primary vitamin B12-binding, and transport protein. Also, the protein involved in protein glycosylation, ST3 beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase 1 was present in good stallions. These proteins were nearly absent in poor stallions. Particularly, annexinA2 appeared as to be the most powerful discriminant variable for identification of stallions needing RSP prior to refrigeration, with a P=0.002 and a q value=0.005. Overall this is the first detailed study of the equine SP-proteome, showing the potential value of specific proteins as discriminant bio-markers for clinical classification of stallions for AI.

A Study on the Physical and Biochemical Characteristics of Semen of Tor putitora- An Endangered Fish Species in Himalayan Water

Background: Tor putitora is distributed in the entire northeast Himalayan region. The declining population of Tor putitora in natural waters has major concern to its fishery. The knowledge of semen characteristics is helpful in the selection of good quality semen for artificial fertilization thus have a role in fishery development. The current study aimed to determine the physical and biochemical composition of seminal plasma of Tor putitora. Methods: The semen samples were collected by stripping the ripe male brooders procured from the natural habitat. The sperm motility, sperm density, spermatocrit value and osmolality were determined for physical characteristics of semen. Haemocytometric method was used for sperm density. The seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation for the determination of ionic and organic component of semen through atomic absorption spectrometer. Result: The semen of T. putitora has shown species-specific features of sperm density (1.712 ± 0.18 × 109 ml-1), spermatocrit (62.96 ± 2.63 %) and sperm motility duration (48.16 ± 1.68 s). The Na2+ (102.06 ± 5.115 mM l-l) and K+ (51.66 ± 3.205 mM l -l) are predominating ions among the other inorganic constituents (Ca2+: 1.38 ± 0.304 mg dl-1, Mg2+: 0.86 ± 0.261 mg l-l, phosphate: 4.00 ± 1.102 mg dl-1, Cu2+: 0.004 ± 0.001 mg l-l and Zn2+: 0.062 ± 0.005 mg l-l) of the seminal plasma. The organic constituents of seminal plasma contained - Glucose: 9.6 ± 0.678 mg dl-1, Cholesterol: 21.0 ± 1.049 mg dl-1, Triglycerides: 11.0 ± 0.316 mg dl-1, Urea: 12.6 ± 1.7206 mg dl-1 and Uric acid: 0.5 ± 0.10 mg dl-1. The Osmolality (256.8 ± 31.940 mOsmol kg-1), pH (7.34 ± 0.04) and ionic composition of semen seem to be the most important factor responsible for inhibition or activation of sperm motility. A high significant positive relationship (r=0.807, P less than 0.01) was found between sperm density and spermatocrit suggests the use of regression equation for quick and reliable estimation of sperm concentration in Tor putitora. The study is helpful in the selection of high-quality male spawners and provides baseline information for the development of extenders and dilutants for the preservation of viable semen.

The Acrosomal Status of Density Purified Spermatozoa Differentiates Men from Couples in IVF and ICSI Treatment and Is Associated with Fecundity.

The acrosome of the spermatozoa is required for fertilization and in the raw ejaculate the percentage of viable acrosome-intact spermatozoa, the acrosomal status, is higher among men with good semen quality. Here we investigated if the acrosomal status of the processed semen preparations used at a fertility clinic can also be informative and whether it is associated with fecundity. The acrosomal status was measured by image cytometry on purified semen samples from couples during in vitro fertilization (IVF) (n = 99) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (n = 107) treatment. Purified frozen-thawed donor samples were also analyzed (n = 199). In purified semen preparations the acrosomal status was significantly higher among sperm donors (p = 5.3 × 10−8) and men from IVF couples (p = 2.2 × 10−5) when compared to men from ICSI couples. A significant difference was also found between female, male and mixed factor infertility (p = 0.003). No association with lifestyle factors was found. In frozen-thawed donor samples, a significant positive (r = 0.16, p = 0.025) association with the number of pregnancies per sold straw was observed together with an area under the curve of 75.3%, when comparing the top and bottom deciles. Our results indicate that the acrosomal status may be a valuable parameter for personalizing fertility treatments and might be a good predictor of pregnancy success among normozoospermic men.

Urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction for semen collection in dog

The α-adrenergic agents are known to influence erection and ejaculation, and ejaculatory reflex is a primarily α-adrenergically mediated event. This paper aims to describe the urethral catheterization technique after pharmacological induction for semen collection in domestic dogs. For dose determination, semen collection was performed using increasing doses of dexmedetomidine (5 μg/kg, n = 2; 10 μg/kg, n = 2 and 15 μg/kg, n = 2) associated to 3 mg/kg ketamine in six animals. Once the dose was established, additional semen collection using association of 15 μg/kg dexmedetomidine and 3 mg/kg ketamine was carried out in eight dogs. After the procedure, sperm volume (0.092 ± 0.03 mL), total motility (58.33 ± 8.7%), vigor (1.89 ± 0.309), sperm concentration (1186.67 ± 304.667 × 106 sperm/mL), sperm plasma membrane integrity (83.22 ± 4.82%), acrosomal integrity (73 ± 6.187%) and normal sperm morphology (53.22 ± 5.6%) were assessed. Thus, this study demonstrates that urethral catheterization after pharmacological ejaculation using dexmedetomidine-ketamine association can be performed in dogs and it may be possible to obtain good semen quality, despite urine contamination.

Calidad y fertilidad del semen de conejo diluido con jugo de sandía.

Se diseñó un estudio para evaluar la idoneidad del jugo de sandía como diluyente del semen de conejo y la tasa de concepción conejos hembra inseminados. La sandía madura (Citrus lanatus) se obtuvo y procesó en jugo usando el procedimiento estándar. Para el ensayo se usaron un total de 10 conejo macho y 90 conejo hembra , todos de raza New Zealand White x Chinchilla. El semen se recolectó de los conejo macho utilizando una vagina artificial y se diluyó con jugo de sandía a una proporción 1: 0, 1: 0.25, 1: 0.67, 1: 1.5, 1: 4 o con solución salina normal 1:1; y se designó como T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 y T6 respectivamente. El análisis del semen se realizó en semen fresco y los diversos semen se diluyeron inmediatamente hasta 370C. Quince de cada uno fueron asignar al azar para el tratamiento diferente en un diseño completamente al azar y se inseminaron con su tratamiento respectivo utilizando el procedimiento estándar. La tasa de concepción, el tamaño de la camada y el índice de productividad al nacer se juzgado al final del período de gestación. El resultado obtenido reveló que el rango de valores obtenidos para la movilidad del espermatozoide, la integridad de la membrana estructural y la integridad del acrosoma está dentro de los valores aceptados para el semen de buena calidad. La tasa de concepción de inseminación con semen diluido con jugo de sandía a una proporción 1: 1.5 fue la tasa de dilución óptima con 75%. El tamaño de la camada fue significativamente (p

Relationship between semen quality and seminal plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerols and proteins in the domestic cat.

The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between specific seminal plasma components - cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerols (TAG) and total protein (PROT) concentrations - and semen quality in cats. A further aim was to determine the relationship between specific seminal protein bands and semen quality. Thirteen toms, 2-5 years of age, were included. Semen collection was performed by electroejaculation every 4 weeks. Fifty-eight ejaculates were assessed for motility, velocity, volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, viability, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity and sperm morphology. Samples were divided into two groups: good semen quality (GSQ) and poor semen quality (PSQ). After evaluation, seminal plasma was separated from the sperm by centrifugation and stored at -20°C. CHOL, TAG and PROT concentrations were then assessed and seminal plasma protein profile was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations, motility, velocity, sperm concentration, total sperm count and sperm morphology were significantly higher in GSQ cats compared with PSQ cats (P <0.01). Moreover, seminal plasma SDS-PAGE analysis showed an identifiable extra band exclusively in the GSQ group. Data obtained in this study showed that seminal plasma CHOL and TAG concentrations and specific protein bands could be used to improve semen evaluation in toms. In this sense, the 14 kDa protein band could be a valuable marker for semen quality in the cat and should be further investigated. However, more studies are necessary to determine its relationship with fertility.

Potential of coconut water to enhance fresh semen quality and fertility in rabbits.

Coconut water as a natural diluent was evaluated on rabbit semen quality, conception and litter size in artificially inseminated does. A total of 10 bucks and 90 does, all crossbred New Zealand White × chinchilla, were used for the trial. Pooled semen was obtained from bucks using artificial vagina. Semen diluents were prepared at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% and control 50% normal saline and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 respectively, in a completely randomised design. Semen analysis was conducted on fresh semen and the various diluted semen immediately at 37°C. Fifteen does each were randomly allotted to the different treatment and were inseminated with their respective treatment diluted semen using the standard procedure, and conception rate, litter size and productivity index at birth were assessed at kindling. Result obtained revealed that spermatozoa motility and structural membrane integrity of the diluted semen were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the percentage of dilution. The range of values obtained for spermatozoa motility, structural membrane integrity and acrosome integrity is within the accepted values for good-quality semen. Conception rate, litter size and productivity index at birth were highest in does inseminate with T4 (60%), and the least values were obtained in T5 (80%). In conclusion, coconut water is a suitable diluent for rabbit semen for on-farm artificial insemination, the optimal dilution rate of coconut water in rabbit semen is 60%, which guarantees high conception, litter size and productivity index at birth.