Mass Motility Research Articles

Estimation of genetic parameters for semen traits in Egyptian buffalo bulls

This study was conducted to characterize semen traits (ejaculate volume (VOL), mass motility (MM), sperm livability (LS), percentage of abnormal sperms (AS), and sperm concentration (CONC)) of Egyptian buffalo bulls and evaluate the importance of some nongenetic factors (year (YC) and season (SC) of semen collection and age of bull genetically and environmentally at collection (ABC)) affecting the investigated traits. A total of 7761 normal semen ejaculates were collected from 26 bulls from 2009 to 2019. Single-trait and bivariate repeatability animal models using Bayesian methods were used to estimate variance components, heritability, repeatability, and genetic correlations among the investigated semen traits. YC and ABC exerted significant effects on most semen traits, whereas SC exerted no significant effect on all the investigated semen traits. Heritability estimates were 0.08, 0.52, 0.51, 0.04, and 0.49 for VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, respectively. Repeatability estimates were 0.14, 0.82, 0.79, 0.06, and 0.78 for VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, respectively. The genetic correlations between MM and each of LS and CONC were highly significant (0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.95 ± 0.14, respectively), and that between LS and CONC was also highly significant (0.92 ± 0.20). The high heritability estimates for MM, LS, and CONC combined with the favorable high significant genetic correlations between these traits indicated that direct selection for MM may be an effective method to enhance semen quality in Egyptian buffalo bulls and consequently improve fertility.

Effects of Using Commercial and Homemade Extenders on Sperm Quality of Liquid Stored Semen of Horro Chicken Breed

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of homemade tris-egg yolk-based and Commercial Beltsville poultry extenders for short-term storage of semen from the Ethiopian Indigenous Horro chicken breed at refrigeration temperature. A total of 30 Horro roosters with an average age of 40 weeks were used to collect semen. The treatments (T) in the sperm quality experiment were control (semen without extender added), semen extended with homemade extender (E1), and semen extended with commercial Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (E2). Changes in spermatozoa motility, in vitro viability, and morphology were evaluated in fresh semen and semen diluted as 1:4 (v/v semen to extender) and stored for 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours at 4°C. During semen storage, there was a decrease in mass motility, an increase in morphologically abnormal spermatozoa with a high incidence of the bent tail, and an increase in dead spermatozoa. The commercial Beltsville poultry extender was found to be the most suitable extender regarding mass motility and in vitro viability of stored spermatozoa, but there was no significant difference in sperm abnormalities across all extenders. The results showed locally prepared tris-egg yolk-based extender could be a suitable extender for short-term storage of chicken sperm regarding the sperm quality attributes.

Effects of Commercial and Homemade Extenders on Post-thaw Sperm Quality and Fertility of Semen from Ethiopian Indigenous Horro Chicken Breed

Cryopreservation of spermatozoa represents an important strategy for in vitro programs designed for the conservation of the genetic material of livestock populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of homemade tris-egg yolk-based and commercial poultry semen extenders on post-thaw sperm quality, fertility, and hatchability of semen from the Ethiopian Indigenous Horro chicken breed. A total of 30 roosters were used for semen collection, and 160 adult hens were inseminated artificially. The collected, qualified, and pooled semen samples were divided into three groups. Each semen sample was diluted with a homemade tris-egg yolk-based extender, Dimethyl-formamide commercial extender, and Commercial Beltsville Poultry Extender. Each extended semen was further divided into 20 sterile tubes as replicates. The extended semen samples were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen using standard procedures. Changes in post-thaw spermatozoa mass and progressive motility, in vitro viability, morphological abnormality, fertility, and hatchability were evaluated. The post-thaw evaluation showed a decrease in the mass and progressive motility, morphologically normal spermatozoa, and an increase in dead spermatozoa and spermatozoa with bent necks, compared to fresh semen. There were significant differences in progressive sperm motility, motility, and in vitro viability between commercial and homemade cryoprotectants. However, no significant difference was observed in mass motility across the extenders. The commercial Dimethyl-formamide extender was found to be the most suitable regarding the proportion of morphologically normal sperm and in vitro viability rate of cryopreserved sperm samples. There were no significant differences across all treatments in terms of fertility and hatchability rate. However, there was a significant difference between the control treatment and commercial extenders in terms of fertility and hatchability. The findings indicated favorable outcomes for a tris-egg yolk-based extender that was prepared locally with regard to the cryopreservation of poultry semen. Additional investigations are recommended to enhance the fertility and hatchability of the semen.

Ovine fertility by artificial insemination in the breeding season could be affected by intraseasonal variations in ram sperm proteomic profile

It is important to note that seasonality could affect ram reproductive parameters, and therefore, fertility results after artificial insemination. In this work, 1) we assessed fertility rates after cervical artificial insemination of 11,805 ewes at the beginning (June 21st to July 20th) and at the end (November 20th to December 21st) of the reproductive season in the Assaf breed for the last four years, and 2) we aimed to identify male factors influencing the different reproductive success obtained depending on the time at the mating season in which ovine artificial insemination was performed. For this purpose, we evaluated certain ram reproductive and ultrasonographical parameters as well as we performed a multiparametric and proteomic sperm analysis of 6–19 rams at two very distant points in the mating season (July as Early Breeding Season –EBS– and November as Late Breeding Season –LBS–). Rutinary assessments carried out in the ovine reproduction centers (testicular volume, libido, sperm production and mass motility) showed non-significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) between both studied times, as well as the ram ultrasonographic evaluation (Resistive and Pulsatility Index as Doppler parameters; and pixels mean gray level, and hypoechoic areas percentage and density as echotexture parameters). However, at level of sperm functionality, although sperm quality appeared non-significantly lower (P ≥ 0.05) in the EBS, we identified a significantly different (P < 0.05) sperm proteomic profile between the seasonality points. The following proteins were identified with the lowest abundance in the EBS with a fold change > 4, a P = 2.40e-07, and a q = 2.23e-06: Fibrous Sheath-Interacting Protein 2, Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase Domain-Containing Protein 20-like, Phosphoinositide-Specific Phospholipase C, Tektin 5, Armadillo Repeat-Containing Protein 12 Isoform X3, Solute Carrier Family 9B1, Radial Spoke Head Protein 3 Homolog, Pro-Interleukin-16, NADH Dehydrogenase [Ubiquinone] 1 Alpha Subcomplex Subunit 8, Testis, Prostate and Placenta-Expressed Protein, and Acyl Carrier Protein Mitochondrial. In conclusion, while our basic analyses on male and sperm quality showed similar results between the beginning and the end of the breeding season, on a proteomic level we detected a lower expression of sperm proteins linked to the energy metabolism, sperm-oocyte interactions, and flagellum structure in the EBS. Probably, this different protein expression could be related to the lower fertility rate of Assaf ewes after cervical artificial insemination at this time. More importantly, sperm proteins can be used as highly effective molecular markers in predicting sperm fertilization ability related to intraseasonal variations.

Reproductive performance of hair ewes and rams implanted with melatonin previous to the anestrus season in northwest Mexico.

Ovine reproductive behavior depends on annual photoperiodic cycle and its impact on endogenous melatonin secretion. In this regard, exogenous melatonin administration previous to the physiological anestrus period could modify the reproductive performance of sheep in the northwest of Mexico. Two independent studies were performed to evaluate such hypothesis in hair sheep implanted with melatonin prior to the anestrus season in latitudes 24° and 25° of Mexico. Study 1 involved 15 rams assigned to one of three treatments receiving 0mg (n=5), 18mg (n=5), or 36mg (n=5) of melatonin subcutaneously. Study variables were measured monthly since implantation (d0) and included testosterone concentration, scrotal circumference, mass motility, individual motility, and sperm concentration. Study 2 included 50 ewes assigned to one of two treatments receiving 0mg (n=25) or 18mg (n=25) of melatonin subcutaneously. In ewes, progesterone concentration and the frequency of females in anestrus were measured during the implantation (-30d), as well as at the beginning (0d) and at the end (45d) of the mating period, while pregnancy rate was determined by ultrasonography 45d after. Continuous variables were analyzed using a mixed effects model considering treatment, time, and the treatment by time interaction as fixed effects. Animal nested within treatment was the random effect. Binary variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. In males, melatonin improved testosterone and sperm concentrations (P<0.05), while in females, a 28% higher pregnancy rate was observed in implanted ewes (P<0.05). Therefore, melatonin enhanced reproductive parameters in both sexes and its exogenous administration previous to the anestrus season in northwest Mexico could be more effective in rams.

Rams’ reproductive status during a controlled breeding period: effect of social dominance

The aim of this study was to compare the variation in body weight, scrotal circumference (SC), and seminal quality during a breeding period in dominant and subordinate rams. Data were collected from 12 dyads of rams, each bred with 15 ewes for 7weeks. Before joining, the dominance relationship between both rams from each dyad was determined. Body weight and SC were recorded weekly in the morning, and semen was collected by electroejaculation, determining the volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, and percentage of sperm with progressive motility. In addition, the total number of sperm and sperm with progressive motility ejaculated were calculated. Dominance had no direct effect or interaction with time on any of the variables analyzed. Body weight, seminal volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, percentage of sperm with progressive motility, and total ejaculated sperm varied with time (p < 0.05), and scrotal circumference and total ejaculated sperm with progressive motility tended to vary with time. In general, all indicators evaluated were affected in the first weeks, when most ewes were cycling, recovering as the breeding progressed. It was concluded that, at least under the conditions of this study, dominance position did not affect the profile of the reproductive variables evaluated, although all of them were affected during the breeding period.

Characterization of the Germplasm Bank for the Spanish Autochthonous Bull Breed "Asturiana de la Montaña".

Semen cryobanks are critical for preserving autochthonous and rare breeds. Since sperm cryopreservation has been optimized for commercial breeds, non-commercial ones (often endangered) must be characterized to ensure the germplasm's viability. This study reports an investigation of the "Asturiana de la Montaña" breed (AM), a valuable Spanish autochthonous cattle breed adapted to the mountainous Atlantic environment. The survey included cryopreserved semen doses from 40 bulls stored at the Principado de Asturias Germplasm Bank. Data were obtained from the routine fresh semen analysis, CASA (motility), and flow cytometry analyses of fresh and post-thawing semen, and the 56-day non-return-rate (NRR) in heifers and cows (all results as 1st and 3rd quartiles). Fresh samples (artificial vagina) were within the normal range for cattle (4-6 mL, 5-10 × 109/mL; mass motility 5). Post-thawing results showed motility below typical for commercial breeds (total motility 26-43%, progressive 14-28%), with higher values for viability (47-62%). Insemination results showed a good performance for this breed (NRR: 47-56%; higher for heifers). Sperm volume increased with age, with little or no effects on sperm quality. Few associations were found between post-thawing quality or freezability and NRR, LIN being the variable more strongly associated (positively). The AM semen bank shows a good prospect for preserving and disseminating the genetics of this breed. This survey indicates that dedicated research is needed to adapt freezing protocols to this breed, optimizing post-thawing results.

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN KUNING TELUR DENGAN DOSIS YANG BERBEDA PADA MEDIA PENGENCER NACL FISIOLOGIS DALAM PEROSES PENYIMPANAN SPERMA TERHADAP KUALITAS SPERMA IKAN LELE LOKAL (CLARIAS BATRACH)

This study aims to determine the effect of adding Egg Yolk with different doses of physiological NaCl diluent media in the sperm storage process on the sperm quality of catfish (Clarias batrachus) outside the body of the fish. While the goal is to determine the optimal dose of adding egg yolk to physiological NaCl diluent media in the sperm storage process on the sperm quality of catfish (Clarias batrachus) outside the fish body. The method used in this study was the "experimental" method. The experiment used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with the assumption that the experimental medium used was homogeneous. The results of this study proved the survival of spermatozoa of local catfish in storage. at a temperature of 50C for six days the highest was found in (P3) of 57.14% and the lowest was found in (P0) of 38.215%. ) namely the addition of 0.5 ml of egg yolk. From the results of the evaluation of fresh semen examination there was an average volume of 2.8 ml with a milky white color and slightly viscous, pH 7.3, mass motility ++, individual motility 73.8%, and concentration of 299.8×107 cells/ml.

Incorporation of fresh leaves of wormwood (Artemisia herba alba) and/or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in the diet of rams: Effect on testicular function, sexual behavior, and blood parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of wormwood and rosemary supplementation on some reproductive traits of Barbarine rams. The experiment lasted 2 months. Twenty-four adult rams were divided into four groups (n=6) balanced for the weight (53.3 ± 1.2 kg body weight [BW] ± SD). All rams received 1200 g of straw and 600 g of barley. Control rams (C) without aromatic medicinal plant (AMP), while experimental rams received 20 g of fresh rosemary leaves (R), 20 g of fresh wormwood leaves (A), and 10 g of fresh rosemary leaves plus 10 g of fresh wormwood leaves (RA). The results revealed that the live weight of all rams increased (p < .05) in the RA group compared to the C, A, and R groups. Scrotal circumference increased in the R rams when compared to the controls rams (p < .05). For sperm parameters we showed that the A rams had higher sperm concentrations (p < .05). But, the sperm volume decreased in the R rams (p > .05). However, when the rams received rosemary plus wormwood, their sperm volume increased (p > .05). The sperm mass motility was higher for the A, R and AR rams in comparison to the C rams (p=.05). On the other hand, biochemical analysis of the seminal fluid showed no effect of diets on calcium and total proteins concentration. But the measurement of glucose and seminal insulin showed a decrease (p < .05) in these two biochemical markers in group A rams and a decrease (p < .05) in insulin without modification of the glucose concentration in R rams. Blood glucose and insulin decreased in the animals on AMP diet compared to the other groups (p < .05) while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p < .05). Rosemary leaves (R and RA groups) increased (p < .05) plasma cortisol compared to the other groups. It can be concluded that the addition of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Artemisia herba alba in ram diet can have a positive effect on the reproductive function by increasing the concentration and motility of sperm, plasma testosterone, and sexual behavior.

Ranking parameters driving siring success during sperm competition in the North African houbara bustard

Sperm competition is a powerful force driving the evolution of ejaculate and sperm traits. However, the outcome of sperm competition depends on many traits that extend beyond ejaculate quality. Here, we study male North African houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata undulata) competing for egg fertilization, after artificial insemination, with the aim to rank the importance of 14 parameters as drivers of siring success. Using a machine learning approach, we show that traits independent of male quality (i.e., insemination order, delay between insemination and egg laying) are the most important predictors of siring success. Traits describing intrinsic male quality (i.e., number of sperm in the ejaculate, mass motility index) are also positively associated with siring success, but their contribution to explaining the outcome of sperm competition is much lower than for insemination order. Overall, this analysis shows that males mating at the last position in the mating sequence have the best chance to win the competition for egg fertilization. This raises the question of the importance of female behavior as determinant of mating order.

Physical and Semen Characteristics of Mexican Creole Roosters in Summer and Autumn, at 19° North Latitude with a Constant Photoperiod

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the seasons (Summer and Autumn), on live weight, body condition, mass motility, percentage of live spermatozoa, and sperm-cell concentration of Creole roosters (Gallus domesticus) from Mexico. Semen from 35-week-old Creole roosters was collected weekly during 10 weeks in Summer and Autumn, through the dorso-abdominal massage technique. Roosters were individually kept under a constant photoperiod (16 hours light:8 hours dark). The average live weight was 4.5% higher (p<0.05) in Autumn (2.78 kg) than in Summer (2.66 kg), therefore this variable increased with age (r = 0.85, p<0.05). Category 2 of body condition occurred (p<0.05) with higher probability than the others (0, 1 and 3), being practically the same (p>0.05) in Autumn (99.96%) and in Summer (99.81%). On average (and in weeks 1 and 3-10), the percentage of live spermatozoa was higher in Summer than in Autumn. Accordingly, the percentage of live spermatozoa decreased with age (r = -0.82, p<0.05). However, on average, sperm-cell concentration did not change between seasons (p>0.05). In conclusion, Mexican Creole roosters showed higher percentage of live spermatozoa in Summer than in Autumn. Therefore, it is advisable to select these animals of about 2.7 kg and reproduce them in Summer.

Effect of percoll density gradient centrifugation on semen quality of X- sperm enriched crossbred bull semen

The present study was conducted to observe the effect of percoll density gradient centrifugation on quality of semen. Ejaculates were collected by AV method from Sahiwal bulls. X-sperm enrichment was done by percoll density gradient method i.e. 7 layers (70-10%). Centrifugation was done at 750 g (22-24°C) for 15 min. The pellets obtained were diluted in EYC medium. Semen quality was evaluated in fresh semen (Control), in pellet of normal centrifugation (Group I), supernatant of centrifugation in percoll density gradient (Group II) and pellet of centrifugation in percoll density gradient (Group III). To assess the quality of enriched semen pH, mass motility, progressive motility, live spermatozoa %, abnormal spermatozoa %, HOST % and intact acrosome % were evaluated. Number of progressively motile sperms in pellet of X- enriched semen were non-significantly increased and significantly (P&lt;0.05) decreased in supernatant. The abnormal spermatozoa (%) were decreased in G III as compared to G II Live spermatozoa (%) were increased in enriched semen (pellet). Number of Intact sperms decreased significantly (P&lt;0.05) in supernatant of percoll density gradient centrifuged Sahiwal semen. HOST responsive sperms number was not affected after percoll density gradient centrifugation. Thus, the semen quality of X sperm enriched semen by percoll density gradient method (7 layer 70%) was not affected hence it can be used to increase female calves’ birth after A.I.

STUDY OF SOME REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOR IN AWASSI RAMS: A REVIEW

Reproductive efficiency represented by sexual desire, semen quality, testicular dimensions, and level of sex hormones are among the main components of ram fertility, which affect the fertility and productivity of the herd. Since the development of the testicles is related to reproductive activity and the ability to fertilize, so measuring the dimensions of the testicles is important in evaluating the reproductive capacity of rams. In addition, the concentration of testosterone is reflected in most of the characteristics of male sexual behavior, as it is positively and significantly correlated with ejaculate volume, mass motility, and sperm concentration. The high level of testosterone hormone in the blood plasma during reproductive season leads to an increase in male sexual desire and an improvement in the quality of semen through direct influence in the process of sperm formation and the volume ejaculate, density and vitality of semen. In addition to reproductive traits are also affected by age, body weight, season and herd management, as well as the impact of the environmental conditions, which are temperature, humidity, level of nutrition, quantity and quality, and length of the photoperiod, which is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive performance of rams.

Effect of Organic Zinc Supplementation on Semen Production and Quality in Kankrej Bulls

Background: Zinc is found in very high concentration in semen and male reproductive tract and acts as a hormone receptor modulator for testosterone production in Leydig cells. Thus, it plays a very important role in male reproduction. Moreover, Indian soils are very deficient in zinc as per earlier reports and recent studies have shown that supplementation of zinc has improved qualitative as well as the quantitative aspects of semen quality in bulls. So, a study has been planned to study the effect of organic zinc supplementation on semen production and quality in kankrej bulls. Methods: A total of 8 healthy Kankrej bulls under semen collection were selected for the study. Basal diet (concentrate mixture, green and dry fodder) was fed during pre-supplementation and zinc propionate @ 100 ppm/bull was supplemented to the basal diet during post-supplementation for a period of 60 days to complete one spermatogenic cycle. A total of 128 ejaculates (64 pre-supplementation and 64 post-supplementation) were collected. Result: Mean semen volume was non-significant (P greater than 0.05) between the treatment groups. Mean sperm concentration was 1325.68±80.08 and 2162.36±112.0 million/ml pre- and post-supplementation, respectively. Feeding of zinc propionate significantly (P less than 0.01) increased semen sperm concentration. The average mass motility of sperms was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher during post-supplementation (3.92%) than the pre-supplementation (3.78%). The overall live sperms were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher during post-supplementation (73.33±0.91%) than the pre-supplementation (63.53±1.03%). It may be concluded that supplementation of 100 ppm of zinc propionate in the diet of Kankrej bulls improved semen quality in terms of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen.

Effect of Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) Powder and Oil Additives on Reproductive Performance and Some Hormones Indicators of Quails

The present trial was conducted to investigate the effect of using bay leaf powder and its oil on male semen characteristics, female reproductive traits, plasma hormonal alteration and hatchability of local quails. The results were summarized the uses of different levels of bay leaf (Laurel nobilis L.) and its oil as feed additives in quail diets were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in body weight, testis relative weight, gonadosomatic index, size area of cloaca gland, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility, live &amp; normal morphology sperm, semen quality factor, seminal plasma testosterone and LH hormones in quail males. Also in females: egg production (H.D %), egg weight, egg mass, eggshell strength, normal eggs for hatching, fertility, hatching of fertile and total eggs, weight of hatched chicks, blood plasma of estrogen, LH and FSH hormones concentrations, also improved in FCR and H/L ratio. While, the results seemed significantly (P≤0.05) lower in dead sperm. Females in: cracked eggs, total dead embryos. Whereas there were non-significant differences among all treatment in males: mortality, left-right testicular weight ratio, testicular shape index, FSH hormone, also females in: feed Intake. From the results of bay leaf oil additives had positively effect on body performance, males and females' reproductive parameters, improved blood hormones and hatchability more effective than bay leaf powder.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effect of Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis L.) Powder and Oil Additives on Reproductive Performance and Some Hormones Indicators of Quails

The present trial was conducted to investigate the effect of using bay leaf powder and its oil on male semen characteristics, female reproductive traits, plasma hormonal alteration and hatchability of local quails. The results were summarized the uses of different levels of bay leaf (Laurel nobilis L.) and its oil as feed additives in quail diets were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in body weight, testis relative weight, gonadosomatic index, size area of cloaca gland, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility, live &amp; normal morphology sperm, semen quality factor, seminal plasma testosterone and LH hormones in quail males. Also in females: egg production (H.D %), egg weight, egg mass, eggshell strength, normal eggs for hatching, fertility, hatching of fertile and total eggs, weight of hatched chicks, blood plasma of estrogen, LH and FSH hormones concentrations, also improved in FCR and H/L ratio. While, the results seemed significantly (P≤0.05) lower in dead sperm. Females in: cracked eggs, total dead embryos. Whereas there were non-significant differences among all treatment in males: mortality, left-right testicular weight ratio, testicular shape index, FSH hormone, also females in: feed Intake. From the results of bay leaf oil additives had positively effect on body performance, males and females' reproductive parameters, improved blood hormones and hatchability more effective than bay leaf powder

Impact of Aging on Sperm Quality of Sentul Roosters

This study was done to determine impact of aging on sperm quality of Sentul roosters. Materials used in this study were Sentul males aged 48, 58, 68 and 78 weeks, NaCl, eosin and aquades. Semen was collected by abdominal massage method. Completely randomized design (CRD) was applied in this study with 4 treatments in 5 repetitions. Statistical analysis showed that increasing age of rooster had a very significant effect (p0.01) on decreasing semen consistency, mass motility, spermatozoa concentration and increasing spermatozoa motility. Aging in Sentul roosters affected semen volume significantly (P0.05) but did not significantly affect (p0.05): semen pH, live spermatozoa, and spermatozoa abnormalities. Average volume of semen produced in this study ranged from 0.54-0.88ml; semen pH 6.80-7.12; mass movement score 1.60-3.00; spermatozoa concentration 2.76-4.86 x109/ml; spermatozoa motility 66-79%; Live spermatozoa 91.75-93.10%, and spermatozoa abnormalities 1.75-2.51%. Semen from Sentul males aged 48-68 weeks had a thick consistency and cloudy white in color. At the age of 78 weeks, the consistency varies from thick, medium and liquid. The color of semen in Sentul males aged 78 weeks also varied from clear white to cream. It is concluded that aging in Sentul roosters causes reproductive disorders which are characterized by low sperm quality. The best quality spermatozoa were produced by Sentul roosters aged 58-68 weeks.

Effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on the reproductive indices of male rabbits

Abstract The study evaluated the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal on semen indices, serum testosterone and sperm reserve of male rabbits. Forty rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into four groups and fed the experimental diets containing Vernonia amygdalina (VLM) at 0, 5, 10 and 15 % levels for 84days. Reproductive indices were evaluated using standard procedures. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance at p&lt;0.05. All semen in rabbits fed 0, 5 and 10 % VLM had milky colour while 14.8% light green and 85.2% milky semen colour was observed in bucks fed 15%VLM. Libido score reduced in rabbits fed VLM diets. Bucks fed 15%VLM had significantly higher semen volume (0.47ml). VLM had no significant effect on spermatozoa mass motility, progressive motility and sperm concentration. Live sperm cells significantly increased in bucks fed 5 and 10% VLM diets. VLM had significant (p&lt;0.05) effect on spermatozoa morphology. Vernonia amygdalina leaf meal had no significant (p&lt;0.05) impact on testosterone, testicular and epididymal indices. In conclusion, up to 10%VLM can be adopted as feed ingredient for male rabbit breeder stock without deleterious effect on reproductive indices.

Physico-Morphological Characteristics and Oxidative Markers of Fresh Semen of Gir Bulls

The present investigation was undertaken on four mature Gir bulls (4-6 years) maintained at University farm, Junagadh for 4 months during hot summer season. Semen (n=6 ejaculate/bull) was collected using artificial vagina once a week from each bull. The fresh ejaculates were evaluated for physical attributes and oxidative stress markers in the seminal plasma. The overall mean values recorded based on 24 ejaculates for ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass motility (0-5 scale), individual motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormality, plasma membrane integrity (HOST reactive sperm), and acrosome integrity were 6.20 ± 1.27 mL, 1316.83 ± 155.07 million/ mL, 3.75 ± 0.20, 84.83 ± 0.94 %, 87.58 ± 1.07 %, 9.63 ± 0.83 %, 79.58 ± 1.01 % and 91.21 ± 0.52 %, respectively. There was a significant P&lt;0.001) difference in ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm abnormality between bulls. The levels of oxidative stress parameters, viz. lipid peroxidation and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in the seminal plasma were 5.51 ± 0.26 μmol/mL and 16.30 ± 2.14 nmol/ mL/min, respectively. Individual motility, viability, HOST reactive spermatozoa, and acrosomal integrity were positively correlated, suggesting that any one or two attributeslike motility or HOS test can predict the semen quality. The semen quality generally was in normal physiological range including oxidative markers even during heat stress.

Physico-morphological Characteristics of Semen Ejaculates in Vrindavani Crossbred Bulls

In crossbred cattle bulls, poor seminal quality and freezability are major constraints. The present study was conducted to determine semen quality parameters of Vrindavani crossbred bulls. In this study 130 semen samples were collected from five Vrindavani crossbred bulls. The volume, mass motility, concentration and individual progressive motility, viability and abnormality of spermatozoa were examined. Then ejaculates were categorized into four groups on the basis of spermatozoa concentration and individual progressive motility. The percentage of normozoospermia, asthenozoopsermia, oligozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia ejaculates were 44.62%, 29.23%, 11.54% and 14.61%, respectively. The overall mean of volume, mass motility, concentration of spermatozoa, individual progressive motility, viability and sperm abnormality in semen ejaculates of crossbred Vrindavani bulls were 4.64±0.63 mL, 2.48±0.09, 772.20±27.95 million/mL, 65.08±1.47%, 79.94±1.07% and 7.82±0.44%, respectively. Ejaculate mass motility, concentration, progressive motility and abnormality of spermatozoa varied significantly (p&lt;0.05) among the semen ejaculate categories. The mean of the mass motility was significantly higher in normozoospermia as compared to other ejaculates categories. The normozoospermia and asthenozoospermia groups had significantly higher spermatozoa concentration than oligozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia groups. The normozoospermia ejaculates had significantly higher progressive motile spermatozoa as compared to other three ejaculates categories. Percent livability of spermatozoa in normozoospermia and oligozoospermia groups were significantly higher than asthenozoospermia and oligoasthenozoospermia groups. Percent abnormal spermatozoa on the other hand, was significantly lower in normozoospermia and oilgozoospermia groups than asthenozoopsermia and aligoasthenozoospermia groups.