Improve Semen Quality Research Articles

Improvement of the Shami goat semen quality by adding bovine serum albumin

Improvement of the Shami goat semen quality by adding bovine serum albumin

Genetic parameters and breeding values for semen characteristics in Hanoverian stallions.

The objectives of this study were to show whether semen traits of 30 Hanoverian stallions regularly used in AI may be useful for breeding purposes. Semen characteristics were studied using 15 149 ejaculates from 30 Hanoverian stallions of the State Stud Celle of Lower Saxony. Semen samples were collected between 2005 and 2009. Traits analysed were gel-free volume, sperm concentration, total and motile sperm number and progressive motility. A linear multivariate animal model was employed to estimate heritabilities and permanent environmental variances for stallions. The same model was used to predict breeding values for all traits simultaneously. Heritabilities were high for gel-free volume (h(2) = 0.43) and moderate for total number of sperm (h(2) = 0.29) and progressive motility (h(2) = 0.20). Gel-free volume, sperm concentration and total number of sperm were genetically negatively correlated with progressive motility. The effect of the permanent environment for stallions accounted for 9-55% of the trait variance. The total variance among stallions explained 37-69% of the trait variance. The average reliabilities of the breeding values were 0.43-0.76 for the 30 Hanoverian stallions. In conclusion, the study could demonstrate large effects of stallions, routinely employed in a breeding programme, on semen characteristics analysed here. We could demonstrate that estimated breeding values (EBV) with sufficient high reliabilities can be predicted using data from these stallions and these EBV are useful in horse breeding programmes to achieve genetic improvement in semen quality.

Evaluation of antifreeze protein III for cryopreservation of Nili-Ravi (Bubalus bubalis) buffalo bull sperm

Lower fertility in buffaloes with frozen-thawed semen is attributed to sperm damage that is believed to be due to formation of ice crystals during freeze/thaw process. It was hypothesized that antifreeze proteins in the extender may improve the post thaw quality of buffalo bull sperm. For this purpose, two separate experiments were conducted to evaluate antifreeze proteins III (AFP III) at 0 (control), 0.1, 1 and 10μg/mL (Experiment I) and 0 (control), 0.01, 0.1 and 1μg/mL (Experiment II) for its effect on post thaw quality of buffalo bull semen. Semen was collected from three Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls with artificial vagina (42°C) for three weeks (replicate) per experiment. For each experiment, qualifying ejaculates (6ejaculates/bull) were divided into four aliquots and diluted (at 37°C having 50×106sperm/mL) in tris-citric acid extender containing above mentioned concentrations of AFP III. Diluted semen was cooled to 4°C in 2h, equilibrated for 4h, filled in 0.5mL straws, kept over liquid nitrogen vapors for 10min and plunged in the liquid nitrogen. After 24h of storage, semen straws were thawed at 37°C for 30s to assess sperm progressive motility (SM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), viability (live sperm with intact acrosome) and normal epical ridge (NAR). In experiment I, improvement (P<0.05) in percentage SM and sperm PMI was recorded in extender containing 0.1μg/mL AFP III compared to control, the higher concentrations (1μg/mL and 10μg/mL) being inefficient. While evaluating the lower concentration (experiment II), 0.01μg/mL of AFP III in the extender it was found to be ineffective to improve semen quality parameters, while 0.1μg/mL AFP III in extender was found better in terms of progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity of buffalo bull semen compared to control. Sperm viability and NAR remained similar (P>0.05) in extenders containing different concentrations of AFP III and control in both of experiments. In conclusion addition of AFP III in the extender at 0.1μg/mL improved the progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen.

Improvements in semen quality, sperm fatty acids, and reproductive performance in aged Cobb 500 breeder roosters fed diets containing dried ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale)

Exposure to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid predisposes spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation, resulting in their decreased fertility. Ginger powder (GP), which is high in antioxidative compounds, was fed to aged breeder roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Seventy-five 52-wk-old Cobb 500 breeder roosters randomly received either 0 (GP0), 15 (GP15), or 30 (GP30) g of GP/kg of diet for 14 consecutive wk, during which time their seminal characteristics were evaluated every 2 wk. At the end of the trial, semen samples were tested for determination of sperm fatty acid (FA) concentration and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, sperm penetration was assayed, and using 225 artificially inseminated hens, fertility and hatchability rates were determined. Dietary GP improved sperm forward motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity. These were associated with a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm. The seminal TBA reactive species concentration was lower in birds belonging to the GP30 treatment in comparison with those in the GP15 and GP0 treatments. The feeding of GP resulted in overall decreases and increases in sperm saturated and unsaturated FA, respectively. The n-6:n-3 FA ratio of sperm was decreased in the GP30 group in comparison with controls. The highest levels of sperm C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) FA were recorded in the GP15 and GP30 treatments, respectively. A higher percentage of sperm C22:4(n-6) FA was found in GP-fed roosters. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity was considerably improved by the GP15 and GP30 treatments. Further, a higher number of perivitelline membrane sperm penetration holes was recorded for the GP30 treatment in comparison with the GP15 and GP0 treatments. Interestingly, although hatchability, chick quality, and embryonic mortality were not affected by dietary treatment, fertility rate was improved by the feeding of GP. In conclusion, dietary GP improved most of the seminal characteristics evaluated in aged roosters of this study, suggesting that it has potential for use in attenuating age-related subfertility in senescent male commercial broiler breeders.

Vitamin D Levels in Serum, Vitamin D Receptor Polymorphisms and Semen Quality Correlations in Lebanon: A Pilot Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The role of the steroid hormone Vitamin D (VD) and its nuclear receptor (VDR) in skeletal metabolism is well known. Furthermore, research suggests that VD plays a role in female and male reproduction. However, semen quality status is not clear in infertile men with different VD serum concentrations. The aim of this study is to measure serum VD levels in infertile Lebanese men, to investigate semen quality parameters and their correlation to serum VD levels and polymorphic variations in the VDR. Materials and methods: From March to April 2013, 40 men presenting to an IVF center located in Mount-Lebanon to undergo IUI or ICSI procedure were recruited to our study. VD in serum was evaluated using ELISA method. The polymorphic regions were amplified using PCR followed by digestion with restriction enzymes FokI(rs10735810), ApaI G/T(rs11168271), TaqI T/C(rs731236). Results: No correlation was found between the ApaI and FokI polymorphismsand both VD levels in serum (P= 0.367, P=0.75 respectively) and sperm count (P=0.919).Positive correlation was found between ApaIpolymorphisms and the number of non progressive and immotile spermatozoa (P=0.012, P=0.033 respectively). Also, positive correlation was found between TaqIpolymorphisms and VD serum levels (P= 0.038). Conclusions: More studies on VD could be relevant of a potential VD supplementation that might improve semen quality of involuntary infertile men and would be beneficial both for the infertile couples and the society in general. VD supplementation can opens for a safe treatment of some cases of

Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Semen Parameters and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Liquid Stored (5°C) Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on sperm motility, and viability; total sperm abnormality; acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity; DNA abnormality; antioxidant profiles such as catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alanine amino transaminase (ALT); and biochemical profiles such as malondialdehyde (MDA) production and cholesterol efflux. Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), and group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL, and 150 U/mL of SOD, respectively. These seminal parameters, antioxidant, enzymatic, and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C for 1, 6, 12, 24, and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of SOD into diluent resulted in significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, SOD at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen than SOD at 50 or 150 U/mL stored inin-vitrofor up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of SOD on sperm parameters are that it prevents MDA production and preserves the antioxidants and intracellular enzymes during preservation.

Effect of supplemental tracemineral source on bull semen quality

This study evaluated the effect of tracemineral supplementation on bull semen quality, as measured by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Angus and Gelbvieh × Angus bulls assigned to inorganic (n = 9) and organic (n = 10) trace-mineral treatments were maintained in drylot pens and fed mixed grass hay. Three times weekly bulls were individually fed rations containing either inorganic or a mixture of inorganic and organic Zn, Cu, Co, and Mn trace mineral for 123 d (mid-May to early September). Starting on d 60, semen was collected by electroejaculation weekly for a 9-wk period (mid-July until early September) and evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis for motility parameters within 5 min of collection. Data were analyzed by treatment, week, and their interaction using SAS PROC Mixed for repeated measures. Bulls supplemented with organic trace minerals had a greater (P = 0.02) percentage of motile sperm than those supplemented with inorganic trace minerals (65.5 vs. 56.1%, respectively). Likewise, percentage of progressive sperm was greater (P = 0.01) for bulls receiving organic (47.0%) versus only inorganic (38.4%) trace mineral. Sperm with rapid motility (path velocity >50 μm/s) was also greater (P = 0.03) for bulls supplemented with organic compared with bulls receiving inorganic trace mineral (62.3 vs. 52.8%, respectively). Sperm motility is the single most important semen quality parameter influencing bull fertility. Results suggest organic trace-mineral supplementation may improve bull semen quality. Additional studies are needed to determine whether this improvement in semen quality translates into improved pregnancy rates.

Effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on semen quality of barbari bucks

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of zinc and selenium on semen quality in twelve Barbari bucks of proven fertility. The experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups of six and fed without any supplementation (control) or with 150-ppm zinc sulfate and 0.50-ppm sodium selenate (test group). Semen was collected on days 0, 60, 75, 90 and 105 to study its characteristics. In control group, no significant change was observed in semen quality during the study period. In test group, semen quality was improved in terms of a significant (P< 0.05) increase in semen volume, progressive motility, sperm count, percent live spermatozoa, acrosomal integrity and hypo osomotic swelling (HOS) responding spermatozoa and decrease in abnormal spermatozoa after 60 days of supplementation. Mass motility increased significantly (P< 0.05) only at 105 days as compared to 0 day. It is concluded that the supplementation of Zn and Se can improve semen quality in goats.

Sexology of elderly man with secondary infertility.

Atif A. Katib et al. touched a very sensitive field of everyday andrological work–up. The manuscript gives an overview to almost all possible causes of secondary infertility [1]. Compared to primary infertility, patients are rather young, usually healthy, slim, without chronic diseases and with normal libido, erectile and ejaculation function. The semen quality diminishes with age. In elderly men, healthy lifestyle recommendations are more often insufficient because comorbidities are so advanced. In this case, only pharmacological or surgical treatment is a way of choice. However, pharmacology and surgery carry other side effects, such as influencing semen, sexual drive, sexual function and fertility potential. Unfortunately, in many cases, the only way is assisted reproduction technology (ART). Varicocelectomy improves the semen quality but statistically does not improve the rate of pregnancy. Microsurgical techniques give the highest rate of success without serious complications [2]. However, when performing varicocelectomy in elderly men, one must always keep in mind that the time of existing varicoceles is much longer than in younger patients, so expected positive effect in improving semen quality could be worse. Sexological aspects in these patients are issues which cannot be just solved in one or two questions. It is not enough to ask “Do you have sexual intercourse?” After a few failures resulting from erectile dysfunction, many elderly males do not initiate or respond to sexual attempts from their partners, even when they want to have a child. The definitions of infertility enclose a time frame (1–5 years) but there are no details concerning “regular unprotected sexual intercourse” or “being sexually active” [3]. The frequency of intercourse in young men could be a few per day; in elderly men it could be a few per month or even a few per year, even if sexual activity is perceived as a marker of “good health” [4]. In these conditions, with poor semen quality, it is very difficult to conceive. Information regarding how many sexual intercourses occurred within the last 4 weeks which were finalized with semen deposition in the vagina is crucial to initially define how high the probability of becoming pregnant is. Sexological consultation should be seriously considered in every patient with secondary infertility. The impact on sexual behaviour is not only determined by the level of testosterone, obesity or heart insufficiency, but also by frailty, lack of trust, intimacy, sexual desire or arousal [5]. During an interview with a couple who appears in the office due to secondary infertility, never assume that they have normal, regular active sexual life without any disturbances. Do not focus on semen analysis and treating low testosterone level. Appropriate counseling and treatment of erectile and/or ejaculation dysfunction [6] combined with effective treatment of metabolic, hormonal [7] and cardiovascular diseases could reach success and avoid ART. It is worth to underline that treatment of secondary infertility in aging males cannot be reduced only to a urologist or an andrologist. The broad team of specialists mentioned by the authors, including a sexologist or sexological psychotherapist, is required for the proper care of these unique patients. The most important message to take home from the article is that elderly men who suffer from secondary infertility have much more multifactoral and extensive histories of diseases, traumas, surgeries, sexological problems and many more years of bad lifestyle habits (smoking, alcohol, drugs, etc.) than younger men. This makes diagnosis and treatment more difficult compared to patients with primary infertility. The future challenge for reproductive medicine is to help them, especially if we take into account elongating time of life and the increasing problem of infertility.

Effects of Dietary Protein Intake on Growth and Semen Quality in Broiler Breeder Males

One hundred and eighty six-week old chicks were randomly distributed in to three dietary groups, each with three replicate of 20 birds. Three experimental iso-caloric (2750 Kcal ME/kg) grower diets containing 12, 14 and 16 percent CP were assigned to each of the three treatment groups CP12, CP14, and CP16, respectively. The daily dietary allocation was based on an energy requirement model. Weekly feed consumption and BW data were recorded. On 25th week semen was collected from 10 birds of each treatment groups and semen quality parameters were studied. The net gain in body weight of CP16 group was 1498.44±49.20g and significantly (P≤0.05) higher than CP12 and CP14 groups without any significant difference between them. The semen volume (0.575±0.014 ml), spermatozoa concentration (5.081±0.044 millions/μl) as well as number of spermatozoa per ejaculation (2.77±0.022 billions) in CP12 group were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those of CP14 and CP16 diet group. The results of the present study indicated that a grower diet with 12% CP and 2750 kcal ME/kg diet fed during growing period (6 to 20 weeks) is adequate to control mature body weight and improve semen quality in broiler breeder males.

Effect of varicocelectomy on male infertility.

Varicocele is the most common cause of male infertility and is generally correctable or at least improvable by various surgical and radiologic techniques. Therefore, it seems simple and reasonable that varicocele should be treated in infertile men with varicocele. However, the role of varicocele repair for the treatment of subfertile men has been questioned during the past decades. Although varicocele repair can induce improvement of semen quality, the obvious benefit of spontaneous pregnancy has not been shown through several meta-analyses. Recently, a well-designed randomized clinical trial was introduced, and, subsequently, a novel meta-analysis was published. The results of these studies advocate that varicocele repair be regarded as a standard treatment modality in infertile men with clinical varicocele and abnormal semen parameters, which is also supported by current clinical guidelines. Microsurgical varicocelectomy has been regarded as the gold standard compared to other surgical techniques and radiological management in terms of the recurrence rate and the pregnancy rate. However, none of the methods has been proven through well-designed clinical trials to be superior to the others in the ability to improve fertility. Accordingly, high-quality data from well-designed studies are needed to resolve unanswered questions and update current knowledge. Upcoming trials should be designed to define the best technique and also to define how to select the best candidates who will benefit from varicocele repair.

Antioxidant Supplementation of Subfertile Men Improves Top-Blastocyst Rate in Couples Undergoing IVF/IMSI

Antioxidant Supplementation of Subfertile Men Improves Top-Blastocyst Rate in Couples Undergoing IVF/IMSI In recent years, oxidative stress (OS) has been identified as important factor in male infertility. Thus, the intake of antioxidants to improve semen quality (in subfertile men) has been widely discussed. Improvements of semen quality after supplementation have been reported. However, this issue is still underevaluated. Critics complain a lack of data regarding firstly the use of antioxidants due to the heterogeneity between patient groups, nutritional supplements and treatment effect and secondly rare data in regard to the impact of supplementation on assisted reproduction technique (ART) outcome. In this study the effect of an antioxidant supplementation (AOS) on semen quality and therapy outcome of 92 couples undergoing fertility treatment was assessed..

EFFECT OF GREEN TEA AS DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS (Camellia sinensis) ON SEMEN QUALITY AND TESTOSTERONE PROFILE IN RABBITS.

This study aimed to investigate effect of green tea level as a dietary additive on semen quality and testosterone concentration of adult APRI line rabbit bucks. A total of 12 adult bucks were allotted into 4 equal groups fed complete feed diet (17.4% CP and 2257 Kcal metabolizable energy on dry matter basis), without additive (T1) or supplemented with 2, 4 and 6 g green tea/kg diet (T2, T3 and T4 respectively). The experimental period was 13 weeks, 4 weeks as a preliminary period and 9 weeks as main period of semen collection. Semen was evaluated for volume (SV), pH value, and percentages of motility (SMP), livability (SLP) and abnormality (SAP) of spermatozoa as well as sperm cell concentration (SCC). Sperm count as total output (TSO) and total motile (TMO), total live (TLO) and total normal (TNO) was calculated. Testosterone concentration in blood plasma was determined pre-treatment, and mid and end of the collection period. Results showed that bucks in T4 treated with 6 g green tea/kg diet showed the highest (P<0.05) SV, pH value, SMP, SCC, TSO, TMO, TLO, TNO and the lowest (P<0.05) SAP. However, SLP and testosterone concentration were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, green tea demonstrates significant improvement in the antioxidant status, as shown by the increased antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH levels. Green tea could serve as a supportive treatment in the nutritional management to improve semen quality of rabbit bucks, particularly at a level of 6 g/kg diet. Keywords: Rabbit, green tea, semen, sperm output, testosterone. This study aimed to investigate effect of green tea level as a dietary additive on semen quality and testosterone concentration of adult APRI line rabbit bucks. A total of 12 adult bucks were allotted into 4 equal groups fed complete feed diet (17.4% CP and 2257 Kcal metabolizable energy on dry matter basis), without additive (T1) or supplemented with 2, 4 and 6 g green tea/kg diet (T2, T3 and T4 respectively). The experimental period was 13 weeks, 4 weeks as a preliminary period and 9 weeks as main period of semen collection. Semen was evaluated for volume (SV), pH value, and percentages of motility (SMP), livability (SLP) and abnormality (SAP) of spermatozoa as well as sperm cell concentration (SCC). Sperm count as total output (TSO) and total motile (TMO), total live (TLO) and total normal (TNO) was calculated. Testosterone concentration in blood plasma was determined pre-treatment, and mid and end of the collection period. Results showed that bucks in T4 treated with 6 g green tea/kg diet showed the highest (P<0.05) SV, pH value, SMP, SCC, TSO, TMO, TLO, TNO and the lowest (P<0.05) SAP. However, SLP and testosterone concentration were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, green tea demonstrates significant improvement in the antioxidant status, as shown by the increased antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH levels. Green tea could serve as a supportive treatment in the nutritional management to improve semen quality of rabbit bucks, particularly at a level of 6 g/kg diet.

Varicocele and Male Infertility: Current Issues in Management-A Review

Varicocele is the most common correctable cause of male factor infertility. The role of varicocele in the etiology of male infertility is still controversial regarding to whom varicocelectomy should be done and the selection should be meticulous. With the recent advances in biomolecular and development of novel sperm functional tests, it has been possible to better understand the mechanism involved in damage provoked by varicocele and therefore, propose ways to reverse them. Clinical studies have shown that varicocele surgery can improve semen quality sufficient to downgrade the type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedure required. This reveiw discusses current concepts on the mechanisms for varicocele induced testicular damage and efficacy of varicocelectomy for treatment of infertility. We also review the current guidelines and need for proper case selection before surgery.The authors critically reviewed the cost effectiveness of the surgical treatment of a varicocele compared with assisted reproductive techniques.

EFFECT OF FILTRATION OF POST-DILUTED SEMEN BY SEPHADEX ON FREEZING ABILITY AND FERTILIZING CAPACITY OF BUFFALO SEMEN

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Sephadex column filtration technique of post-diluted semen on freezing ability and fertilizing capacity of buffalo semen. Four Egyptian buffalo bulls were used for semen collection. Semen was extended (37oC) at a rate of 1:20 and filtered using Sephadex column with G-75 (T2) or G-100 (T3) as compared to un-filtrated semen (T1). Semen in all treatments was evaluated for progressive motility, livability, abnormality and intact acrosome spermatozoa in post-diluted, post-equilibrated and post-thawing semen. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 50 d post-insemination. Results showed that T2 and T3 improved (P<0.05) percentage of motility, livability, abnormality and intact acrosome spermatozoa in post-diluted, post-equilibrated and post-thawed semen as compared to T1, being better with T2 (G-75) than T3 (G-100). For buffalo cows inseminated with post-thawed semen, conception rate was 73.3, 63.3 and 56.7% in T2, T3 and T1, respectively (P<0.05). The present results indicate that using Sephadex (G-75) column filter technique has beneficial effects on improving semen quality and fertilizing capacity of buffalo spermatozoa by removal the abnormal and dead spermatozoa in buffalo semen, which can have an adverse effect on their fertilizing potential..

Evaluation of three bovine Y specific microsatellite loci as an alternative biomarkers for semen quality traits in crossbred bull

Although some of the studies earlier reported that bovine semen parameters are associated with some candidate markers genes, but scanty of reports available regarding the effect of allelic variation in Y specific microsatellite markers on semen quality parameters in bulls. In the present study we have targeted three Y specific microsatellite markers (INRA126, INRA 189 and BM861) for their association ship analysis with some semen quality parameters among Frieswal (HF×Sahiwal) crossbred bulls of Indian origin. The polymorphic loci of INRA 126, bulls with 182 and 184 alleles had significantly (P<0.01) higher semen volume as compared to 186 allele, however, 186 allele showed significantly (P<0.01) higher concentration per ml of semen compared to 182 and 184. Interestingly our study also revealed that number of sperm/ejaculate is also significantly (P<0.05) higher in 184 allele compared to 182 and 186. Similarly, association analysis of INRA 189 major three alleles also revealed a significant difference in semen volume and concentration. Allele 89 and 96 having significantly (P<0.01) higher volume compared to 86, whereas allele 86 having significantly (P<0.01) higher concentration per volume of semen than 89 and 96. Again after association of two major alleles (160 and 164) of BM861 loci with semen parameters revealed no significant difference with any of the semen quality parameters chosen here. Therefore the present study may be for the first time revealed that the Y chromosomal microsatellite alleles are important male reproductive biomarkers for improving semen quality traits in bulls.

Estimation of the genetic parameters of semen quality in Beijing-You chickens

By estimating the genetic parameters of various semen quality traits in Beijing-You chickens, this study aims to elucidate the inheritance patterns of these traits and the correlations between them to facilitate setting up appropriate breeding strategies for enhanced semen quality. Semen samples were collected from 518 Beijing-You roosters at 43 wk of age from 3 selection lines related to meat flavor traits. Seven semen quality traits, consisting of semen volume, pH, and color, and sperm viability, motility, percent deformity, and concentration, were determined. Sizeable variations (18-24% CV) were observed for all traits, except for semen pH. The effects of semen collection time and origin of the chickens (line) were analyzed to optimize the proper models for estimating genetic parameters for each trait. The multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood method was used for estimating variance components. The results revealed that sperm viability, motility, and percent deformity exhibited high heritabilities (h(2) = 0.52, 0.85, and 0.60, respectively). Semen volume, semen color, and sperm concentration had moderate heritabilities (h(2) = 0.28, 0.19, and 0.12, respectively). Semen pH showed low heritability (h(2) = 0.03). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between sperm motility and viability were positive and high (rA = 0.88 and rP = 0.59). In addition, these 2 traits were genetically negatively correlated with percent deformity. This implied the possibility of reducing sperm deformity, which is difficult to measure, by indirect selection. It is concluded from this study that semen quality can be improved by selection. The traits with high variations and heritabilities such as semen volume are promising traits for selection to improve semen quality and likely reproductive performance of native chicken breeds.

Effect of catalase on the liquid storage of mithun (Bos frontalis) semen

To assess the effect of catalase (CAT) on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), biochemical profiles such as cholesterol efflux and malonaldehyde (MDA) production and antioxidant profiles such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL and 150 U/mL of catalase, respectively. These seminal, enzymatic, biochemical and antioxidant profiles were assessed at 5 °C for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of catalase into diluent resulted in significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, CAT at 50 and 150 U/mL were inferior to CAT 100 U/mL treatments as regards to these characteristics and CAT at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen in in– vitro stored for up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of CAT on sperm parameters are it prevent efflux of cholesterol from cell membrane, MDA production and protect the function of antioxidants during preservation.

Nearly all surveyed reproductive urologists feel a prospective varicocelectomy trial is important and worthwhile

Controversy exists whether varicocelectomy improves pregnancy rates in couples with male infertility. Unfortunately, the majority of data come from retrospective, poorly controlled studies (1), resulting in inadequate evidence regarding the efficacy of this procedure in improving semen quality (2–3). In addition, results from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are conflicting and methodologically of poor quality because of heterogeneous inclusion criteria, limited enrollment, and high drop-out rates.

Regular consumption of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves semen quality

Regular consumption of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves semen quality