Mass Motility Research Articles

N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation Improves Testicular Haemodynamics, Testosterone Levels, Seminal Antioxidant Capacity and Semen Quality in Heat-Stressed Goat Bucks.

Heat stress (HS) disrupts testicular homeostasis because of oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a thiol compound with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. As a sequel, this research aimed to assess the ameliorative effects of NAC supplementation on the reproductive performance of goat bucks kept under environmental HS. Primarily, Doppler examination as well as semen collection and evaluation were conducted on 12 mature bucks for 2 weeks (W) as pre-heat stress control (W1 and W2) during winter (February 2023). The temperature-humidity index (THI) was 63.4-64.3 (winter season). Then during summer HS conditions (from the beginning of July till the end of August 2023) bucks were assessed before NAC supplementation (W0), afterwards they were arbitrarily assigned into two groups. The control group (CON; n = 6) received the basal diet while the NAC group (n = 6) received the basal diet in addition to oral NAC daily for 7 weeks (W1-W7). The THI was 78.1-81.6 (summer season). Testicular blood flow parameters, serum concentration of nitric oxide (NO) and testosterone were measured. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in seminal plasma and semen quality parameters were evaluated. There were marked reductions (p < 0.05) in the resistive index (RI; W1, W4 and W5), pulsatility index (PI; W2 and W4-W7), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D; W4-W7) in the NAC group compared to the CON group. Furthermore, testosterone and NO levels were higher (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) in the NAC group (W2, W3, W5 and W3-W5, respectively). Seminal plasma TAC increased (p < 0.05) and MDA decreased (p < 0.05) in the NAC group (W2, W4 and W5) compared to the CON group. Moreover, there were marked improvements (p < 0.05) in semen quality parameters (mass motility, total motility, viability and normal morphology) in the NAC group. In conclusion, oral NAC supplementation could be used to enhance the reproductive performance of goat bucks during HS conditions which is supported by remarkable enhancement in testicular haemodynamics, NO, testosterone levels and semen quality parameters.

Brushing rams before and during electroejaculation improves sperm motility and kinetics with slight changes in stress biomarkers

The aim of this study was to determine whether brushing rams before and during electroejaculation (EE) reduces their stress response and improves the characteristics of the ejaculate. A single person brushed each ram for 5 min daily, for 15 days, in an individual pen. Semen was collected from five rams brushed before and during EE by the same brusher, while the other five were electroejaculated without being brushed. The treatments were exchanged three days later, so semen was collected from all the rams with both treatments. Brushing increased mass motility (P = 0.05), and curvilinear (P = 0.001), linear (P = 0.02), and average path (P = 0.01) velocities of sperm, as well as the average amplitude of lateral displacement of the sperm head (P = 0.05), and tended to increase sperm concentration (P = 0.09). Brushing tended to reduce the cortisol concentration (P = 0.06) and the duration of head movements when 2 V pulse series V was applied (P = 0.1). Brushing increased creatine kinase concentration (P = 0.04) and tended to increase rectal (P = 0.06) and maximum eye surface temperatures (P = 0.1), total time, and number of electrical pulses administered (P = 0.07 for both variables), as well as the sum of pulses per voltage applied during EE (P = 0.06). In rams accustomed to being brushed by the same person, brushing them before and during EE improved semen quality, with slight changes in the stress responses.

Characteristics of Bachaur bull semen.

The Bachaur is a mediumized draft purpose breed which has been recognized by ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR) Karnal, India, and presently is on the verge of extinction. Since there are no data regarding the seminal parameters of this breed, this work was performed to evaluate seminal parameters of freshly ejaculated semen. A total of three healthy breeding Bachaur bulls aged 2.5-5 years were selected for the study which were maintained under identical managemental conditions. Semen parameters of these bulls were studied across 10 ejaculates. The average scrotal circumference and testicular weight of the three bulls were 27.78 ± 1.2 cm and 400.67 ± 26.6 g, respectively. The average overall volume (mL), pH, concentration (million/mL), liveability (%), abnormality (%), HOST (%) and acrosome integrity (%) were 2.20 ± 0.19, 6.86 ± 0.06, 1245.60 ± 23.49, 85.09 ± 0.91, 4.13 ± 0.06, 81.16 ± 1.18 and 83.54 ± 1.32, respectively. The average overall mass motility of three Bachaur bulls was 3.57 ± 0.06 in 0-5 scale and individual motility averaged 84.78 ± 1.70 per cent. The volume of ejaculates in Bachaur bull seemed to be lower as compared to other exotic and Indian breeds. However, the semen parameters with regard to mass motility, liveability, abnormalities, hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) and acrosomal integrity seemed similar to other exotic and Indian breeds.

Influence of temperature on the quality of sperm from synthetic strain rabbits

The harmful effects of hyperthermia on testes and secondary sexual characteristics are not well understood. Our aim was to study the effect of temperature on the quality of rabbit semen. The experiment was carried out on 40 male rabbits of the ITELV 2006 synthetic strain. The rabbits were divided into two experimental batches that were exposed to two different temperatures, from 18 to 20°C for the first batch, and from 33 to 35°C for the second. During the experimental period, which lasted from the end of May to the beginning of July 2022, two successive ejaculates, spaced 10 minutes apart, were collected from each male and evaluated once a week. Weekly libido measurements also were taken. The rabbits responded well to solicitation, providing a 100% useful harvest rate. Seed analysis showed a significant difference between the two batches for all parameters studied (p &lt; 0.05). The first batch produced a higher volume of sperm, with an average of 0.480 ± 0.106 ml, and a higher concentration of spermatozoa (spz), with an average of 462.797 ± 55.376 × 106 spz/ml. In comparison, the second batch had an average volume of 0.448 ± 0.115 ml and an average concentration of 409.745 ± 69.003 × 106 spz/ml. In terms of mass motility and individual motility, the averages recorded were respectively 5.058 ± 0.631 and 3.979 ± 0.957 for the first batch, and 3.246 ± 0.527 and 2.746 ± 0.769 for the second batch. The study shows that rearing temperature has a major effect on sperm quality.

La presencia de cuernos determina el rango social de carneros Dorper

The aim was to determine if the presence of horns on rams defines whether they are high-ranking or low-ranking. Dorper rams (n = 20) were evaluated to determine their social rank (SR), either high (HSR) or low (LSR), under intensive management conditions. Upon SR classification, the morphometric variables horns presence (HP) or absence (HA) and distance between them, the height at the withers, body length, thoracic perimeter, and scrotal circumference, male odor, body weight, and body condition score were registered. Afterward, semen evaluations were performed, recording the ejaculated volume, sperm concentration, and mass motility. There were no differences (p &gt; 0.05) for the morphometric variables between the groups. However, HP as well as semen quality were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in HSR males. The presence of horns in the rams determined their social rank and the dominant males showed better semen quality than the subordinate males.

Genetic evaluation for milk and semen variables on Egyptian buffaloes

2584 lactation records of Egyptian buffaloes calving between1992 to 2010 kept at Natafe El Gadded farm were studied. Several variables Animal model (SVAM) was used. Milk variables are milk production (MP), days in milk (DM), and calving interval (CI) and semen quality are ejaculate volume (EV) life of sperm (LS) and total Motility (TM). The overall means of MP, LL, CI, EV, LS, and TM were 2025 kg, 203 d, 447 d, 3.25 ml, 65.91% and 58.40%, respectively. Heritabilities were 0.23, 0.13, 0.02, 0.08, 0.27 and 0.24, for milk production, lactation length, current calving interval, ejaculate volume, live of sperm and total motility, respectively. Genetic association among MP and each of DM and CI were positive and were 0.80, 0.04, respectively, while among DM and CI was negative (-0.54). Genetic association among EV and each of LS and TM were .04 and -0.03, respectively, while among LS and TM was (1.0). In conclusion, our findings provide useful information on the heritability of milk production, life of sperm and mass motility traits in Egyptian buffaloes and relationships among them and should assist in selection for improvement of milk yield and semen traits in Egyptian buffaloes and bulls.

Developing a tool to optimize research on antioxidants for rooster semen cryopreservation

This study aimed to develop a tool for predicting the potential impact of research studies involving the effect of antioxidants in rooster semen freezing diluent, depending on the variables that have been studied. To achieve this, a comprehensive meta-analysis of fifty-eight research documents was performed. Sixty-two traits were sorted into four major categories: study demographics, study design-related parameters, rooster semen quality-related parameters, and fertility level indicators. The quartile determination of each research document was collected from the Journal Citation Reports database. After twenty-five testing rounds, all variables that showed multicollinearity problems were discarded from further analyses (VIF < 5). HOST, pellet volume, mass motility, light hours, and sperm concentration were the most influential traits for the classification of papers in different quartiles (Wilks’ lambda: 0.797, 0.891, 0.895, 0.896, and 0.904, respectively). The research was validated as reported in the cross-validation analysis, with 93.60% of papers being correctly classified within their group. The present research assists researchers not only in the decision-making process for journals in which to publish the outcomes of their studies, but also to seek for the inclusion of parameters which attract a wider interest for the matter from scientific readers. This leads to the optimisation of resources in studies evaluating the effect of antioxidants in poultry reproduction by identifying the most scientifically relevant variables and those which in trun will lead toa greater impact on research publications.

Use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents in the processing of sheep semen with the addition of HTF

Objective: To assess the effect of two ovine semen diluents, Andromed® and OviXcell®, on the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity of spermatozoa processed at different temperatures and with the addition of post-thawed HTF (human tubal fluid).&#x0D; Design/Methodology/Approach: Semen from 2 Dorper ram was used. Four ejaculations per male were collected and diluted with Andromed® and Ovixcell®. There were four treatments with Ovixcell®: 1) fresh Ovixcell®, 2) refrigerated Ovixcell®, 3) post-thawed Ovixcell®, and 4) post-thawed Ovixcell® + HTF. Four treaments with Andromed® were also carried out: 1) fresh Andromed®, 2) refrigerated Andromed®, 3) post-thawed Andromed®, and 4) post-thawed Andromed® + HTF. Mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity were performed with a CASA computer system and statistically analyzed with the GLM procedure of the SAS software.&#x0D; Results: When the effect of Ovixcell® mass motility was assessed, the following results were obtained, with differences (p˂0.05) between treatments: 87% in fresh semen, 72% refrigerated semen, 55% in post-thawed semen, and 68% in post-thawed semen + HTF. A clear difference (p˂0.05) was observed when HTF was added to post-thawed semen (13%). Andromed® behaved in the same way as Ovixcell® (p˂0.05) and a 18% recovery was observed with the addition of HTF. A high percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome was observed for fresh semen (97.8%), while it diminished (p&lt;0.05) as the temperature of refrigerated and frozen semen gradually decreased.&#x0D; Study Limitations/Implications: More experimental units should be used, despite the increase in maintenance costs per animal.&#x0D; Findings/Conclusions: The use of Andromed® and OviXcell® diluents was satisfactory in relation to the mass motility, vitality, and acrosomal integrity in spermatozoa processed at different temperatures (fresh, refrigerated, and post-thawed). Furthermore, the addition of HTF increased post-thawed mass motility.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Erythrina americana on the seminal characteristics of rams

Background: The use of antioxidants of natural origin is an alternative to improve the cryopreservation of sheep semen. Objective: To evaluate the effect of Erythrina americana diet supplementation in the seminal characteristics of rams. Methods: Ten rams were randomly distributed in two treatments: l) group with addition of E. americana (20% dry matter basis) in the diet (AEA, n=5), and 2) the control group without addition of E. americana (SEA, n=5). Both diets were balanced iso-proteinically and iso-energetically. The feeding period of the rams was eleven weeks. The ejaculates were obtained through an artificial vagina and were evaluated fresh (37 °C) and refrigerated (5 °C). Volume (VOL) was evaluated with a tube graduated in milliliters, sperm concentration (CON x106) with a photometer and mass motility (MM, 1-5), individual motility (IM), normality (N) and live sperm (L) by microscopic observation. Results: The fresh semen showed that the inclusion of E. americana in the diet of rams did not modify (p&gt;0.05) the parameters of VOL, CON, MM, and N, but decreased (p&lt;0.05) the IM and L. In refrigerated semen the variables L and N were not different (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups; however, IM was improved by the AEA group (p&lt;0.05) compared to the SEA group. Conclusion: The supplementation with E. americana in the diet of rams reduces the sperm quality in fresh semen but is beneficial in the cooling process for refrigerated semen.

Impact of seaweed on growth performance, sperm quality and testicular histomorphology of ram

Sperm quality is critical for male fertility, which is largely dependent on testicular development; however, nutrition is critical for optimal growth, gonadal development, and reproductive functions. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Gracilaria parvispora, a red seaweed on growth performance, testicular physiology, and semen quality in ram. Fifteen indigenous rams, weighing 10-11 kg and aged 12-13 months, were randomly allocated into three groups. One group was considered as control and supplied with German grass and concentrate mixture (control diet). The other two groups were provided with control diet plus seaweed mixture either at 7 g/d or 14 g/d. The starting body weight, scrotal circumferences and semen quality of rams were similar for all groups. However, post-treatment, both the seaweed-treated groups showed significantly higher body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, and increased scrotal circumference and testicular dimensions, compared to control group. Moreover, the semen parameters, including sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, mass motility and progressive motility were observed to be significantly increased, while decreasing abnormal sperm percentage in the seaweed-treated group. Furthermore, DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, and in vitro fertilization rate were significantly increased in seaweed treated groups. Additionally, the testicular histology of seaweed treated groups revealed a thinner tunica albuginea with expanded seminiferous tubules containing higher number of spermatogenic cells inside. These findings suggested that seaweed G. parvispora could be a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth and reproductive performance of ram.

Quantification of X sperm by raman spectroscopy in percoll density gradient centrifuged buffalo semen

The present study was conducted to observe effect of percoll density gradient centrifugation of buffalo bull semen on quantity of X sperms. Ejaculates were collected by artificial vagina method. Semen with mass motility &gt;+3 and progressive motility &gt;70 % were selected for experiment. X sperm Enrichment of semen was done by discontinuous percoll density gradient centrifugation and three groups were formed ie Group 1 (3 layer 70%, 50% and 30%) Group 2 (7 layer 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, 20% and 10%) Group 3 (7 layer 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30% and 20%). Centrifugation of semen of three groups and control (fresh semen without gradients) was done. After centrifugation, the supernatant part was removed and the pellet of each group was used for X sperm enrichment assessment by Raman spectroscopy. Results revealed that X sperm enrichment was higher in the pellets of Group 2 followed Group 3, Group 1 and Control as Raman peaks on DNA specific bands corresponds to more number of x sperm were higher respectively.

Diluent and Storage Time Effect on Sperm Abnormality and MDA Level in Muscovy Duck Semen at 27oC

This study aimed to determine sperm abnormality and MDA level in Muscovy duck semen in different dilution and storage at 27oC. This study was used in the level of dilution of glutinous semen with a long time store differently at 27oC. In this study, the parameters of the mass motility of spermatozoa were used individual motility, spermatozoa abnormalities, and activity test. A Muscovy duck, healthy and have a high libido were used then divided into treatment groups i.e. (A0) 0; (A1) 5 times; (A2) 10 times; and (A3) 15 times, the second factor as a subplot was the storage time (BO) 0; (B1) 60 minutes; (B2) 120 minutes; and (B3) 180 minutes stored at 27oC with 3 replications. In results, this study was reported abnormalities at a dilution rate in A1 group of 5 times with a shelf life in B1 group of 60 minutes and in B2 group of 120 minutes.

Studies on Fresh and Cryopreserved Seminal Attributes in Beetal Bucks Outside their Breeding Tract

The objectives of the present research were to assess fresh and cryopreserved. seminal characteristics of breeding Beetal buck semen outside of its breeding tract. Semen was collected twice in a week from twelve Beetal bucks for 6 weeks. The mean value of ejaculate volume(ml), mass motility(o-5 scale), progressive motility(%), sperm viability (%), intact acrosome(%), sperm abnormality(%) and plasma membrane integrity(%) were ranged from 0.73 ± 0.08 ml to 1.17 ± 0.27 ml; 4.17+ to 4.67+, 80.83 ± 1.54 to 87.50 ± 2.14; 83.83 ± 0.95 to 90.33 ± 0.80; 87.00 ± 0.86 to 94.67 ± 0.33; 6.83 ± 0.31 to 10.33 ± 0.67 and 59.33 ± 1.52 to 66.67 ± 1.17, respectively. The mean value of post thaw sperm motility, post thaw sperm viability, post thaw acrosome integrity, post thaw sperm abnormalities and post thaw plasma membrane integrity were ranged from 52.50± 1.12 to 66.67 ± 1.67; 60.00 ± 1.24 to 69.67 ± 1.05; 66.00 ± 0.77 to 78.83 ± 2.15; 9.00 ± 0.45 to 12.83 ± 0.60 and 41.50 ± 1.18 to 53.50 ± 1.23, respectively. It was determined that, even outside of the breeding tract, the foundational characteristics of Beetal bucks are within the range defined for other Indian breeds of goat.

A Single-Step Genome-Wide Association Study for Semen Traits of Egyptian Buffalo Bulls.

The present study aimed to contribute to the limited research on buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) semen traits by incorporating genomic data. A total of 8465 ejaculates were collected. The genotyping procedure was conducted using the Axiom® Buffalo Genotyping 90 K array designed by the Affymetrix Expert Design Program. After conducting a quality assessment, we utilized 67,282 SNPs genotyped in 192 animals. We identified several genomic loci explaining high genetic variance by employing single-step genomic evaluation. The aforementioned regions were located on buffalo chromosomes no. 3, 4, 6, 7, 14, 16, 20, 22, and the X-chromosome. The X-chromosome exhibited substantial influence, accounting for 4.18, 4.59, 5.16, 5.19, and 4.31% of the genomic variance for ejaculate volume, mass motility, livability, abnormality, and concentration, respectively. In the examined genomic regions, we identified five novel candidate genes linked to male fertility and spermatogenesis, four in the X-chromosome and one in chromosome no. 16. Additional extensive research with larger sample sizes and datasets is imperative to validate these findings and evaluate their applicability for genomic selection.

Association between levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 in serum and seminal plasma with fresh and frozen-thawed semen characteristics in Beetal bucks.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in serum and seminal plasma and the characteristics of semen in Beetal bucks (Capra hircus). A total of 12 adult Beetal bucks were involved in the study, with each buck providing six ejaculates collected using a standard artificial vagina (n = 72 total). Only qualified semen samples (volume of 0.7 mL, a mass motility rating of 3+ or higher on a 0-+ scale, and individual progressive motility of 80% or more) divided into three fractions were processed for estimation of IGF-1 and other seminal parameters like motility, viability, acrosome integrity, sperm abnormality and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The first and second fraction were diluted and extended with Optixcell extender (1:15 ratio). The first ejaculate fraction was processed for studying fresh semen parameters and the second fraction was cryopreserved for evaluating frozen semen parameters. French mini straws (0.25 mL) were used for semen filling, and polyvinyl alcohol powder of different colours was used for sealing the extended semen. The third fraction of each ejaculate was centrifuged at room temperature (1100 × g for 7 min) to separate the seminal plasma. Additionally, blood samples were taken from each buck on the same day as semen collection, resulting in a total of 36 blood samples. The results revealed a significant positive correlation (r = .4243; p < .05) between the concentration of IGF-1 in both serum and seminal plasma of the Beetal bucks. Furthermore, the concentration of IGF-1 in serum showed significant positive correlations with sperm viability (r = .554; p < .05), acrosome integrity (r = .527; p < .05), post-thaw sperm motility (r = .407; p < .01), post-thaw sperm viability (r = .426; p < .01) and post-thaw acrosome integrity (r = .333; p < .05). However, it had a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in fresh semen (r = -0.458; p < .01). Moreover, the concentration of IGF-1 in seminal plasma demonstrated significant positive correlations with individual progressive motility (r = .341; p < .05), sperm viability (r = .527; p < .05), acrosome integrity (r = .539; p < .05), sperm plasma membrane integrity (r = .464; p < .05), post-thaw sperm motility (r = .644; p < .01), post-thaw sperm viability (r = .643; p < .01), post-thaw acrosome integrity (r = .487; p < .01) and post-thaw sperm plasma membrane integrity (r = .521; p < .01). Additionally, it showed a significant negative correlation with SOD activity in both fresh semen (r = -0.714; p < .01) and frozen semen (r = -0.558; p < .01) of Beetal bucks. Based on these findings, IGF-1 in seminal plasma can be considered as a potential biomarker for the selection of bucks for breeding purposes.

Determinants of puberty and age of sexual maturity in Nigerian indigenous breeds of male goats

This study was conducted to ascertain the pubertal and sexual maturity characteristics of Nigerian native goat breeds. The research was carried out on three goat breeds; Sahel (SG), Red Sokoto (RSG), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Each breed was represented by eight (8) animals (n=24) and housed in separate pens based on breed type. All bucks were weighed at birth and bi-weekly using digital weighing scales until they reached puberty. Scrotal circumference measurements were taken every two weeks until the end of the study. Semen was collected immediately after preputial separation and all semen samples were labelled and placed in a thermo-flask immediately and subsequently transported to the laboratory for evaluation. The mass motility and the forward motilities of the spermatozoa were observed using a light microscope. The percentage of live, dead, and abnormal sperms were determined after staining with eosin and negrosin stains. The sperm cell concentration was determined by counting spermatozoa with a hemocytometer. Result obtained indicate that at the 14th and 16th weeks of age, the mean scrotal circumference of bucks ranged from 5.14±0.66 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm, 6.32±0.29 cm to 8.05±0.42 cm, and 5.50±0.74 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm in SG, RSG, and WAD bucks, respectively. Puberty in Red Sokoto bucks was achieved at an average age of 14 weeks, with a mean sperm concentration of (116.17±28.47 x 106), progressive sperm motility of (65.00±9.92%), and a mean body weight of 10.17±1.26 kg. Sahelian and WAD bucks reached puberty at the 16th weeks, with sperm concentrations of 106.29±25.18 x 106 and 107.60±19.99 x 106, mean sperm motility of 65.00±9.94% and 76.00±4.8%, and mean body weights of 11.29±1.59 kg and 7.78±0.70 kg, respectively. To summarise, this study revealed that breed, age, scrotal circumference and body weight at puberty played significant roles in determining sperm characteristics and sexual maturity.

Evaluating sperm quality characteristics obtained through the female teaser method in native chicken breeds

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;The quality and quantity of chicken sperm are critical factors influenced by the semen collection method&lt;strong&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the sperm quality obtained from three native chicken breeds using the female teaser method.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;These three native chicken breeds are Arabic, Birma, and Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan (KUB) chickens. Each breed comprised a group of three roosters, and the semen collection was performed ten times. Macroscopic and microscopic evaluations were conducted to assess the chicken sperm. The collected data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT).&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Result: &lt;/strong&gt;The results of this study showed significant differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) in the sperm volume among the chicken breeds, with Birma (0.51 ml) and KUB chickens (0.60 ml) exhibiting distinct volumes compared to Arabic chicken (0.25 ml). Generally, the chicken sperm exhibited a milky white color and thick consistency. Microscopic evaluation yielded a mass motility rating of 3+. Meanwhile, individual motility and viability did not exhibit significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05) among the three native chicken breeds. Abnormalities displayed significant variations (P&amp;lt;0.05), with Birma chicken showing the highest abnormality rate at 9.77%± 0.28. Sperm concentration did not exhibit significant differences (P&amp;gt;0.05), with the highest concentration observed in Arabic chicken at 4265.33±59.84 (x10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; cells/ml). However, total sperm count and total motile sperm count exhibited significant variations (P&amp;lt;0.05), with the highest values recorded in KUB chicken at 2241.82±264.13 (x10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; cells) and 1936.27±169.85 (x10&lt;sup&gt;6&lt;/sup&gt; cells), respectively.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;In conclusion, the semen collection method using the female teaser yielded native chicken sperm with high quality and quantity and meets the required standards for successful insemination. This method holds potential and is recommended for application in native chicken breeding programs.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of preservation period on quality of chilled semen of Boer-cross bucks

Characteristics of fresh semen and the effect of chilling on the quality of semen of Boer-cross bucks were studied. Fresh semen from two Boer-cross bucks was evaluated for volume, mass motility, progressive motility, viability, concentration and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail. The semen was diluted at 1:4 ratios with Tris-fructose-citrate-egg yolk extender, preserved at 4ºC for 72 hours and evaluated for progressive motility and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail at 24-hour intervals for three days. The mean volume, mass motility, progressive motility, sperm viability, sperm concentration and proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail of fresh semen of Buck 1 and Buck 2 were 370.0 ± 0.1 and 410.0 ± 0.1 μl, 3.3 ± 0.4 and 3.4 ± 0.1, 74.0 ± 13.9 and 76.0 ± 6.5%, 82.3 ± 7.5 and 84.3 ± 4.2%, 2730.0 ± 740.9 × 106/ml and 2584.0 ± 470.1 × 106/ml, and 93.3 ± 2.9 and 94.9 ± 0.4%, respectively. The progressive motility in chilled semen of Buck 1 at days 1, 2 and 3 was 61.2 ± 7.3, 51.0 ± 7.3 and 39.0 ± 5.5%, respectively; in Buck 2, it was 60.6 ± 6.8, 50.2 ± 6.2 and 39.2 ± 5.4%, respectively. The difference in semen parameters among days of preservation was significant (P&lt;0.05) in both bucks. The proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, mid-piece and tail in chilled semen of Buck 1 at days 1, 2 and 3 was 88.0 ± 7.0, 88.8 ± 5.9 and 87.1 ± 7.7%, respectively; in Buck 2, it was 86.6 ± 4.8, 84.1 ± 4.6 and 81.8 ± 4.9%, respectively. It is suggested that the characteristics of fresh semen of these two Boer-cross bucks were within normal range. The quality of semen of Boer-cross bucks deteriorated with chilling up to 72 hours. Improvement of the preservation protocol is required to obtain satisfactory quality of chilled semen of Boer-cross bucks.&#x0D; Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 34–42

Relative Abundance of Spermadhesin-1 in the Seminal Plasma of Young Nellore Bulls Is in Agreement with Reproductive Parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the proteomic profile of seminal plasma from young Nellore bulls. We used 20 bulls aged between 19.8 and 22.7 months, divided into two groups according to the results of the Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE): approved (FIT n = 10) and not approved (UNFIT n = 10). The scrotal perimeter was measured and a semen collection was performed through electroejaculation. The percentage of sperm motility, mass motility, and sperm vigor were calculated using conventional microscopy, and the percentage of sperm abnormalities was calculated using phase-contrast microscopy of all ejaculates. Seminal plasma was separated from spermatozoa using centrifugation and processed for proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS. Seminal plasma proteins were identified using MASCOT Daemon software v.2.4.0 and label-free quantification analysis was carried out by SCAFFOLD Q+ software v.4.0 using the Exponentially Modified Protein Abundance Index (emPAI) method. Functional classification of proteins was performed based on their genetic ontology terms using KOG. Functional cluster analysis was performed on DAVID. There were no differences in scrotal perimeter and physical semen characteristics between FIT and UNFIT groups of bulls. The percentage of sperm abnormalities was higher (p < 0.05) in the UNFIT group of bulls. A total of 297 proteins were identified for the two groups. There were a total of 11 differentially abundant proteins (p < 0.05), two of them more abundant in FIT bulls (Spermadhesin-1 and Ig gamma-1 chain C region) and nine in UNFIT bulls (Vasoactive intestinal peptide, Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2, Ig lambda-1 chain C regions, Protein FAM3C, Hemoglobin beta, Seminal ribonuclease, Spermadhesin 2, Seminal plasma protein BSP-30kDa, and Spermadhesin Z13). Spermadhesin-1 was the protein with the highest relative abundance (36.7%) in the seminal plasma among all bulls, corresponding to 47.7% for the FIT bulls and 25,7% for the UNFIT bulls. Posttranslational modification, protein turnover, and chaperones were the functional categories with the highest number of classified proteins. Protein functional annotation clusters were related to Phospholipid efflux, ATP binding, and chaperonin-containing T-complex. The differentially abundant proteins in the group of FIT bulls were related to sperm capacitation and protection against reactive species of oxygen. In contrast, differentially expressed proteins in the group of UNFIT bulls were related to motility inhibition, intramembrane cholesterol removal and oxidative stress. In conclusion, the proteomic profile of the seminal plasma of FIT bulls presents proteins with participation in several biological processes favorable to fertilization, while the proteins of the seminal plasma of UNFIT bulls indicate a series of alterations that can compromise the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa. In addition, the relative abundance of spermadhesin-1 found in the seminal plasma of young Nellore bulls could be studied as a reproductive parameter for selection.

Increase of the motility of buck semen with Andromed® extender and the addition of HTF

Objective: To test whether HTF (Human Tubal Fluid) is capable of protecting goat sperm cells increasing the semen m Objective: To determine if HTF (Human Tubal Fluid) can protect buck sperm cells, increasing semen motility when used by itself or combined with the Andromed® commercial extender. Design/Methodology/Approach: The semen of eight bucks of the Boer breed was used (10 ejaculates per male). Each ejaculate was diluted in three treatments (5 repetitions per treatment): 1) only Andromed®; 2) only HTF; and 3) Andromed® + HTF. The following variables were evaluated: mass motility (MM) and progressive motility (MP) in fresh (37 °C) and refrigerated (5 °C) semen. The differences between treatments were detected, based on the MM and MP in fresh and refrigerated semen variables, using the GLM procedure (SAS V9). In the case of the MM evaluated in three different periods, the measures repeated over time were analyzed using the Proc Mixed procedure (SAS V9). Results: Regarding the quality of fresh spermatozoa, MM and MP recorded similar values (p&gt;0.05) for the three treatments. On the one hand, MM registered 97.1% for Andromed®, 95.8% for HTF, and 97.5% for Andromed® + HTF; its highest value was achieved with the Andromed® + HTF combination, followed by Andromed® and HTF. On the other hand, the highest MP percentage was observed with the combination of Andromed® + HTF (91.0%), followed by Andromed® (90.4%), and HTF (89.0%). Regarding the quality of the sperm refrigerated at 5 °C, the combination of Andromed® + HTF had a higher MP value (p&lt;0.05) than other treatments. Study Limitations/Implications: In all the evaluated treatments, the motility of sperm decreased over time (0 to 24 hours after cooling); however, the treatments with Andromed®, and Andromed®+HTF maintained a high motility. Findings/Conclusions: The combination of Andromed® and HTF can be used to dilute both fresh and cooled semen.