Percentage Of Abnormal Sperm Research Articles

The Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits

This study is investigated the improving effects of administration of folic acid to male rabbits, using 16 adult male rabbits divided into two groups the first(control)group- administered Normal saline while the second (treatment) group administrated 5mg/kg folic acid for 30 days. As a result, hematological parameters (RBC. Hb. PCV. and Platelets) and serum protein and its fractions (albumin, globulin) were greatly improved in the treatment animal relative to untreated animal (Normal saline). also, reductions in the lipid profile (T.C, T.G, LDL-C, VLDL-C) and significant elevation in HDL-C were found in the treatment animal. Morphological examination of testes referred to a change in testes length, width, and diameter, significantly even epididymis sperm characteristics indicated increase in individual motility, and forward movement, decrease in abnormal movement (backward, vibration, circulation), dead and abnormal sperm percentage significantly in folic acid-treated group compared with the control group. How to Cite this Article Pubmed Style Ghadhban RF, Alwan NA. Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. SRP. 2020; 11(9): 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 Web Style Ghadhban RF, Alwan NA. Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. http://www.sysrevpharm.org/?mno=24376 [Access: March 29, 2021]. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 AMA (American Medical Association) Style Ghadhban RF, Alwan NA. Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. SRP. 2020; 11(9): 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 Vancouver/ICMJE Style Ghadhban RF, Alwan NA. Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. SRP. (2020), [cited March 29, 2021]; 11(9): 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 Harvard Style Ghadhban, R. F. & Alwan, . N. A. (2020) Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. SRP, 11 (9), 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 Turabian Style Ghadhban, Rashad Fadhil, and Nawras A. Alwan. 2020. Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (9), 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 Chicago Style Ghadhban, Rashad Fadhil, and Nawras A. Alwan. The Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11 (2020), 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style Ghadhban, Rashad Fadhil, and Nawras A. Alwan. The Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Rabbits. Systematic Reviews in Pharmacy 11.9 (2020), 1003-1007. Print. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144 APA (American Psychological Association) Style Ghadhban, R. F. & Alwan, . N. A. (2020) Role of Folic Acid on Some Physiological Parameters and Efficiency of Sperm in Male Reviews in Pharmacy, 11 (9), 1003-1007. doi:10.31838/srp.2020.9.144

Evaluation by re-derivation of a paternal line after 18 generations on seminal traits, proteome and fertility

Males from a paternal line selected for growth traits were used to produce semen doses at insemination centres and farms in a breeding scheme for rabbit meat production. The aim of this study was to assess whether a program of selection by daily gain in fattening period changed the seminal traits, plasma and sperm proteome and the fertility of semen when used in artificial insemination. Thirty-nine males from a paternal line were obtained by re-derivation from vitrified embryos with a difference of 18 generations (G21V and G39V). Sperm production parameters, morphological traits, sperm motility parameters and viability were evaluated from ejaculates. Seminal plasma and sperm proteome of three pool ejaculates from 10 mature males of each group were analysed and semen doses were used to inseminate 311 females. Only the percentage of abnormal sperm showed significant differences, with G21V presenting fewer abnormal sperm than G39V (10.5 ± 2.63 vs 23.8 ± 1.98). The discriminant analysis (DA-PLS) showed a clear effect of the generation for plasma and sperm proteome. In seminal plasma, 643 proteins were reported and 64 proteins were differentially expressed, of which 56 were overexpressed in G39V (87.5%). Sperm proteome reported 1360 proteins with 132 differentially abundant proteins. Of the total, 89 proteins were overexpressed in G39V (67.4%). From the 64 and 132 differentially abundant proteins of plasma and sperm, 19 and 26 had a FC>1.5, 12 and 13 of them belonging to the Oryctolagus cuniculus taxonomy, respectively. Despite observing differences in important proteins related to capacitation, sperm motility or immunoprotection and consequently to the fertilization process (TMPRSS2, Serpin family, Fam71f1, ATPase H+ transporting accessory protein 2, carbonic anhydrase 2, UDP-glucose glycoprotein glucosyltransferase 2), no differences in fertility and prolificacy were detected when commercial seminal doses were used for insemination from both male groups. However, overabundance of KIAA1324 protein can be related to the increase in abnormal sperm after selection by growth rate.

PSX-42 Characterization of the effects of high selenium feed on spermatogenesis in rams

Abstract Selenium (Se) is an essential element that is required by animals to maximize health and production. Some western rangelands contain alkaline soils that are naturally high in Se while others have been contaminated with elevated concentrations of bioavailable Se. Anecdotal evidence of poor reproductive efficiency has been reported on some seleniferous ranges. In order to determine the effects of high Se feeds on spermatogenesis, mature rams were fed alfalfa pellets containing 0.1, 7.5, 15, or 25 ppm Se. Desired Se concentrations were achieved by mixing western aster containing approximately 3,000 ppm Se with alfalfa. Pellets were fed at 3% of body weight for twelve weeks during the breeding season. Semen and blood samples were collected weekly and semen viability, motility, and morphology were evaluated. After twelve weeks of being fed high Se pellets, one testicle from each ram was surgically removed for morphometric and histological evaluation. The rams were then fed a control alfalfa pellet during an eight week recovery period while monitoring and collection of samples continued. At the conclusion of the recovery period the second testicle was surgically removed for analysis. None of the rams demonstrated any visible clinical signs of chronic Se poisoning during the study. Rams fed the high Se-containing alfalfa pellet had a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm. Within several weeks of beginning the recovery period, the negative side effects were reversed. Initial histological surveys suggest minimal histologic changes. This is supported by the rapid recovery of spermatic motility which suggests a maturation defect and not a change in spermatogenesis. These findings indicate that in sheep, subclinical Se intoxication does cause significant male reproductive damage. More work is needed to better characterize this damage and to determine its effect on fertility and production.

Concentrated ambient PM2.5exposure affects mice sperm quality and testosterone biosynthesis

BackgroundStudies suggested that PM2.5 exposure could lead to adverse reproductive effects on male animals. However, the underlying mechanism is still not clear. Besides, animals in the majority of previous studies were exposed to PM2.5 through intratracheal instillation which should be improved. In addition, limited amount of research has been conducted in China where the PM2.5 concentration is higher and the PM2.5 components are different. The aim of this work is to explore the effects of concentrated ambient PM2.5 (CAP) on mice sperm quality and testosterone biosynthesis.MethodsA total of 12 male C57BL/6 mice were exposed to filtered air (FA) or CAP for 125 days using the Shanghai Meteorological and Environmental Animal Exposure System. The mice sperm concentration, sperm motility, DNA fragmentation index, high DNA stainability and plasma testosterone were analyzed. Testicular histology and sperm morphology were observed through optical microscope. Testosterone biosynthesis related gene expressions were analyzed using real-time PCR, including cytochrome P450 CHOL side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β HSD), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450arom), estrogen receptor (ER), androgen receptor (AR) and follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR).ResultsExposure to CAP resulted in disturbance of various stages of spermatogenesis and significant higher percentage of abnormal sperm (FA vs. CAP: 24.37% vs. 44.83%) in mice testis. CAP exposure significantly decreased sperm concentration (43.00 × 106 vs. 25.33 × 106) and motility (PR: 63.58% vs. 55.15%; PR + NP: 84.00% vs. 77.08%) in epididymis. Plasma testosterone concentration were significantly declined (0.28 ng/ml vs. 0.69 ng/ml) under CAP exposure. Notably, the levels of testosterone biosynthesis related genes, StAR, P450scc, P450arom, ER and FSHR were significantly decreased with CAP exposure.ConclusionConcentrated ambient PM2.5 exposure altered mice sperm concentration, motility and morphology, which might be mediated primarily by the decline in testosterone concentration and testosterone biosynthesis process.

The potential effect of methylseleninic acid (MSA) against γ-irradiation induced testicular damage in rats: Impact on JAK/STAT pathway

This study suggested that methylseleninic acid (MSA) could respond to the inflammatory signaling associated with ionizing radiation-induced testicular damage. Mature male rats were divided into four groups: negative control, whole body γ-irradiated (IRR) (5 Gy), MSA (0.5 mg/kg, daily for nine consecutive days), and MSA+ IRR groups. MSA increased serum testosterone level and testicular glutathione peroxidase (GPx) as well as decreased the percentage of sperm abnormalities. Radiation prompted inflammatory signaling in the testes through increasing phospho-janus kinase1 (p-JAK1), phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) protein expressions. This induced increment in the inflammatory markers including nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels. Also, radiation induced elevation of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdhyde (MDA) levels with consequent reduction in testicular reduced glutathione level (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. MSA significantly counteracted the radiation effect on testicular nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) and suppressor of cytokine signaling (Socs3) protein expressions. In summary, this investigation proposed that MSA preserved spermatogenesis through increasing testosterone levels and GPx activity. Additionally, it diminished testicular inflammation by increasing of Nrf2 and Socs3 levels leading to reducing of p-JAK1, p-STAT3 and NF-κB levels. Histopathological examination results of testicular tissues showed a coincidence with the biochemical analysis.

The clinical observation on the treatment of semen non-liquefaction with zinc gluconate granule

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of liquid decoction combined with zinc gluconate granule in the treatment of semen non-liquefaction. Methods From May 2016 to February 2017, 68 cases of semen non-liquefier were admitted with an average age of 24 to 43 years, and an average of 25.2 years. Results All patients were followed up and the treatment time was 30-150 days, with an average of 90 days.There were 64 effective cases and 4 invalid cases, the effective rate was 94.1%.And sperm concentration, semen volume, sperm motility significantly increased, dead sperm decreased, abnormal sperm percentage decreased significantly(P<0.05). Conclusions Liquid decoction combined with zinc gluconate granule which is effective to improve the condition of semen in patients with semen non-liquefaction. Key words: SEMEN UNLIQUEFACTION; DRUG THERAPY (TCD); Zinc Compounds

Investigation of the changes observed in scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in karayaka rams during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the impact of the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) seasons on scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in Karayaka rams. Six (6) Karayaka rams were used as semen donors, and ejaculates were collected with the aid of an artificial vagina during the BS (October-November) and NBS (April-May). Interestingly, sperm freezability was found to be higher in the NBS, when compared to the BS, and the sperm motility rate (36.00±2.74%, 55.0±3.24%) and percentage of abnormal sperm (44.00±1.90%, 57.00±2.09%) were found to significantly differ with season (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the post-freezing sperm motility was better during the non-breeding season. Post-thaw sperm abnormality was higher during non-breading season. However, if ram semen is used fresh for AI, it can be collected and used during both during the breeding and non-breeding season.

The role of Vitamin E - Selenium - Folic Acid Supplementation in Improving Sperm Parameters After Varicocelectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of antioxidants including Vitamin E-Selenium-Folic acid (Vit E -Se- FA) on semen parameters following varicocelectomy (VCT). Sixty patients from 64 infertile male patients diagnosed with varicocele (VC) who un-derwent sub-inguinal VCT were included in the study. Following sub-inguinal VCT, the patients were randomized into two groups: 30 receiving Vit E-Se-FA supplementation for six months, and 30 as the control group with supplemental treatment. The post-operative semen parameters of Vit E-Se-FA receiving group were compared with control group at the end of experiment. The sperm count, percentage of motile and abnormal sperms were considered. There were statistically significant differences in terms of count (P = .031) and motility (P = .01) of sperm after six months of receiving Vit E-Se-FA supplementation comparing with control group. Vit E-Se-FA supplementation can improve sperm parameters (count and motility of sperm) after VCT.

Role Of Taurine In Male Reproductive System Performance In Adult Male Rats Exposed To Oxiative Stress By Hydrogen Peroxide

The experiment has been conducted to study the role of taurine of the concentration (0.5 & 1%) in the performance of the male reproductive system of rats that are exposed to oxidative stress by hydrogen peroxide for six weeks. 32 albino adult male rats aged (12-14) weeks and weighing (252.3 +/- 27.08 gram), divided into four groups: Control Group:- this group is given natural water. Group (2): treated with (H2O2, 0.5%) in drinking water. Group (3): treated with (H2O2, 0.5%) by taurine (0.5%) in drinking water. Group (4): treated with (H2O2, 0.5%) by taurine (1%) in drinking water. The results reveal that this exposure with (0.5 % H2O2) has led to an significant decrease in the body weight and the ano – genital distance, the percentage weight of the testicles, head and tail of eqididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, the percentage of live sperms, the number of Legdig and Sertoli cells, as well as the significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms and an significant decrease in the diameter of seminiferous tubules. Treatment with taurine (0.5 & 1%) has led to an significant improvement in the body weight, ano-genital distance, the percentage of the testicles weight, head and tail of eqididymis, prostate gland, seminal vesicles, the percentage of live sperms, the number of Legdig and Sertoli cells, as well as the significant decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperms and an significant increase in the diameter of seminiferous tubules in comparison with the treatment group by hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with taurine (1%) has led to an significant improvement of the sperm count and the percentage weight of the head and tail of the epididymis as well as the number of Legdig and Sertoli cells compared with the control group and the group of taurine (0.5%).

Optimization of sperm freezability in Bactrian camel using various dilution rates and equilibration times

The effect of different dilution rates and equilibration times on the cryopreservation of Bactrian camel spermatozoa was evaluated in the current study. Semen samples from four healthy adult males were collected, processed and pooled. They were then subjected to a completely randomized 4×2 factorial design including four dilution rates (DR; 1:1, 1:2, 1:4 or 1:8; v:v with SHOTOR diluent) and two equilibration times (ET; 1 or 2 h at 5ºC). After freezing and thawing, sperm kinematic parameters as well as viability, plasma membrane integrity, abnormality and seminal malondialdehyde level were assessed. According to the results, four-fold diluted samples recorded significantly higher values (P < 0.05) for sperm total (39.58 vs 31.83 and 33.33,%) and progressive motility (19.50 vs 14.00 and 14.25,%), viability (55.37 vs 43.50 and 48.75,%) and plasma membrane integrity (46.75 vs 37.25 and 37.37,%) than those of both less (1:1) and high (1:8) concentrated samples, respectively. By contrast, the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa and the concentration of seminal malondialdehyde were comparable among all treated groups. Moreover, ET revealed that 1 h equilibration had significantly higher sperm motility (37.04 vs 33.33%), linearity (42.29 vs 32.26%), beat cross-frequency (13.15 vs 8.70 Hz), plasma membrane integrity (42.25 vs 39.75%) and viability (51.37 vs 48.12%) compared with 2 h of ET (P < 0.05). Taken together, a four-fold dilution along with 1 h equilibration can be an optimal procedure to cryopreserve Bactrian camel sperm.

Estimation of economic weights for number of teats and sperm quality traits in pigs.

Accurate predictive modelling facilitates efficient and effective trait selection in animal breeding and can decrease costs while maximizing profits when raising economically important animals. The objective of this study was to extend a previously developed bioeconomic model and computer program to calculate the marginal economic values (MEVs) and economic weights (EWs) for direct and maternal pig traits affected by new reproductive traits, namely the number of sow functional teats (NFTs) and boar sperm quality traits (SQTs) that included sperm volume, sperm concentration, motility percentage and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. The MEV of NFTs represented the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared piglets until weaning and the cost differences between naturally and artificially reared finished animals. The MEVs of SQTs expressed the saved costs for artificial insemination, assuming a decreased price per insemination dose when improving the SQTs. The absolute and relative EWs for the newly defined complex of traits in the breeding objectives for pig breeds involved in the Czech national three-way crossing system (Czech Large White [CLW], Czech Landrace [CL] and Pietrain [PN]) were calculated using gene flow methods. The NFT trait was included only for dam breeds, and the relative EW averaged 3.6% of the total economic importance based on the genetic standard deviations of all 19 simultaneously evaluated traits in CLW and CL breeds. The relative EWs of the four SQTs comprised 2.0% of the total economic importance of the 19 traits in the CLW and CL dam breeds and 8% of the total economic importance of the 18 traits in the PN sire breed. Therefore, inclusion of the NFTs for dam breeds and SQTs for sire breeds in the breeding goal is recommended to aid in obtaining ideal outcomes with optimal economic values.

Adverse reproductive effects of ethanolic root extract of Waltheria indica in male Wistar rats.

Background Numerous uses of Waltheria indica plant such as antitrypanosomal, antibacterial and antimalarial effects have been reported. It has however been reported that most plants with antibacterial and antiprotozoal effects have adverse effect on male reproduction. Hence, we evaluated the effect of Waltheria indica root on male reproductive parameters. Methods Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5); A-D. Group A served as control group while groups B, C and D were administered with 200, 400 and 800 mg/Kg body weight of crude ethanolic extract of Waltheria indica root. After 28 days of administration, the rats were sacrificed and sperm parameters, sperm morphology, serum reproductive hormones and lipids were determined. Results There was a significant reduction in sperm count and motility as well as significant increase in percentage abnormal sperm cell (p<0.001) at the 400 and 800 mg/kg BW. The serum levels of testosterone was also significantly reduced while total cholesterol increased significantly (p<0.05) at the highest dose. Conclusion Waltheria indica root has adverse effect on male reproduction through reduction in sperm parameters and male reproductive hormones.

Sperm characteristics of Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) breeders as affected by the addition of calcitriol to the semen extender

This study was carried out to determine the effect of supplementing the semen extender with calcitriol on in vitro sperm characteristics in Chukar partridges. A total of 60 male Chukar partridges were habituated for semen collection by abdominal massage. Pooled ejaculates from several males were extended (1 to 5 v/v ratio) in the Sexton's diluent containing 0, 24, 48, 96, or 192μg calcitriol/mL. These concentrations represented 0-, 2-, 4-, 8-, and 16-fold levels of the mean seminal calcitriol concentration, respectively. A total of 12 subsamples from each treatment group were kept at 4 to 5°C or 19 to 24°C for 4, 24, or 48h. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, incidence of hypoosmotic swelling (HOS), and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) concentrations were determined. The data were analyzed by the xtmixed procedure of STATA software. The percentages of motile sperm, live sperm, abnormal sperm, and seminal TBARS were affected by calcitriol (P < 0.05). There was no effect of treatments on HOS (P > 0.05). There was an interaction effect between calcitriol, storage time, and storage temperature on sperm motility, sperm viability, and seminal TBARS. Supplementation of the diluent with 96μg calcitriol/mL resulted in the highest sperm motility at 4°C. Also, the same treatment group recorded the highest sperm viability and lowest seminal TBARS at 19 to 24°C. Supplementing the diluent with calcitriol had beneficial effects on spermatozoa; however, the fertility rate of spermatozoa extended in calcitriol-supplemented diluent needs to be determined before the procedure can be recommended for use in artificial insemination programs.

Cryopreservation‐induced morphological changes in the sperm of South American silver catfish ( Rhamdia quelen )

The cryopreservation protocols are species-specific owing to variable sperm sensitivity towards temperature reduction and contact with cryoprotectant solutions. However, little is known about spermatic pathologies, especially after the cryopreservation process. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of cryopreservation on morphological changes in semen of jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). Sperm pool of five males, with >80% motility, as collected, diluted in a cryoprotectant solution and frozen in liquid nitrogen (−196°C). There was a reduction in the percentage of normal cells and sperm motility, accompanied by an increase in the percentage of sperm abnormalities after cryopreservation of R. quelen spermatozoa, indicating a substantial fragility of the spermatozoa towards the cryopreservation process. The most frequent types of morphological changes in the cryopreserved semen were macrocephaly, folded tail, strongly curled tail and distally curled tail. This is the first study to evaluate the spermatic morphology of R. quelen before and after cryopreservation, paving way for further investigations on morphological alterations and for a new classification of these changes in fish semen due to cryopreservation.

Effect of Age and Frequency of Collection on Quality of Jersey Bulls Semen at National Livestock Breeding Center (NLBC), Nepal

Objective: To determine the effect of age and frequency of collection on quality parameters of Jersey bull semen at National Livestock Breeding Center (NLBC), Pokhara.&#x0D; Materials and Methodology: Nine Jersey bulls were selected randomly from NLBC. To obtain the effect of age, six bulls of three different age interval (3-4, 5-7 and 8-9 years) were selected randomly. Remaining three bulls were used to determine the effect of frequency of collection on semen quality. Studies were conducted for three months (Nov/Dec to Dec/Jan, 2016). Semen quality was analyzed using CASA system and SMILE software. ANOVA and paired t- tests were applied to find out level of significance. All the statistical analyses were done using SPSS 17.0&#x0D; Results: Sperm concentration, post- thaw motility, live sperm, and abnormal sperm were significantly affected by the age of the bulls. Semen quality was found superior in the bulls belonging to 5-7 years of age intervals. Significantly higher value for semen volume, sperm concentration and post- thaw motility was obtained on second collection (P&lt;0.05). However, volume initial motility, pre-filling motility, live sperm and abnormal sperm percentage did not differ significantly among different age intervals and between the frequencies of collection.&#x0D; Conclusion: Different quality parameters of semen like volume, concentration, initial motility, pre-filling motility, post thaw motility, live and normal spermatozoa percentages were higher in 5-7 years old bulls and in second collection of semen.&#x0D; Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 7(1): 88-95

Short-Term High-Altitude Exposure (3600 m) Alters the Type Distribution of Sperm Deformity.

Background: The effect of short-term exposure to high altitudes below 4000 m on the distribution of sperm abnormality is a matter of concern with regard to the ability for fertilization, and rarely reported. Materials and Methods: The survey subjects, who had not visited the high plateau previously, were divided into three groups: two high-plateau groups and the low-altitude control group. In the high-plateau groups, healthy young men had been living in Lhasa City, Tibet (3600 m), for 1 or 3 months. Similar subjects in Chongqing City (400 m) were used as the control group. Semen was collected, and semen volume, pH, and sperm concentration were analyzed. After observing sperm morphology by light microscopy, we measured the percentage of sperm abnormality and statistically analyzed its type distribution. Results: Sperm concentration was decreased significantly after 3 months of high-altitude exposure (p < 0.01). The total sperm malformation rate did not change, but the head malformation rate was increased (p < 0.05). In addition, there were changes in the distribution of sperm malformation. The occurrence and frequency of sperm with excessive head size, neck crimp, and tailless were increased significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively) at 3 months. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that short-term high-altitude exposure of >1 month at 3600 m increases the distribution of sperm deformities.

Estimation of genetic parameters and season effects for semen traits in three pig breeds of South China.

The economic profitability of a boar station largely depends on semen quantity and quality traits. However, genetic analysis of semen traits has not yet been done in the boar population in China. In this study, we aimed to estimate genetic parameters for semen traits and the influence of seasons on these traits by using data of Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire boars in South China. The following four semen traits were analysed: semen volume (ml; VOL), sperm concentration (106 /ml; DEN), sperm motility (MOT) and percentage of abnormal sperm (ABN). Genetic parameters and season effects were estimated simultaneously for each breed by using a multiple-trait (4×4) repeatability animal model. The four traits had a moderate heritability with average estimates of 0.23, 0.28, 0.26 and 0.17 across the three breeds, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations among four traits differed in the three breeds. In particular, in Yorkshire, the four traits were nearly genetically independent. The season of collecting semen had a significant impact on these four semen traits except ABN in Duroc (Bonferroni adjusted p<0.05/6). The moderate heritabilities indicate the possibility of effective selection of boars for semen traits. Different genetic correlations for the three breeds suggest that the selection strategy for the four traits should be investigated separately for each breed. Some necessary actions should be taken to reduce the influence of seasons on semen traits.

Freezing and Fertilizing Abilities of Summer Semen of Egyptian Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Bulls Using Moring Extract as Antibiotic or as a New Promising Extender

Semen collection is the business for various artificial insemination organizations, hence the management of entire process of collection is quite critical. Therefore, the trend now is to design procedures or refine methodologies so as to maximize the production of good quality semen without discarding too many poor quality ejaculates. The present work aimed to study the effect of seasons (winter vs. summer) on buffalo semen characteristics, and evaluating the freezing ability and fertilizing ability of buffalo semen collected in summer and extended with ethanolic Moringa oleifera leaf extract (eMOLE) natural antibiotics and antioxidant in extender. Semen was collected twice weekly by artificial vagina from four healthy matured buffalo bulls (400-450 kg body weight 4-5 years old) during winter and summer seasons for 10 weeks in winter (Dec-February) and in summer (July-August). Ejaculates were evaluated for some semen characteristics during both seasons (1st experiment). In the 2nd experiment, only ejaculates of ≥70% as initial sperm motility were extended by citrate egg yolk (CEY), eMOLE as anti-biotics in CEY (CEYm), eMOLE and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen (-196oC). Post-thawed semen was evaluated physically and chemically, and pregnancy rate as done as a fertility study. Results show that ejaculate volume, and percentages of live, acrosome integrity, and membrane integrity, increased (P˂0.05) in summer compared with winter. However, the effect of season on semen density, and motility and abnormal sperm percentages was not significant. Extension of semen by eMOLE resulted improving (P<0.05) percentage of sperm motility, livability, abnormality and intact acrosome in post-thawed semen. Also, enzyme activities (AST, ALT and LDH) reduced to the minimal levels in seminal plasma of post-thawed semen with eMOLE. Replacing antibiotics in CEY extender by eMOLE (4 ml/100 ml) had no significant effect on all sperm characteristics and enzyme activity. Semen extended with eMOLE showed significantly (P<0.05) higher fertility rate (83.3%) than that extended with CEY or CEYm (66.6%, P<0.05). In conclusion, buffalo semen collection during summer months (July-August) in Egypt can be used for insemination in association with better quality than that of winter semen. From the economical point of view, eMOLE is considered as a new promising extender and as an alternative for anti-biotic and efficient antioxidant in extenders of buffalo semen collected and cryopreserved during summer.

Effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on seminal quality indices and fertility rate in broiler breeder roosters

ABSTRACT 1. Decreased semen quality is an underlying contributor to age-related subfertility in broiler breeder roosters. This study investigated the effects of dietary curcumin (derived from turmeric) supplementation as an antioxidant source on semen quality and fertility in broiler breeder roosters. 2. Twenty-eight Ross 308 roosters were randomly allotted to four groups with seven birds in each and were fed a standard diet supplemented with different levels of curcumin at 0 (C0), 10 (C10), 20 (C20) and 30 (C30) mg/bird per day from 48 through to 61 weeks of age. Body weight and semen quality traits were evaluated on a weekly basis and seminal concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of antioxidation status were quantified at one-week intervals during the first 11 weeks of the trial (48–59 weeks of age). Semen samples from last 2 weeks (60 and 61 weeks of age) were used to artificially inseminate to assess the sperm-egg penetration (SP) in perivitelline membrane and fertility rates. 3. Except for body weight and ejaculate volume, other characteristics, including semen concentration, total sperm production, progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity were linearly improved by the increasing levels of curcumin supplementation (P < 0.01). However, dietary curcumin levels were linearly and quadratically associated with decreased seminal concentration of MDA (P < 0.01 and P < 0.03), percentage of abnormal sperm (P < 0.01 and P < 0.07) and increased plasma membrane functionality (P < 0.01 and P < 0.04), respectively. The SP holes in perivitelline membrane were increased in a linear and quadratic manner in response to increasing levels of curcumin (P < 0.01). Moreover, fertility rate was linearly improved (P < 0.01) as the dosage of curcumin increased, and resulted in 8, 12 and 14% improvements in the birds fed C10, C20 and C30, compared to C0, respectively. 4. In conclusion, the results showed that increasing levels of dietary supplementation of curcumin was associated with beneficial effects on semen quality indices and fertility rate in aged broiler breeder roosters.

Melatonin-improved buffalo semen quality during nonbreeding season under tropical condition

The role of melatonin in protecting spermatozoa from different kinds of injury has been widely reported. The present study aimed to test whether treatment of buffalo bulls with melatonin could ameliorate sperm function during nonbreeding season under tropical condition. Ten Murrah buffalo bulls were randomly allocated into control and treated groups of equal numbers of bulls to study the effect of melatonin on semen characteristics, seminal plasma constituents, blood plasma hormonal levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities during nonbreeding season. Treated bulls were implanted with melatonin (18 mg/50 kg of body weight) for a period of 2 mo. During this period, semen was collected twice a week, and blood samples were collected weekly to determine plasma concentration of melatonin and LH and activities of antioxidant enzymes. During nonbreeding season, melatonin implantation improved semen characteristics by increasing (P < 0.05) percentages of sperm with forward motility, viability, total motile sperm, and rapid motility, average path, curvilinear, and straight-line velocity and amplitude of lateral head displacement and decreasing (P < 0.05) percentages of abnormal sperm and linearity index as compared to the control group. Furthermore, melatonin implantation increased (P < 0.05) seminal plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, and cholesterol and decreased (P < 0.05) seminal plasma aspartate aminotransferase activity. In addition, melatonin-implanted bulls exhibited an increase (P < 0.05) in red blood cells superoxide dismutase activity compared to untreated bulls. In conclusion, melatonin implantation successfully improved semen quality of buffalo bulls during nonbreeding season under tropical condition.