Number Of Spermatozoa In Ejaculate Research Articles

Concentration of fatty acid binding protein as a new indicator of ejaculate fertility

Objective. To determine the marker function of fatty acid binding protein (FABP) concentration in seminal plasma (SP) in order to assess ejaculate fertility used in in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment of infertility in couples. Materials and methods. The study involved semen samples of 96 men of reproductive age: the study group (n=63) – patients with a decrease in concentration and/or total content of spermatozoa in ejaculate, the comparison group (n=33) – men with normal concentration and number of spermatozoa in ejaculate. The content of FABP in SP was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the test system “FABP – ELISA – BEST” (A-9102, Vector-Best, Russia). In order to determine the informative value of using the concentration of FABP in SP as a criterion of ejaculate fertility of men of the study group, the predictive value of positive and negative IVF results was determined by calculating the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and efficiency. Results. The content of FABP in SP accounted for 1.29 ± 0.24 ng/mL, the median and interquartile range comprised 1.23 [1.13–1.35] ng/mL, ranging from 1.08 to 2.79 ng/mL. The study revealed statistically significant intergroup differences (Mann-Whitney test U=79.00; p=0.000016), a weak correlation between the level of FABP and the concentration of spermatozoa (R=0.578008) and their number in ejaculate (R=0.583599). The diagnostic sensitivity of the test for FABP in SP of the men of the study group accounted for 81.82%, specificity – 78.95%, efficiency – 80.95%. Conclusion. Seminal plasma FABP can act as a marker of spermatogenesis disorders. The study of this protein in ejaculate provides the accuracy of predicting the outcome of in vitro fertilization.

THE REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF MALE RABBITS DEPENDING ON THE INFLUENCE OF PARATYPICAL AND GENOTYPICAL FACTORS

THE REPRODUCTIVE ABILITY OF MALE RABBITS DEPENDING ON THE INFLUENCE OF PARATYPICAL AND GENOTYPICAL FACTORS

Biometric analysis spermograms of men of different age groups in normal and pathology in Lviv region, Ukraine

Background. Analysis of the causes of infertility revealed an increase in the proportion of male factors over the past 20 years by an average of 10–12 %. World Health Organization data, which summarize the observations of many authors in recent years, show a decrease in male reproductive potential. The ejaculate parameters of the modern average man are steadily declining. For example, the concentration of germ cells in the seminal fluid has decreased three times, and this trend continues: the concentration of sperm decreases annually by about 2 %, and their motility – by 1.5 %. Not only is infertility a pressing problem in modern medicine, but also an important social issue, as it is associated with the mental state of men and the preservation of the family. Materials and Methods. Spermograms were obtained during the study of patients in the clinic of reproductive medicine “Alternative Clinic” (Lviv, Ukraine). A total of 50 men were surveyed, including 16 men aged 20 to 29 (junior age group), 17 men aged 30 to 39 (middle age group) and 17 men 40 to 49 years old (senior age group), respectively. We found that out of the 16 men in the junior group, 4 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 12 – normozoospermia, of the 17 middle-aged group, 7 spermograms corresponded to asthenozoospermia, and 10 – normozoospermia and 10 men of the senior group to 15 spermograms asthenozoospermia, 2 – normospermia. Spermograms were evaluated by the following indicators: ejaculate count, viscosity, sperm count per 1 mL of ejaculate, sperm motility in categories “A” and “B”, the number of morphologically normal and morphologically degenerative sperm, Farris index. For control we took spermograms of patients with normozoospermia. Results. Analyzing spermograms according to the studied indicators, we found a decrease in the amount of ejaculate in older men relative to the norm, which may indicate a lack of function of the seminal vesicles, prostate. According to the criteria for the number of sperm in 1 ml of ejaculate and the total number of sperm in the whole ejaculate, it was shown that in the spermograms of patients with asthenozoospermia of different age, these figures are much lower than normal. This indicates a decrease in male fertility in these diseases. Examining sperm motility according to the following criteria: “A” – fast translational movements and “B” – slow, sluggish translational movements, we found a decrease in these indicators compared with the norm in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a decrease in the quality of ejaculate in men, and, consequently, reduce the likelihood of fertilization. Examining sperm morphology, we assessed the number of normal and degenerative sperm. We have shown that in men of all ages with asthenozoospermia, the number of morphologically normal sperm is lower than in the control, and the number of morphologically degenerative sperm is increasing. Probably, such pathology can lead to a decrease in the possibility of fertilization and increases the likelihood of malformations in the fetus, if fertilization has occurred. Evaluating the spermograms of men in the study groups according to the Farris index, we found a significant reduction in this number in men with asthenozoospermia. This indicates a low probability of fertilization. Conclusions. Male infertility (in particular, asthenozoospermia) can be caused by many different diseases in which there are deviations from the norms of qualitative and quantitative indicators of ejaculate. According to the data obtained from the observation of men, there is a tendency for the reduction of ejaculate volume, concentration and motility of sperm, as well as their morphological status.

PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY OF SPERM PRODUCTIVITY OF BULL-SIRES OF DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS OF PRODUCTIVITY

Significant breeds and age features of sperm productivity were found in breeding bulls. The volume of ejaculate and the total number of sperm in it increases until the age of 8–9 years, depending on the breed. The ejaculate volume of 2-year-old bulls, depending on the breed, was 58.63–73.0% and 3-year-old bulls – 69.1–87.0% of the ejaculate volume of 6-year-old offspring, and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate – respectively 53.9–75.4 and 59.5–90.4% of this number of sperm in the ejaculate of 6-year-old bulls. These indicators with small fluctuations persist until 10–12 years of age of the offspring. Sperm concentration and motility also increase until 6–8 years of age and remain at this level with small fluctuations until 12 years of age. The resistance of sperm to freezing reaches its maximum values at the age of 5–6 years of bulls. Analysis of the data shows that the degree of influence of age on the volume of ejaculate, depending on the breed is in the range of 24.2–30.1%, on the concentration of sperm – 2.6–15.2, their total number in the ejaculate – 13.8–21.2, sperm motility – 4.3–18.3 and the resistance of sperm to freezing – 8.5–15.8%.
 According to the results of research, the correlation coefficient between age and ejaculate volume for bulls of the studied breeds was 0.43–0.60, and between age and the total number of sperm in the ejaculate – 0.37–0.48. There is a significant dependence of ejaculate volume and total sperm count on the live weight of the fetuses. The correlation coefficient between ejaculate volume and live weight, depending on the breed, was 0.51–0.75, and for the total amount in ejaculate – 0.45–0.55. The share of live weight on ejaculate volume was 25.0–43.1%, and on the total number of sperm in ejaculate – 20.8–36.9%. This close relationship can be explained by the fact that the weight of the testes has a high relationship with the live weight of the ovary (r = 0.89).
 The results of research show that the semen of breeding bulls of different breeds has different morphological composition. The largest number of sperm abnormalities occurs in isolated heads (3.5 ± 0.14%), curved bodies (2.7 ± 0.19%), twisted (1.6 ± 0.14%), bent (1.7 ± 0.14%) and folded (3.4 ± 0.40%) tails. The sum of primary anomalies was significantly less than the sum of secondary anomalies.
 When dividing pathological forms into pathology of the head, neck, body and tail, it was found that the total amount of abnormal forms of sperm was the largest in bulls of limousine breed (16.6 ± 2.19) and the smallest – in the offspring of Aberdeen Angus and Simmental breeds. The largest number of pathological forms of sperm heads were bulls of Hereford breed (7.0 ± 0.55%), and the smallest – the offspring of Aberdeen Angus breed (4.2 ± 0.83%), the difference is statistically significant at P < 0.005. The sum of primary anomalies was highest in bulls of Limousine breed (2.9 ± 1.03) and Dutch breed (2.1 ± 0.42), and secondary anomalies – in bulls of Limousine breed (13.7 ± 1.87) and Piemontese breed (13.7 ± 2.19%).
 During the correlation-regression analysis, the closest correlation was established between the motility of germ cells after thawing and the number of pathologies of the heads (r = -0.43 at P < 0.05), cervical sperm (r = -0.44 at P < 0,05) and the total amount of pathological forms (r = -0.45 at P < 0.005). Average correlations were observed between the number of pathologies of the heads and necks of sperm and the motility of germ cells in native semen (respectively r = -0.31 and r = -0.30 at P < 0.05), pathologies of the heads – -0.30 at P < 0.005) and the total amount of pathological forms of sperm (r = -0.23 at P > 0.05) and the amount of rejected sperm. The share of the influence of the age of bulls on the number of pathological forms of the heads was 24.0% (P < 0.05), pathologies of the necks – 4.0% (P > 0.05), the body – 26.0% (P < 0.05), tail – 37.0% (P < 0.01) and the total number of pathological forms of sperm – 59.0% (P < 0.001).
 Conclusions. Age and breed features of quantitative and qualitative indicators of sperm productivity, growth of genitals, morphological composition of spermatozoa and correlations between these indicators in bulls of different breeds have been established.

Ejaculate sperm number compensation in stalk-eyed flies carrying a selfish meiotic drive element

Meiotic drive genes cause the degeneration of non-carrier sperm to bias transmission in their favour. Males carrying meiotic drive are expected to suffer reduced fertility due to the loss of sperm and associated harmful side-effects of the mechanisms causing segregation distortion. However, sexual selection should promote adaptive compensation to overcome these deleterious effects. We investigate this using SR, an X-linked meiotic drive system in the stalk-eyed fly, Teleopsis dalmanni. Despite sperm destruction caused by drive, we find no evidence that SR males transfer fewer sperm to the female’s spermathecae (long-term storage organs). Likewise, migration from the spermathecae to the ventral receptacle for fertilisation is similar for SR and wildtype male sperm, both over short and long time-frames. In addition, sperm number in storage is similar even after males have mated multiple times. Our study challenges conventional assumptions about the deleterious effects of drive on male fertility. This suggests that SR male ejaculate investment per ejaculate has been adjusted to match sperm delivery by wildtype males. We interpret these results in the light of recent theoretical models that predict how ejaculate strategies evolve when males vary in the resources allocated to reproduction or in sperm fertility. Adaptive compensation is likely in species where meiotic drive has persisted over many generations and predicts a higher stable frequency of drive maintained in wild populations. Future research must determine exactly how drive males compensate for failed spermatogenesis, and how such compensation may trade-off with investment in other fitness traits.

Relationship of arctic fox (Alopex lagopus L.) sperm morphology with age of males, sperm concentration, ejaculate volume and acrosin activity

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the relationship of sperm morphology with age of males, ejaculate concentration and volume, as well as with acrosin activity determined in sperm acrosome extracts. The study used manually collected ejaculates from 9 male arctic foxes, including 6 young males aged one year and 3 older males (between 3 and 5 years of age). All of the 39 ejaculates used in the study were classified as normal based on motility exceeding 70%. The ejaculates collected from the foxes were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration and frequency of morphological changes including primary and secondary defects. The spermiograms of the male arctic foxes were classified according to a six-grade subjective scale. In addition, acrosin activity was determined in the sperm acrosome extracts. The data were analysed using the criteria of male age, sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, and acrosin activity. The morphology of arctic fox spermatozoa was dependent on the age of the male. A greater number of morphologically altered spermatozoa tended to occur in the ejaculates of young foxes, which were in their first breeding season. In addition, statistical analysis revealed positive relationships between the frequency of morphological changes in sperm and their ejaculate concentration. In contrast, there were no significant correlations between the percentages of morphologically changed spermatozoa and the ejaculate volume and the content of acrosin, which is an indicator of acrosomal integrity. Semen quality is dependent on the number of sperm in ejaculate with morphological defects which prevent oocyte fertilization. Therefore, morphological assessment of semen, which covers both the number and type of morphological changes, is highly useful when selecting appropriate males for reproduction.

Effects of Irradiation Dose on Sperm Production, Insemination, and Male Mating Possible Period in the Sweetpotato Weevil (Coleoptera: Brentidae).

The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been used for the control or eradication of target insect pests. To successfully apply SIT, it is very important to clarify the effect of irradiation on male reproduction in the target pest, because their mating and spermiogenesis abilities affect the success of eradication program. The sweetpotato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae) is a notorious and worldwide pest of sweet potato. We investigated the effect of irradiation at five doses ranging from 0 (control) to 150 Gy on 9-d-old males. Survival rate of the control (no treatment) remained high from day 10 to 20 of adult life, whereas higher doses of irradiation reduced it, maximally by approximately 70%. Mating rates showed a similar tendency. Radiation dose neither affected sperm production nor sperm transfer at any dose, although spermiogenesis is active during the adult stage. However, radiation dose affected the lifetime total of ejaculated sperm number, likely because of fewer matings by irradiated males. These results suggest that use of a dose of 150 Gy or higher is appropriate for the final step of eradication of this weevil. At least, lower dose of irradiation may arise the inadequate sterilization, resulting in a failure of eradication program. We conclude that weekly release of sweetpotato weevil sterilized with high dose, achieving complete sterilization, could be useful for eradication program after reducing the population by male annihilation method.

The effect of age, interval collection and season on selected semen parameters and prediction of AI boars productivity

The possibility of planning the production level has a special importance for AI stations, and its inaccuracy should be minimized by eliminating the factors differentiating the quantity and quality of the ejaculate. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of age, collection interval and season on selected quantitative and qualitative semen parameters and to develop equations for estimating production capacity for AI stations. The study included 48 117 ejaculates. Experimental groups were created according to: age of boar (8–9, 10–12, 13–18, 19–24, 25–30, >30 months), collection interval (≤2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ≥8 days), and season (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn). Selected quantitative and qualitative parameters were analyzed: semen volume (ml), spermatozoa concentration (×106ml−1), total number of spermatozoa in ejaculate (×109), number of motile spermatozoa in ejaculate (×109), and number of insemination doses obtained from one ejaculate (n). The most important role in shaping the results was played by interactions. The highest semen volumes were achieved for the oldest boars after 7-day interval collection during Autumn (about 300ml). Interestingly, the lowest semen volumes were also noted during Autumn from the youngest boars after 1–2 and 7-day interval collection (a little over 160ml). The highest spermatozoa concentrations (515×106ml−1) were observed in Autumn for 10–12 month-old boars with the longest interval collection, which clearly demonstrates the positive impact of long resting on young boars. The lowest spermatozoa concentrations – below 300×106ml−1 – were reported for the oldest boars after 1–2 and 3-day collection intervals. The highest total number of spermatozoa in ejaculate and motile spermatozoa were noted during the longest collection interval in Winter at the ages of 13–18 months and 25–30 months, while the lowest occurred in the same season with a short interval from the 10–12 month boars. Almost all correlations were statistically proven at the level of P≤0.05 and P≤0.01, except for the correlation between the number of motile spermatozoa and the age of boars. Developed regression equations enable, with a high degree of accuracy, the estimation of the selected ejaculate parameters on the basis of age, collection interval and season. The solution proposed in the article is a useful tool, especially for AI stations or large farms with a high rate of boars producing semen for AI. AI stations assessing the long-term production capacity of boars should take into account the factors examined in this study. Underestimation of the interaction may, in fact, reduce the number of insemination doses by up to 5 portions of a single ejaculate.

Nucleoside Triphosphate Diphosphohydrolase-1 Ectonucleotidase Is Required for Normal Vas Deferens Contraction and Male Fertility through Maintaining P2X1 Receptor Function

In this work, we report that Entpd1(-/-) mice, deficient for the ectonucleotidase nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1), produce smaller litters (27% reduction) compared with wild-type C57BL6 animals. This deficit is linked to reduced in vivo oocyte fertilization by Entpd1(-/-) males (61 ± 11% versus 88 ± 7% for Entpd1(+/+)). Normal epididymal sperm count, spermatozoa morphology, capacitation, and motility and reduced ejaculated sperm number (2.4 ± 0.5 versus 3.7 ± 0.4 million for Entpd1(+/+)) pointed to vas deferens dysfunction. NTPDase1 was localized by immunofluorescence in the tunica muscularis of the vas deferens. Its absence resulted in a major ATP hydrolysis deficiency, as observed in situ by histochemistry and in primary smooth muscle cell cultures. In vitro, Entpd1(-/-) vas deferens displayed an exacerbated contraction to ATP, a diminished response to its non-hydrolysable analog αβMeATP, and a reduced contraction to electrical field stimulation, suggesting altered P2X1 receptor function with a propensity to desensitize. This functional alteration was accompanied by a 3-fold decrease in P2X1 protein expression in Entpd1(-/-) vas deferens with no variation in mRNA levels. Accordingly, exogenous nucleotidase activity was required to fully preserve P2X1 receptor activation by ATP in vitro. Our study demonstrates that NTPDase1 is required to maintain normal P2X1 receptor functionality in the vas deferens and that its absence leads to impaired peristalsis, reduced spermatozoa concentration in the semen, and, eventually, reduced fertility. This suggests that alteration of NTPDase1 activity affects ejaculation efficacy and male fertility. This work may contribute to unveil a cause of infertility and open new therapeutic potentials.

Efficacy of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin therapy in dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction: a preliminary study.

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a glycoprotein used in the treatment of spermatogenic dysfunction. However, previous studies performed in dogs show that repeated administration of large doses of hCG produces antibodies against hCG. In this study, we examined the efficacy of low-dose injections of hCG in four male dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction and low plasma testosterone (T) levels. We administered 100IU hCG per animal, five times at 3-day intervals, and evaluated the changes in semen quality and plasma T levels. The total number of sperm in ejaculate, the percentage of progressively motile sperm and the plasma T levels had increased by 3-5weeks after the first injection of hCG in three of the four dogs, but were unchanged in the fourth dog. These findings indicate that temporary improvement of the semen quality of dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction and low plasma T levels is possible after five low-dose injections of hCG.

Retrospective study of bull semen quality — possible correlation with pesticide use?

Decline in semen quality in humans and increased incidence of male reproductive problems could be caused by different factors, including pesticides that could mimic or block the action of endogenous hormones. If the decline in semen quality is real, and environmental chemicals are at least partially responsible for this decline, similar changes should be observed in animals that live in close connection with humans and are exposed to similar levels of pollutants. In the present study, the semen quality of bulls in the last 30 years was examined with respect to the year of birth. Furthermore, semen quality results were correlated to the total pesticide use in a limited geographical area. The results indicate a notable decrease in both ejaculate volume and total number of spermatozoa in ejaculates of bulls born in the late 1970s, while after that (until 2006) there was no obvious downward or upward trend either in ejaculate volume or in the total number of sperm cells. The amount of pesticides released into the environment increased about twofold in the given period, and linear regression analysis revealed a strong and statistically significant correlation between the amount of pesticides used and the total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate.

Assessment of the effect of heterosis on semen parameters of two-breed crosses of Duroc, Hampshire and Pietrain boars

Abstract. The study was performed on 4 609 ejaculates obtained from 32 boars, including 14 purebred and 18 two-breed crosses. The ejaculates were collected manually every 4–5 days. The study involved ejaculates collected from each boar from the first day of its insemination use until the day of semen depletion. Each ejaculate was assessed for the following physical parameters: ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, percentage of spermatozoa with correct motility, total sperm count per ejaculate and number of insemination doses obtained from one ejaculate. The effect of heterosis was calculated on the physical parameters of the boar crosses ejaculates in relation to the mean value of a given parameter for the parent breeds. Positive and well pronounced heterosis effects were identified in the majority of the physical ejaculate parameters of the cross boars for all the cross-breeding variants. A negative effect of heterosis was only identified in the ejaculate sperm concentration of the Hampshire × Pietrain crosses. The highest ejaculatory efficiency was identified in the hybrids produced on the basis of the Hampshire breed. These breeders were also found to feature significant heterosis effects on ejaculate volume, total ejaculate sperm count and number of insemination doses prepared from one ejaculate.

Effects of season, age, and breed on semen characteristics in different Bos taurus breeds in a 31-year retrospective study

Besides genetic factors, the season of semen collection could have an important effect on ejaculate characteristics, although results from previously published studies are somewhat variable. To determine seasonal effects on semen characteristics, we have analyzed 71,983 ejaculates collected from bulls of four different breeds over a 31-year period. Ejaculate volume, semen concentration, and total sperm output were analyzed with the respect to season and age of bull. Results revealed that semen concentration did not vary significantly during seasons, and ejaculate volume and total sperm output are influenced by season in all breeds. The highest ejaculate volume and total number of sperm in ejaculates were observed during the summer, followed by spring, autumn, and winter. Results suggest that the gradual increase in the day length in the spring is most likely responsible for the highest sperm output during the summer months, suggesting that seasonal effects are also present in cattle, which is not normally considered a seasonal species.

Effect of active immunization against GnRH on testosterone concentration, libido and sperm quality in mature AI boars

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of the Improvac on testosterone concentration in blood serum, sexual behavior and sperm quality in matured AI boars. A total of nine Danish Landrace AI boars were included in the analysis.MethodsThe trial period lasted for 15 weeks and was divided into four periods: Control period: three weeks before vaccination; Period I – four weeks after first vaccination; Period II – four weeks after second vaccination, Period III – four weeks after third vaccination. Blood and sperm samples were collected at weekly intervals. Freshly collected sperm samples were analyzed.ResultsTestosterone concentration correlated with libido (r = 0.531; p < 0.001), volume of ejaculate (r = 0.324; p < 0.001) and the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa (r = 0.207; p < 0.05). Testosterone concentration rised significantly (p < 0.05) in 5–6 week of trial, e. i. after the first dose of Improvac and after this peak the level of testosterone further progressively decreased (p < 0.05).ConclusionsResults from this study indicate that active immunization of sexually matured boars against GnRH has negative impact on testosterone concentration, sexual behavior, volume of ejaculate and total number of normal spermatozoa in ejaculate.

Male inbreeding status affects female fitness in a seed‐feeding beetle

Inbreeding generally reduces male mating activity such that inbred males are less successful in male-male competition. Inbred males can also have smaller accessory glands, transfer less sperm and produce sperm that are less motile, less viable or have a greater frequency of abnormalities, all of which can reduce the fertilization success and fitness of inbred males relative to outbred males. However, few studies have examined how male inbreeding status affects the fitness of females with whom they mate. In this study, we examine the effect of male inbreeding status (inbreeding coefficient f = 0.25 vs. f = 0) on the fecundity, adult longevity and the fate of eggs produced by outbred females in the seed-feeding beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus. Females mated to inbred males were less likely to lay eggs. Of those that laid eggs, females mated to inbred males laid 6-12% fewer eggs. Females mated to inbred males lived on average 5.4% longer than did females mated to outbred males, but this effect disappeared when lifetime fecundity was used as a covariate in the analysis. There was no effect of male inbreeding status on the proportion of a female's eggs that developed or hatched, and no evidence that inbred males produced smaller nuptial gifts. However, ejaculates of inbred males contained 17-33% fewer sperm, on average, than did ejaculates of outbred males. Our study demonstrates that mating with inbred males has significant direct consequences for the fitness of female C. maculatus, likely mediated by effects of inbreeding status on the number of sperm in male ejaculates. Direct effects of male inbreeding status on female fitness should be more widely considered in theoretical models and empirical studies of mate choice.

Testicular Volume and Daily Sperm Output in Ragusano Donkeys

A careful evaluation of daily sperm output (DSO) and seminal parameters is indicative of the potential fertility of the animal and at the same time is useful for maximization of the reproductive activity. The aim of this article was to evaluate the seminal parameters, testicular volume (TV) calculated by ultrasound measurements, DSO, and any eventual relationship between these in Ragusano donkey jackasses. Eight Ragusano donkey stallions underwent a morphometric evaluation of the testes by ultrasound to calculate the TV, and daily semen collection for 10 consecutive days. TV ranged from 250 to 500 cm 3 and no significant differences could be observed between the left and right testes. Only ejaculates from 4 to 10 days were analyzed, given that there was evidence that the sperm extragonadal reserve interfered with the total number of sperm in ejaculates during the early days. DSO in the Ragusano donkey ranged from 7 to 23 × 10 9 sperms. The seminal parameters showed high values of motility, viability, and low abnormality percentages. Age, TVs, and sperm parameters were not significantly correlated. The correlation between TV and DSO was poor ( P = .1) in this study and this may suggest that TV and DSO might simply not be highly correlated in the donkey.

수퇘지의 정액 성상과 혈중 항산화물 농도에 대한 통마늘분말 급여의 영향

본 연구는 통마늘분말의 급여가 수퇘지의 정액 성상과 혈중 항산 화물 농도에 미치는 영향을 구명하기 위해 12개월령의 듀록종 수퇘지 9두를 공시하여 시험사료만을 급여한 대조구(4두)와 시험사료에 0.3% 통마늘분말을 첨가하여 급여한 실험구(5두)를 이용해 13주간 수행되었다. 통마늘분말의 급여가 수퇘지의 정액생산량과 정자농도에 미치는 영향을 8주간에 걸쳐 평가한 결과, 정액생산량에서는 통마늘분말 급여 여부에 따른 차이를 보이지 않았으나, 수퇘지 정액의 평균 총정자수는 0~4주의 평균 총정자수는 통마늘분말 급여여부에 상관없이 차이가 없었다. 그러나, 5~8주에 채취된 정액의 평균 총정자수는 통마늘분말을 급여한 실험구가 대조구에 비해 유의적으로 높게 나타났다(P<0.05). 통마늘분말 급여가 수퇘지의 성욕에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 연속 사정횟수와 전체 사출정액에 대한 총정자수를 조사한 결과, 통마늘분말을 급여한 실험구가 대조구에 비해 사정횟수와 총정자수가 유의적으로 높게 나타났다(P<0.05). 수퇘지에 대한 통마늘분말의 급여가 정장 및 혈장 내 polyphenol 농도에 미치는 영향에서는 정장 내에서의 polyphenol 농도는 통마늘분말 급여여부에 상관없이 차이를 보이지 않았다. 그러나, 혈장 내에서의 polyphenol 농도는 9주, 12주 및 13주차에 통마늘분말을 급여한 실험구가 대조구에 비해 유의적으로 높은 수치를 나타내었다(P<0.05). 본 실험의 결과를 종합하면, 정액채취용 수퇘지에 대한 통마늘분말의 급여는 성욕의 향상에 영향을 미쳐 정액채취빈도와 정액내 총 정자수를 증가시키고, 혈액 내 항산화물 농도를 높이는 것으로 나타나, 통마늘분말이 정액채취용 수퇘지의 성적을 향상시키는데 사료적 가치가 있는 것으로 사료된다. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of whole garlic powder (WGP) on semen characteristics and blood antioxidant level in boars. For this study, nine Duroc boars of 12 months age were used. Semen and blood samples were collected for 13 weeks, once in each week. The boars were fed the basal diet (BD; control) or BD supplemented with 3% WGP. There were no significant differences in the semen volume and sperm concentration between control and WGP group on all collection weeks. However, total sperm number per ejaculate was higher in the WGP group than that in the control group on collection weeks 6, 7 and 8 (P<0.05). Also, on collection weeks 5, 6, 7 and 8, mean of total ejaculated sperm numbers per boar were significantly higher in the WGP group compared to control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, ejaculation frequency per boar (boar's libido) and total ejaculated sperm number per boar were significantly increased in the WGP group compared to the control group, respectively (P<0.05). Although there was no difference in polyphenol level in seminal plasma between two treatment groups, polyphenol level in blood serum was significantly higher in the WGP group on collection weeks 9, 12 and 13 (P<0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of 3% WGP improves boar libido and semen productivity such as ejaculation frequency per boar, total sperm number per ejaculate, mean of total ejaculated sperm number per head, and elevate the blood level of antioxidant (polyphenol) in boar serum.

Effects of vitamin C on testicular and seminal characteristics of Markhoz goats

Summary The effect of subcutaneous injections of vitamin C on the seminal characteristics of Markhoz bucks (2–4year-old) was studied. The bucks, trained to serve an artificial vagina, were randomly allotted into three equal groups (n = 4) and received daily either zero (1 mL normal saline; control group), or 20 (VitC20 group) or 40 (VitC40 group) mg per kg body weight vitamin C from July 06, 2006 to Oct. 06, 2006. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein at monthly inter, als, and semen samples were collected at 15-day intervals. Testicular dimensions in the scrotum (circumference, width, and length) were also determined on the day before semen collection. The ejaculates were evaluated for volume, sperm concentration, pH, motility, and abnormal and live sperm. Testicular measurements were not affected by administration of vitamin C. The interaction between vitamin C and the sampling time was significant (P<0.05) for the concentration of vitamin C in the blood plasma and seminal fluid, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm abnormality, and the number of live-normal sperm in the ejaculate. Vitamin C increased the levels of vitamin C in blood and seminal plasma. Both doses of vitamin C increased the percentage of progressively motile sperm showing forward motility. VitC40 injection for 90 days increased sperm motility and the effect was still evident up to 30 days after the cessation of injections. The percentage of live sperm and mass motility showed similar trends. Both doses were equally effective in decreasing the percentage of abnormal sperm. The total number of live and normal sperm in the ejaculate increased by vitamin C injections and the effect was still evident after the injections had been discontinued. The present data indicates the importance of vitamin C in the reproduction of male goats, as also shown for several mammalian species. They further show that under certain conditions, the in vivo synthesis of this vitamin in ruminants might not be sufficient for optimum reproduction.

In utero and lactational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) induces a reduction in epididymal and ejaculated sperm number in rhesus monkeys

A long-term developmental toxicity study of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (TCDD) exposure was performed in rhesus monkeys and the effect on male reproductive organs was determined in the second generation. Dams received 0, 30 or 300 ng/kg TCDD subcutaneously on Day 20 of gestation, and then 5% of the initial dose was injected every 30 days until Day 90 after delivery. The offspring were maintained until reaching sexual maturity, and evaluated by semen analysis, and histopathology of the testes and epididymides. Ejaculated sperm concentration was severely reduced at 300 ng/kg, and sperm viability and activity were dose-proportionally reduced, although effects on spermatogenesis were slight. Histomorphometry revealed markedly reduced area of the ductus epididymis accompanying decreased reserved sperm in the 30 and 300 ng/kg groups. In conclusion, in utero and lactational exposure to TCDD induced a reduction of sperm quality in rhesus monkeys.

Large and persistent effect of a female steroid pheromone on ejaculate size in goldfish Carassius auratus

This study determined if ejaculate size in male goldfish Carassius auratus is increased by the female preovulatory steroid pheromone 4‐pregnen‐17,20β‐diol‐3‐one (17,20βP), which previously has been shown to affect male behaviour and to increase sperm motility and stripped sperm number, and also to increase paternity in competitive spawning and competitive in vitro fertilization. Experimental males were exposed overnight to 17,20βP whereas control males were not. The morning following exposure, each male was placed with a reproductively active female and, after one to 20 spawning acts, aquarium water was sampled to quantify released sperm. Although exposure to 17,20βP induced a five‐fold difference in the number of sperm that could be stripped, the median number of sperm in first ejaculates of pheromone‐exposed males was &gt;60 sixty times that of control males, a pheromonal effect on ejaculate size that persisted for at least 20 spawning acts. The magnitude of the pheromone effect on ejaculate size indicates that it is a critical component of C. auratus sperm allocation, and that examining this effect in concert with other factors (e.g. presence of competitors, male and female size and frequency of spawning) will reveal the contribution of the preovulatory pheromone to male fitness in this promiscuous species.