Percentage Of Live Spermatozoa Research Articles

Resolving male infertility that is induced by β-and ca channel antagonist drugs: Propranolol/Verapamil using an optimized nanohybrid formula: Experimental and computational studies

Two major objectives of the current study, the first was to study theoretically the electronic structure of Chitosan-Sodium alginate, Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) and Sodium alginate-EGCG complex using density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. The binding energy (ΔEbind), the atoms in molecules (AIM) theory and the Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of Chitosan-Sodium alginate-EGCG complex have been studied in gas and water phases. The second was to investigate the treatment effect of EGCG in normal form and EGCG-loaded chitosan-sodium alginate nanoparticles (EGCG-CS-SA NPs) on the male infertility that was induced in male albino rats by the oral administration of Propranolol Hydrochloride and Verapamil Hydrochloride. Full characterization of the synthesized EGCG-CS-SA NPs were carried out using different techniques. Then eight groups of rats were classified as follows: control negative (A); Propranolol Hydrochloride (B); Verapamil Hydrochloride (C); EGCG normal (D); EGCG nano (EGCG-CS-SA NPs) (E); Propranolol Hydrochloride + EGCG (F); Propranolol Hydrochloride + EGCG-CS-SA NPs (G); and Verapamil Hydrochloride + EGCG-CS-SA NPs (H). The study registered the body weight gain percentage as well the weights of the liver, testes, and seminal vesicles. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reduced (GSH), and testosterone levels were assessed. The semen analysis was performed, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage was detected, and the histopathological sections were examined. The computational study identified that the interaction between chitosan-sodium alginate and EGCG is covalent and electrostatic interactions in nature in the gas and water phases. The results recorded an increase in body weight gain percentage in Propranolol Hydrochloride + EGCG-CS-SA NPs and Verapamil Hydrochloride + EGCG-CS-SA NPs groups but no significant difference (P› 0.05) in organs weight of experimental groups (B, C, D, E, F, G, and H) as compared to control group. In the treated rats (F, G, and H), the MDA decreased significantly, while the GSH increased.The results showed that the formula improved the negative effects of Propranolol Hydrochloride and Verapamil Hydrochloride administration on serum testosterone level, sperm count, motility, percentage of live sperms, and histological structures in the testes and epididymides. Post-administration of EGCG normal and EGCG-CS-SA NPs to Propranolol Hydrochloride and Verapamil Hydrochloride caused no significant difference (P› 0.05) in tail moment value in testes cells as compared to Propranolol Hydrochloride and verapamil Hydrochloride groups. Finally, the herbal nanohybrid formula EGCG-CS-SA NPs was found to be safe and could be used to treat male infertility caused by antihypertensives.

Гематологічні показники та якість сперми баранів у період статевого спокою за згодовування ліпосомальної вітамінно-мінеральної добавки

The aim of the work was to investigate the effect of feeding a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement during the period of sexual rest on hematological indicators and quality of ram sperm. The experiment was conducted at the PE “Kogut BM” in Horodotsky district, Lviv region, on 12 clinically healthy Texel rams, aged 2–4 years, during the period of sexual rest (March-May). Animals were divided into two groups — control and experimental, 6 animals per group. The control rams received the basic diet containing hay, corn silage, and compound feed. For 45 days, the sheep of the experimental group were individually added to the combined feed a feed additive containing vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate in the form of a liposomal emulsion. At the beginning and at the end of feeding, we took blood samples, in which hematological indicators were determined. After the end of supplement feeding, ejaculates were collected twice a week in doublets for three weeks. Physiological indicators of ejaculate quality (volume, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm, as well as sperm viability, morphological disorders and percentage of degenerative sperm) were determined using the CASA computerized system. It was established that feeding liposomal vitamin-mineral supplements to rams during the period of sexual rest improves hematological indicators: the content of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, platelets and hematocrit increase significantly (P<0.05–0.001) while the content of leukocytes decreases by 24.2% (P<0.05). Accordingly, the erythrocyte indices of the blood of experimental breeding rams were higher than those of control animals. Feeding rams with a liposomal vitamin and mineral supplement ensured an increase in ejaculate volume by 17.6% (P<0.05), sperm concentration (P<0.01), their viability, as well as a decrease in the number of immature (P<0.001) and degenerated (P<0.05) sperm. Higher quality indicators of ejaculates of rams under the influence of vitamins A, D3, E, C and zinc gluconate indicate the possibility of obtaining sperm from breeding rams during the period of sexual rest.

Effect of Centrifugation Regime on Cryopreservation of Beetal Buck Semen

Background: Goat semen has phospholipase A enzyme which makes removal of seminal plasma an important step in its preservation. This study was aimed to standardize a centrifugation regime for cryopreservation of Beetal buck semen. Methods: A total of 36 pooled semen ejaculates were used for the experiment where initially 27 pooled ejaculates were utilized to find out the best time period out of 5, 8 and 11 minutes for each g-force viz., 700 x g, 1100 x g and 1400 x g using 9 pooled ejaculates per g-force. The remaining 9 pooled ejaculates were employed to find out the best centrifugation regime amongst the best time period for each g-force (8 minutes for 700 x g, 8 minutes for 1100 x g and 5 minutes for 1400 x g). Result: The percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, intact acrosome and HOST-reacted sperm differed significantly (P less than 0.0001) between time periods at 700 x g, 1100 x g and 1400 x g. The sperm parameters were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher at 1400 x g for 5 minutes and 1100 x g for 8 minutes than at 700 x g for 8 minutes. In conclusion, adoption of a high centrifugation force for a short duration of time for washing could improve the quality of frozen spermatozoa.

Liquid storage of Ostrich (Struthio camelus) semen at 5 °C through intermediate dilution

Dilution rate, dilution temperature and storage time have been recognized as vital steps in the processing of semen for storage before artificial insemination. The objective of this study was to determine optimal dilution and dilution temperature with an ostrich-specific semen extender for chilled storage. Four preselected ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) males, known for their ease of collection and specific semen quality parameters, were collected using the “dummy” female method. Dilution of 384 semen samples, at rates of 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8 semen/diluent ratio with a diluent set at 5, 21 and 38 °C was performed and stored for 48 h at 5 °C. In vitro sperm function tests were conducted to evaluate treated semen during different storage intervals of 1, 5, 24 and 48 h. Motility and kinematic parameters were measured by the Sperm Class Analyzer®, the percentage live sperm measured by fluorescence SYBR14®/PI (LIVE/DEAD®), the percentage of sperm able to resist the hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) stress test and sperm morphology determined by Nigrosin-Eosin staining. Progressive motility (PMOT), motility (MOT), sperm kinematics, LIVE and HOS were best (P < 0.05) maintained at a higher dilution of 1:4–1:8. The beneficial effect (P < 0.05) of a higher dilution temperature (21 °C) was prominent in terms of PMOT at a higher dilution. Storage of chilled semen at 5 °C requires dilution, at interpolated rates of 1:6–1:7, together with an extender temperature of 21 °C, to maintain optimal sperm function with minimal loss over a 48 h storage period.

A novel, patented method for semen collection in dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius).

In the current article, a developed, patented method denoted the 'Camel Semen Collection Kit-CSCK', was designed to solve the problem of semen collection in dromedary camels. CSCK is composed of three main parts: (1) Semen collection sac: made from supersensitive flexible low-density polyethylene- (LDPE); (2) Metal stainless steel applicator: designed to introduce the collection sac intravaginally and fixate it to the vaginal wall of a female camel through air insufflation; (3) Fixation sticker: a cushion sheet sticker is used to secure the outer portion of the collection sac to the female's perineal area. Semen was collected twice a week from eight dromedary bulls by using electroejaculation (EJ), artificial vagina (AV) and CSCK. Successful semen collections were 81.3%, 84.4% and 43.8% using EJ, CSCK and AV techniques respectively. Semen obtained by EJ technique showed lower semen volume, gross activity, sperm concentration, total sperm motility and percentage of live sperm cells compared to the other two techniques. Semen collected by CSCK showed a longer collection period and higher volume, gross activity, sperm motility and percentage of live spermatozoa and a lower rate of visible contamination compared to AV technique. The advantages and disadvantages of the three techniques were compared and discussed. In conclusion, CSCK represents a practical and easy method to reliably collect high-quality semen from any untrained male dromedary camel and may facilitate the widespread application of assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) on a large scale in this species.

An investigation on cauda storage of sperm in hamster epididymis

Abstract Immature testicular sperm of mammals acquire the potential to move in a forward direction during their journey through excurrent ducts, efferent ductules and the epididymis. The present study aimed to determine the sperm storage time using the hamster cauda epididymis. Ligation of the left epididymal tubule at the junction between the distal corpus and the proximal cauda was carried out to determine the storage time. The right epididymis was left unaltered as the control. On days 3, 12, 15, 24, 28, 32, and 40 after ligation of the cauda, experiments were carried out and repeated five times. Sperm total count and mortality were determined using the haemocytometer counting method and sperm viability was assessed with the live/dead viability kit. The morphology of cauda sperm was observed by preparing sperm smears from each animal. Data were analyzed using SPSS and all values were expressed as mean ± SEM. On day 40, the total number of cauda sperms was reduced remarkably. In the experimental groups and in the control, 3–6% of sperm motility was maintained until day 40. By day 3, the percentage of live sperm was 50% and by the 40th day, it was decreased up to 10%. In the control group, the live sperm percentage was 24% by the 40th day (). By day 32, 76% of the cauda spermatozoa appeared abnormal with head defects, mid piece and neck defects and multiple defects. Findings of the present study indicate that cauda sperm storage time is more than 40 days. Motility, viability and morphology of these spermatozoa were decreased remarkably during this storage time.

Paullinia cupana seed extract ameliorated methotrexate-induced testicular dysfunction through the regulation of antioxidants, inflammatory, apoptosis/anti-apoptosis, and steroidogenesis-associated genes.

Methotrexate (MXT) is a medication used for cancer and rheumatoid treatment with severe organs toxicity as a side effect. Paullinia cupana (Guarana) is a plant with pleiotropic functions used to overcome the side effects of some chemotherapeutic medications. Current study aimed to examine the possible protective effect of guarana against oxidative stress induced by a single dose of MTX in testis. Forty male mice were divided into 4 groups (8weeks old; 30g weight), 1st group is negative control. The 2nd group is positive intoxicated group, received a single dose of MTX intraperitoneally (IP; 20mg/kg BW in saline) on day 7. The 3rd group received guarana seed extract orally (300mg/kg BW daily) for 12days. The protective group was given guarana seed extract orally for 1week, then on day 7 injected with MTX, and continued with guarana for extra 5days. Blood was taken for biochemical measurement (hormones, antioxidants, cytokines, and oxidative stress biomarkers). Testicular tissues were taken for gene quantification (qRT-PCR), testicular oxidative stress activity (malondialdehyde; MDA, and SOD) and comet assay (sperm DNA damage), and histopathological changes at the end of experimental design. MTX intoxication caused a decrease in testicular SOD, GSH, and catalase and an increase in serum and tissue levels of MDA. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were increased by MTX intoxication, and were ameliorated by guarana administration to MTX-intoxicated mice. Guarana prevented the increase in IL-1β and IL-6 levels compared to mice intoxicated with MTX alone. MTX upregulated the expression of caspase-3 and downregulated Bcl-2 expression using qRT-PCR analysis. These negative impacts of MTX were protected by guarana pre-administration. MTX decreased reproductive hormones and altered spermogram parameters (sperm concentration and motility, and percentage of live and dead sperms). In addition, the mRNA expression of steroidogenesis-associated genes, such cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 17β hydroxyl steroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) was downregulated in the MTX-treated group, all were prevented by guarana administration. The sperm DNA damage revealed by a comet assay was increased in MTX group and was reversed to control levels by guarana supplementation. Finally, testis histology of MTX-group showed marked spermatocytes vacuolization and a decrease in spermatogenesis. Guarana administration abrogated histopathological changes reported in the Leydig cells and testicular tissues. In conclusion, guarana has the potential as a supplement medication to antagonize testicular oxidative stress induced by methotrexate.

Elevated and Sustained Intracellular Calcium Signalling Is Necessary for Efficacious Induction of the Human Sperm Acrosome Reaction.

Progesterone and prostaglandin E1 are postulated to trigger the human sperm acrosome reaction (AR). However, their reported efficacy is very variable which likely, in part, reflects the plethora of experimental conditions and methodologies used to detect this physiologically relevant event. The purpose of this study was to develop an assay for the robust induction and objective measurement of the complete AR. Sperm from healthy volunteers or patients undertaking IVF were treated with a variety of ligands (progesterone, prostaglandin E1 or NH4Cl, alone or in combinations). AR, motility and intracellular calcium measurements were measured using flow cytometry, computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorimetry, respectively. The AR was significantly increased by the simultaneous application of progesterone, prostaglandin E1 and NH4Cl, following an elevated and sustained intracellular calcium concentration. However, we observed notable inter- and intra-donor sample heterogeneity of the AR induction. When studying the patient samples, we found no relationship between the IVF fertilization rate and the AR. We conclude that progesterone and prostaglandin E1 alone do not significantly increase the percentage of live acrosome-reacted sperm. This assay has utility for drug discovery and sperm toxicology studies but is not predictive for IVF success.

PSII-A-2 Correlations between Reactive Oxygen Species and Functional Measurements of Spermatozoa from Beef Bulls

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have effects on characteristics of spermatozoa, including mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosomal integrity, and structural abnormalities that can influence spermatozoa function. The objective was to determine correlations between sperm response to ROS and functional sperm measurements using ejaculates collected as part of bull breeding soundness exams (BSE). Semen samples were collected from Angus and Charolais bulls (403 ± 11 d of age; n=46) over three days during yearling BSEs. A veterinarian evaluated spermatozoa for percent motility and normal morphology, and percentage progressive motility was measured using an iSperm® analyzer. If ejaculates met minimum thresholds for passing a BSE, they were diluted to 70 million cells/mL using BoviFree® and sent overnight for flow cytometry evaluation. Flow cytometry assays including acrosome and cell membrane integrity, mitochondrial energy potential, and oxidation status. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficients in SAS. Percentage live spermatozoa with positive ROS status was correlated (r = 0.53; P &amp;lt; 0.001) with percentage progressive motility. Percentage live spermatozoa with negative ROS status was moderately correlated with percentage spermatozoa exhibiting secondary abnormalities (r = 0.33; P = 0.02) and tended to be lowly correlated (r = 0.28; P = 0.06) with percentage spermatozoa exhibiting primary abnormalities. Percentage live spermatozoa that had disrupted acrosomes was strongly correlated (r = 0.66; P &amp;lt; 0.001) with percentage live spermatozoa with negative ROS and also moderately negatively correlated (r = -0.31; P = 0.04) with percentage live spermatozoa with positive ROS. Percentage live spermatozoa with positive ROS status was correlated (r = 0.58; P &amp;lt; 0.001) with percentage of spermatozoa with active mitochondrial membranes. Live spermatozoa with positive ROS were strongly correlated (P&amp;lt; 0.001) with live spermatozoa (r=0.94) and live spermatozoa with intact acrosome (r=0.92). These data confirm previous research that shows the detrimental effects of ROS on spermatozoa function.

64 Effects of L-Carnitine Dietary Supplementation on the Quality of Buck Semen Collected During non-Breeding Season

Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) has potential impact on goat breeding. Reduced fertility in goats following AI is mostly associated with semen quality, which is influenced by breed, collection methods, freezing procedures, and the male diet. L-carnitine (LC) plays an integral role in sperm metabolism by supplying energy through β-oxidation to enhance sperm motility. L-carnitine is also important for fatty acid metabolism and acts as an antioxidant. Positive impact of dietary supplementation with LC on sperm quality and fertility has been reported in many species; however, no studies have been conducted on goats. The objective was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of LC on the quality of goat semen collected by electroejaculation during non-breeding season. Six mature Alpine bucks were randomly assigned into two groups, namely control (three bucks were fed a regular diet without LC supplementation), and treatment (three bucks were fed the normal diet plus 0.0022 g/kg of BW, LC). Each feeding trial last for 60 days from January to March (the non-breeding season). Semen was collected from the bucks once/week by electroejaculation and evaluated for its physical characters. Sperm motility, concentrations, viability, membrane integrity, and abnormalities were also examined. Results showed that colors of the samples collected from the two groups were white to yellow and the consistency ranged from watery to creamy. Percentage of live spermatozoa (69.7%) was greater (P≤ 0.05) in LC group than control (50.1%). However, no significant differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed in semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, abnormalities, and membrane integrity between the two groups. In conclusion, supplementing bucks LC during non-breeding season enhanced sperm viability. Further experiments are in progress to evaluate the effects of LC on reproductive variables and the levels of reproductive hormones such as testosterone, FSH, and LH in the blood of male goats.

Use of commercial extenders, with and without the addition of egg yolk, for cooling llama semen

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two commercial extenders, AndroMed® (AM) and Androstar® Plus (AS) both with and without the addition of egg-yolk (EY), for cooling llama semen. A total of sixteen ejaculates were collected from four males. Each ejaculate was divided into four aliquots and diluted with: AM, AM with 20 % EY (AM-EY), AS and AS with 20 % EY (AS-EY) and then cooled to 5 °C in an Equitainer®. Evaluations were carried out in raw semen, after dilution (0 h) and after 24 and 48 h of cooling. Data were analysed using either Friedman or ANOVA. Although total motility decreased in all cooled samples compared to the corresponding 0 h (P < 0.05), the highest percentages were observed in AM-EY being significantly higher than all other cooled samples after 24 h and higher than AS and AS-EY after 48 h. No significant differences were observed in the percentages of live acrosome-intact sperm between extenders at all times tested. A significant decrease in the percentage of sperm membrane osmotic function was observed in samples cooled with AS and AS-EY after 24 and 48 h vs. raw semen and in AM 48 h vs. raw semen. Finally, a significant increase in the percentage of sperm with abnormal tails was observed in the samples cooled with AS and AS-EY. Of all the extenders used, AndroMed® could be considered an option for cooling llama semen and the addition of EY to this extender improves its effectiveness. Data AvailabilityThe data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Investigation of the efficacy of different semen extenders and in vitro storage period on Windsnyer boar sperm quality equilibrated at 18°C.

The study aimed to determine the efficacy of different semen extenders and in vitro storage periods on the Windsnyer boar sperm quality equilibrated at 18°C. Ejaculates (n= 18) from three Windsnyer boars of known fertility were evaluated for macroscopic traits, pooled, and then allocated for extension in Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) and Kobidil+ extender. Diluted semen was stored at 18°C and evaluated at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48h post collection for sperm microscopic traits. Semen diluted with BTS extender maintained the highest live normal sperm percentage at 4 (63.0 ± 10), 8 (49.6 ± 8.7), 12 (38.0 ± 12.6), 24 (22.6 ± 10.7) and 48 (12.0 ± 10.7) hours, when stored at 18°C (p< .05). The BTS extender maintained the sperm total motility greater than 40% up to 24 h at 18°C as compared to the other semen Kobidil+ extender treatments (p< .05). Average <5% of sperm abnormalities were recorded over 48 h of in vitro boars semen storage irrespective of the semen extenders. Windsnyer boars sperm quality was maintained over 48h when the semen was diluted with BTS and stored at 18°C.

Semen quality and sperm characteristics in broiler breeder cockerels fed vitamin E during hot season

Thirty-two Arbor Acres (AA) cockerels aged 27 weeks were used to determine the effect of vitamin E (VE) on the semen characteristics and sperm quality during hot season. The birds were fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150mg VE kg-1 feed. There were 4 replicates and two birds per replicate. Semen collection was done thrice a week for three weeks in all birds. Dietary vitamin E significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased the semen volume (SV) and number of sperm cells (NS) in AA cockerels. CONTROL birds (0.71 mL) had lower SV than birds fed 150 mg VE (0.94 mL). Birds on 100 and 150 mg VE recorded similar NS, which was higher than 0 and 50 mg VE groups. The least NS was in the CONTROL group. Sperm abnormality gradually (p &lt; 0.05) decreased as dietary VE increased from 0 to 150 mg. Significant (p &lt; 0.01) effect of dietary VE was recorded in percentage live sperm (PLS). Semen from cockerels on VE treatment had higher PLS than the CONTROL. In conclusion, it may be beneficial to supplement the broiler breeder cockerel diet with VE up to 150 mg kg-1 feed during hot season as it increased SV, NS and PLS and decreased sperm abnormality.

Sex hormones and sperm parameters of male white rats treated with amlodipine

The study aimed to investigate the effect of amlodipine on Sex hormones and sperm parameters in white male rats. The study was conducted in the animal house of the College of Pharmacy/University of Karbala, And on October 31, 2021 until January 30, 2022. Twenty (20) adult white rats, a three-month-old male, with weights ranging from (300-200) g. Male rats were randomly divided into two main groups, the first group was a control group that included (10) rats, It was dosed orally and daily with physiological saline solution (NaCl 0.09%), As for the second group, it was dose it orally the amlodipine at a concentration of (10 mg/kg) for 60 day. study showed a significant decrease (P≤ 0.01) in the sperm concentration in the caudal epididymis And in the percentage of live sperm in the caudal epididymis and sperm motility as well as in the viability of sperm, Also, there was a significant increase (P≤ 0.01) in the percentage of upnormal sperms in the caudal epididymis when compared to the control group. The results of the current study showed a significant decrease (P≤0.01) (P≤0.05) for (Follicle-Stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Testosterone hormone).

Anti-oxidative influence of butylated hydroxytoluene on chilled semen of Red Sokoto bucks and consequential conception rates in does

The anti-oxidative influence of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) in three extenders on chilled semen of red Sokoto bucks and conception rates in does was evaluated. Twenty matured red Sokoto bucks were selected for this study. Two ejaculates were collected from each buck per week for a period of 4 weeks. Semen was collected from bucks using a battery-operated electro-ejaculator for semen analyses. Volume, colour, gross motility, concentration and percentage live spermatozoa were examined. A total of 10 ejaculates were further collected weekly from 10 selected bucks from the previous twenty good semen quality for 8 weeks. Semen was extended in tris egg-yolk (TEY), citrate egg-yolk (CEY) and tris-coconut water (TCW) extenders in test tubes, containing BHT antioxidant to obtain 0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mM/mL BHT. Sperm characteristics were determined at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours of storage. Twenty multiparous does divided into 3 groups (A, B and C), of 7, 7 and 6 does respectively. These does received 250 μg cloprostenol intramuscularly, twice, 11 days apart and insemination was conducted 48 hours after. Groups A, B and C were inseminated with semen stored for 72 hours containing 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in TEY, 1.0 mM/mL of BHT extended in CEY and 0.5 mM/mL of BHT extended in TCW respectively. Ultrasonography was used for pregnancy diagnoses 47 days after artificial insemination. From the findings of this study, it was concluded that semen of red Sokoto bucks stored in tris egg yolk + 1.0 mM/mL BHT and chilled for 72 hours had better semen quality and conception rates.

Effects of Allium sativum and Allium cepa on semen characteristics, sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks

The effect of dietary inclusion of garlic and onion on semen characteristics, gonadal, extragonadal sperm reserves and haematology of rabbit bucks were evaluated. Twenty-four rabbit bucks of average age and weight 10 ± 2.0 months and 1.47 ± 0.01 kg respectively, were used for the study. They were randomly assigned into four groups of six bucks each. Group A served as control, while Groups B, C and D received dietary inclusion of 5% garlic, 5% onion, 2.5% garlic + 2.5% onion, respectively. The fresh bulbs of garlic and onions were peeled, air-dried, and the dried bulbs were weighed, added to the feed and grounded together to form experimental diets. Before dietary supplementation, semen samples were collected to serve as baseline values, followed by weekly collections for another 9 weeks using an artificial vagina. Haematological parameters were examined according to the standard procedure, while testosterone profile was conducted using the ELISA method. At the termination of the experiment, two bucks from each group were euthanised, and the testes were harvested to evaluate gonadal and extragonadal sperm reserves. No significant (p &gt; 0.05) difference was recorded in the live weight, sperm concentration, and sperm abnormality of the rabbit bucks. A significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference was observed in the ejaculate volume, gross motility, pH, reaction time, and percentage of live spermatozoa. The epididymal sperm reserves in group B, was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in the right than left. Testosterone profile showed significant (p &lt; 0.05) difference at 9 and 10 a.m. On haematology, there was a significant increase in PCV, RBC count, haemoglobin concentration and WBC count in groups B, C and D by week 9 compared to the control. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of garlic and onion effectively improved the spermiogram of rabbit bucks.

A retrospective study of the relationship between canine age, semen quality, chilled semen transit time and season and whelping rate and litter size

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of the dog’s age, semen quality, and the duration and season of semen transit on whelping rate and litter size after insemination with transported chilled extended semen. The sperm rich fraction was collected from 43 dogs of 18 breeds, which were presented at the Clinic for chilled semen transport, in the period from 2017 to 2021. Immediately after collection, the total sperm concentration and count, motility, membrane integrity (HOS test), the percentage of live spermatozoa and sperm morphology (eosin nigrosin staining) were evaluated. The sperm rich fraction was centrifuged and diluted with Tris – fructose - citrate extender with the addition of 20% (v/v) egg yolk, then chilled and prepared for shipping. A dose consisted of at least 200x106 live, motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa. The data on the dog’s age, chilled sperm transit time, the season of transit, and the whelping rate and litter size after insemination were recorded. The whelping rate was 55.8% with a mean (±SEM) litter size of 4.71±0.58 pups. The total number of spermatozoa was higher in artificial insemination (AI) that resulted in whelping compared to unsuccessful AI (P&lt;0.05). No difference was observed for any of other sperm quality parameters tested, such as the dog’s age or season of transit regarding whelping rate or litter size. Transit time significantly affected the whelping rate (P&lt;0.01), at (mean±SEM) 21.50±1.28 and 37.00±5.59 h in successful and unsuccessful AI, respectively. In conclusion, analysis of the factors related to the dogs identified total sperm count and transit time as factors that significantly affected whelping rates in bitches inseminated with transported chilled extended semen.

Effect of Adding Different Levels of Aqueous Extract of Lemongrass Leaves on Reproductive Characteristics, Testis Weight and Testicular Tissues of Male Broiler Mothers ROSS308

This study was conducted in the field of domestic birds / Department of Animal Production / College of Agriculture - Al-Qasim Green University for a period of 6 weeks from 1/11/2021 - 15/12/2021, preceded by two weeks to train roosters to collect semen, to study the effect of adding the aqueous extract to lemongrass leaves in different levels on the reproductive characteristics of males of meat broiler mothers (Ros 308) at the age (50) weeks and by 16 roosters, the roosters were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 4 replications, each replicate included only one rooster. The treatments were as follows: The first treatment was the control group without adding, the second treatment was adding 200 ml of aqueous extract of lemongrass leaves/litre of water, the third treatment was adding 300 ml of aqueous extract of lemongrass leaves/litre of water, the fourth treatment was adding 400 ml of aqueous extract For lemongrass leaves/litre of water. The following results were: a significant improvement (P < 0.01) in the second and third treatments with concentrations of 200 and 300 ml in ejaculation volume, percentage of salt-resistant sperm, percentage of individual motility of the sperm and percentage of live sperms compared to the first and fourth treatments, and a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in the percentage of death sperms in the second, third and fourth treatment over the first treatment (control), while a ratio of mass motility, sperm concentration per ejaculate, and testis weight, the third treatment (P < 0.01) was superior to the rest of the treatments. the histological cutting of the testicle, it was noted an improvement in the sperm biosynthesis process and an increase in the number of sperms for the third and second treatments compared to the first (control) and the fourth treatments.

Gonad Quality of Banana Shrimp Male Broodstock Penaeus merguiensis (De Man, 1888) Fed Different Natural Diets.

A study was carried out to determine the maturation period, quality and quantity of sperms production in Banana shrimp male broodstock, Penaeus merguiensis fed different natural diets. The three different natural diets namely; squid, fish and shrimp flesh used in this study were obtained from known sources and fed to the tested shrimp in triplicate groups. Based on the results obtained, squid seem to be the most effective natural diet as it enhances the sperms maturation within 20 days. Feeding fish and shrimp flesh as diets for the Banana shrimp broodstock resulted in the observation of maturation in 22 and 24 days, respectively. Similarly, squid diet also recorded the highest (p = 0.002; p < 0.05) sperms count (58.6 to 74.5) as compared to fish diet (44.0 to 61.3) or shrimp diet (28.0 to 42.8). Also, feeding squid diet resulted in a higher percentage of live sperms with ranged between 97.75% to 98.80%. On the other hand, broodstocks fed fish and squid flesh was observed with ranges of between 96% to 97.86% and 92.54% to 96.06%, respectively. It was therefore concluded that squid diet was most effective to improve sperm quality, quantity and maturation period in male broodstock of P. merguiensis. Further study should be carried on the reproductive performance of broodstock fed with squid as diets and it effect on the performances of post larvae obtained.

Polymorphisms Detection in Heat Shock Brotein70 Gene (HSP70) and its Association with Semen Quality in Local Iraqi Goats

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a vital gene affecting semen quality traits. The study aimed to estimate the breeding values additive dominance variance of Iraqi black goat semen quality and investigate the effect of allele substitution in heat shock protein 70 gene (HSP70) carpine on some semen quality traits (volume, mass motility, a live sperm, and sperm concentration). DNA isolated from 15 Iraqi black goats was subjected to PCR amplification of the caprine HSP70 gene. Used Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to detect the variant DNA fragments that were sequenced. Synonymous Genotypes were detected on mutation locus (1528C/T). Results showed three genotypes (CC, CT, TT) frequencies of 0.53, 0.40, and 0.07, respectively, and gene frequency of 0.73 and 0.27 C and T, respectively. The population was in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The results showed a high level of concentration sperm for CC and CT genotype compared with TT genotype. The CC genotype was associated with negative B.V for volume ejaculate, mass motility, and live sperm percentages and was positively associated with sperm concentration. CT and TT genotypes showed positive B.V for volume ejaculate, mass motility, and live sperm but negative for sperm concentration. CC and TT genotypes showed negative dominance deviation for all traits studied, while heterozygous genotype CT showed positive dominance deviation for all semen quality traits. The highest genetic variation for live sperm (0.816) but most of this variation is from dominance variance (0.653), followed by Genetic variance for mass motility (0.481), most of it from Additive variance (0.39).