Percentage Of Dead Spermatozoa Research Articles

Seminal Plasma Characteristics and Expression of ATP-binding Cassette Transporter A1 (ABCA1) in Canine Spermatozoa from Ejaculates with Good and Bad Freezability.

The composition of seminal plasma and the localization of the ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) in spermatozoa from good and bad freezers were compared to frozen-thawed spermatozoa from the same dog. Ejaculates were obtained from 31 stud dogs, and the sperm-rich fraction (SRF) was kept for analysis. One aliquot was used for the analysis of concentration, progressive motility (P; CASA), viability (V; CASA) and leucocyte count, and the analysis was performed by flow cytometry (FITC-PNA/PI), SCSA and HOST. In seminal plasma, concentration of albumin, cholesterol, calcium, inorganic phosphate, sodium, potassium, zinc and copper was measured. Semen smears were prepared and evaluated for the expression of ABCA1. The remainder of each ejaculate was frozen. After thawing, the quality assessment was repeated and further smears were prepared. According to post-thaw semen quality, dogs were assigned to good freezers (n = 20) or bad freezers (n = 11), the latter were defined as < 50% progressive motility and/or > 40% morphologically abnormal sperm and/or < 50% viability. Bad freezers were older than good freezers (5.3 vs 3.4 years, p < 0.05). In bad freezers, the percentage of sperm with ABCA1 signal in the acrosome was lower (26.3% vs 35.7%, p < 0.01) and the percentage of sperm with complete loss of ABCA1 signal higher (46.7% vs 30%, p < 0.01); the percentage of dead spermatozoa was higher (36.1% vs 25.5%, p < 0.05), and the concentration of cholesterol and sodium in seminal plasma was lower than in good freezers (p < 0.05). We conclude that in thawed bad freezer sperm, an increase in acrosome damages coincided with an increased loss of cholesterol transporters and cell death, and a lower cholesterol concentration in seminal plasma. Follow-up studies revealed whether a relation exists between these findings.

Protective Antioxidant Efficiency of Garlic against Lead-Induced Renal and Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Rats

Rational: Leads is one of the common heavy metal pollutants which have toxicological effects on various organs in humans and animals. Lead (Pb) exposure leads to the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) which affected kidney and testes functions. Objectives: The current study was performed to evaluate the effect of lead on the alterations of biochemical markers related to oxidative stress in kidney and testes of adult male rats and to highlight the protective effect of garlic administration on these biomarkers. Results: The results revealed that lead exposure caused significant elevations in creatinine, urea and uric acid as indicators to renal function, cytokines and inflammatory mediators, concentration of lead in kidney and testis tissues, oxidative stress with significant reduction in weights of kidney and testes, sexual hormones and antioxidants in kidney and testis tissues. Lead intoxicated rats showed marked increase in the percentage of dead sperms and abnormal sperm rate, while significant decrease in sperm concentration and sperm motility. Conclusion: Pre-treatment with garlic prevent degenerative changes induced by lead, reduced oxidative stress, cytokines and inflammatory mediators, and restored the biochemical changes occurring in the kidney and testis tissues to approximately close to normal group.

Libido and Physico-Morphological Characteristics of Semen in Pantja Bucks

A study was conducted on Pantja bucks to evaluate libido and physico-morphological characteristics of semen. The libido expressed by reaction time (sec) in bucks of Gr 1 (6–12 months), Gr 2 (12–24 months) and Gr 3 (> 24 months) were 89.28±4.41, 38.59±1.00, 39.28±7.72 sec and no. of mounts/ejaculation as 4.43±2.12, 3.14±0.14, 2.90±0.87, respectively. The average semen volume in Pantja bucks ranged from 0.35–0.53 ml. The average mass activity, progressive motility, live and dead sperm percentage were not influenced by age of buck. The sperm concentration ranged significantly (P 24 months old bucks. Similar pattern was observed for primary and secondary abnormalities. Of the characters studied, libido, semen volume, sperm concentration and % abnormal spermatozoa were significantly influenced by age of the bucks. It can be concluded that the values of seminal biology of local Pantja bucks were within the normal range of wellestablished breeds.

Effect of addition of trehalose on the liquid storage (5°C) of mithun (&lt;italic&gt;Bos frontalis&lt;/italic&gt;) semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of trehalose on sperm parameters, enzymatic profiles and biochemical profiles of seminal plasma of mithun. The semen ejaculates were collected from mithun and was split into four groups as group 1: semen without additives (control), group 2 to 4: semen with 50 mM, 75 mM and 100 mM of trehalose, respectively in EYTC extender. These parameters were assessed at 5°C for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of trehalose resulted in significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities as compared with control group. Additionally, trehalose at 50 mM has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen in &lt;italic&gt;in- vitro&lt;/italic&gt; storage. It was due to the protective effects of trehalose on sperm parameters as sperm membrane stabilizer and prevents efflux of cholesterol, lipid peroxide formation and biochemical enzymes from sperm cell during preservation.

Spermiotoxicity of commercial condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene and latex, using domestic ruminants as an experimental animal model.

The use of condoms could provide a means of collecting high-quality spermatozoa from different species under physiological ejaculation conditions. However, certain condom materials may affect sperm functionality. This study examined the spermiotoxicity of different commercial condom materials towards ram and goat spermatozoa. Sperm samples were diluted in Tyrode's medium and placed in contact with a piece of condom material (polyurethane, polyisoprene or latex) and incubated for 30 or 90 min. Contact time in the polyisoprene and latex treatments affected some sperm variables; no such effects were seen, however, in the polyurethane treatments. For ram spermatozoa in contact with polyisoprene, the percentage of dead spermatozoa with a damaged acrosome increased at 90 min, while for spermatozoa in contact with latex, the percentage of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome decreased. For goat spermatozoa in contact with both polyisoprene and latex, the percentage of dead spermatozoa with a damaged acrosome increased at 90 min, while for spermatozoa in contact with polyisoprene, the percentage of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome decreased. In conclusion, latex and polyisoprene contain components that affect sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome function. Polyurethane does not seem to reduce the quality of semen.

Semen characteristics and sexual hormones of Hy-Plus rabbit bucks influenced by a dietary multi-enzymes additive

&lt;p&gt;A total of 144 adult Hy-Plus rabbit bucks were randomly assigned into four treatments of 36 replicates each, in a completely randomized design. Animals were fed &lt;em&gt;ad libitum&lt;/em&gt; on basal diet supplemented with an enzyme complex (EZ) at 0 (EZ0), 1 (EZ1), 3 (EZ3) and 5 (EZ5) kg/ton of feed. Total sperm count was higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in EZ5 than in EZ0. Sperm motility increased with increasing levels of the EZ additive being lowest for EZ0 and highest for EZ5 rabbits (P&amp;lt;0.05). Percentage of dead sperm was higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in EZ0 than in EZ5 rabbits. Rabbit bucks received the highest levele of EZ in their diet, had the shorter reaction time (22.31±3.17 sec; P&amp;lt;0.05),whereas EZ5 bucks took 43.56±5.89 sec to mount does for the first time after exposure. Blood testosterone, 17α-estradiol and progesterone levels were highest in EZ5 rabbits and lowest in EZ0 rabbits. Enzyme addition increased (P&amp;lt;0.05) sperm transit in estrus doe cervical mucus. Data suggested that the EZ additive in diets of adult Hy-Plus rabbit bucks was effective to improve both semen characteristics and sexual drive.&lt;/p&gt;

Effect of crude polyphenol extracted from black olive fruit (Olea europae) on male reproductive system of rats

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effect of olive polyphenols (200 mg/kg) on mature reproductive performance of male rats subjected to oxidative stress by 1%hydrogen peroxide. Twenty rats were divided randomly into four equal groups and treated for 30 days to control group C which were orally adminstrated ordinary tap water, while the first group (G1) was given 1% H2O2 in drinking water, the second group (G2) was treated orally alcoholic extract of polyphenol in olive (200mg/kg) by oral intubation. The third treated group (G3) was treated orally H2O2 and black olive fruit- polyphenol. Blood samples were collected after 30 days for measuring, the serum concentration of testosterone, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and leuitinizing hormone (LH). At the end of experiment, the animals were scarified and testis were removed, weighed as well as section from them were taken for histopathological study and the epididymis were taken for counting dead and live sperms. The results showed a significant increase in the weight of the testis in G2 group as compared to the control and significant decrease in the percentage of live sperms in (G1) group and significant increase in the percentage of dead sperms in H2O2 treated G1 group and control group. The results show significant differences in testosterone hormone concentration between treated groups and control group while there was known significant increased in concentration of luteinizing hormone between treated groups and control group. There was a significant decrease in FSH in treated (G1) group comparing with control group. The histological study showed edema and thickness of basement membrane of seminiferous tubules with incomplete spermatogenesis process in treated (G1) group, there were no lesions observed in other treated groups. Finally, the outcomes of of this study documented the advantageous effect of crude polyphenolic compounds of olive against the harmful effect of H2O2 on reproductive system of adult males rats.

In vivo adverse effects of alpha-tocopherol on the semen quality of male bucks.

Oxidative stress has detrimental effects on semen quality during spermatogenesis and semen processing for artificial insemination. This work was conducted to study the effect of different levels of vitamin E on the semen traits, oxidative status and trace minerals in Beetal bucks. Thirty-six bucks of similar body weight and age (1year) were randomly divided into four groups. One group was kept as control with no supplementation (group 1), and the others were supplemented with 200 (group 2), 400 (group 3) and 800IU (group 4) vitamin E/animal/day for 2months. At the end of the experiment, semen samples were collected and evaluated. Seminal plasma was separated to study the concentration of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and trace minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe). Group 3 showed significantly higher (p<0.05) semen volume and per cent motility and lower dead sperm percentage compared to control group. Superoxide dismutase, GPx, Zn, Cu and Mn were higher in the same group. The level of AST decreased in group 3 without any change on the concentration of ALT. It is suggested that vitamin E at the rate of 400 IU/buck/day supported higher semen volume, per cent motility, per cent live spermatozoa, antioxidants (SOD, GPx) and trace mineral levels (Zn, Cu, Mn) in the seminal plasma. The increased supplementation from 0 to 400 showed a general increasing trend in improving semen quality. However, the dose of 800IU/kg had no useful effect in further improving the semen quality.

Effect of addition of pomegranate (Punica granatum) juice on the liquid storage (5¼C) of mithun (Bos frontalis) semen

A total 50 ejaculates from eight mithun bulls were collected twice a week over 8 months and semen pooled to eliminate individual differences and was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: diluted 1:2 with TEYC extender (control), group 2 to 4: semen diluted with 1:2 TEYC extender supplemented with 6, 8 and 10 ml of PJ/100 ml of diluent, respectively. The seminal parameters and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of PJ into diluent resulted in significant (p < 0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods. Additionally, PJ at 6 and 10 ml were inferior to PJ 8 ml treatments as regards to these characteristics. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of PJ on sperm parameters are enhancing the function of antioxidant enzymes and prevent efflux of cholesterol and phospholipids from cell membrane during preservation.

The use of Pomegranate Juice for Counteract Lipid Peroxidation that Naturally occurred During Liquid Storage of Roosters’ Semen

Materials and Methods: In an attempt to find a suitable in vitro storage method for roosters’ semen, an experiment was conducted to study the influence of inclusion pomegranate juice (PJ) into semen diluent on semen quality during liquid storage for up to 36 h. A total of 60 White Leghorn roosters, 40 weeks of age, randomly divided into 6 treatment groups (10 males each) were used in this study. Treatment groups were as follows: T1 = fresh semen, T2 = semen diluted 1:2 with Al-Daraji 2 diluent (AD2D) alone, T3 – T6 = semen diluted 1:2 with AD2D supplemented with 2 ml, 4 ml, 6 ml or 8 ml of PJ / 100 ml of diluent, respectively. Semen samples were assessed after in vitro storage at 4 – 6˚C for 12 h, 24 h or 36 h as regards mass motility, individual motility and percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities. Results: Results revealed that supplementing the diluent of roosters semen with PJ (T3, T4, T5 and T6) and then storing it for different storage periods (12 h, 24 h or 36 h) resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improvement in spermatozoa motility, viability, morphology and acrosomal integrity in comparison with the control group (T1). Moreover, T5 and T6 surpassed other treatments with respect to these semen characteristics, while there were no significant differences between T2, T3 and T4 concerning all semen traits included in this study. Conclusion: In conclusion, the substitution of AD2D diluent composition with PJ significantly improves the quality of roosters semen that is in vitro stored for up to 36 h. Furthermore, the positive effect of PJ observed in this study may be due to enhanced sperm resistance to lipid peroxidation that naturally occurred during in vitro storage of avian semen.

Negative effect of combined cysteine and glutathione in soy lecithin-based extender on post-thawed ram spermatozoa.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of combined cysteine and glutathione in soy lecithin-based semen extender on post-thawed ram sperm quality. A total of 28 ejaculates were collected twice a week (from four rams) during breeding season. In each replicate, semen samples (n = 4, one ejaculate for each ram) were pooled and divided into three equal parts, and each part was diluted with one of following extender: (1) soy lecithin-based extender containing no cysteine and no glutathione (C0-G0), (2) soy lecithin-based extender containing cysteine (5 mM) and glutathione (5 mM) (C5-G5), and (3) soy lecithin-based extender containing cysteine (10 mM) and glutathione (10 mM) (C10-G10). After freeze-thawing process, motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, mitochondrial activity, and apoptosis features of spermatozoa were evaluated. The obtained results showed that total and progressive motility, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, and live post-thawed spermatozoa was lower in C10-G10 extender compared to C0-G0 and C5-G5 extenders (P < 0.05). Also, the percentage of dead spermatozoa was higher in C10-G10 extender compared to C0-G0 extender (P < 0.05). Apoptotic spermatozoa was lower in C10-G10 extender compared to C0-G0 and C5-G5 extenders (P < 0.05). All velocity parameters, exception of BCF, did not different between extenders (P > 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that high concentration of combined cysteine and glutathione in soy lecithin-based semen extender has a detrimental effect of post-thawed ram sperm quality.

Effect of Aspirin on Sperm Specification and Some Hematological Parameters in Male Albino White Rat

Thirty male albino rats were divided into three groups, the first group was given aspirin at a dose of 25 mg / kg orally and twice a day, the second group dosage was 125 mg / kg at the same way, the third set group which considered as control was treated with physiological saline, each group took 0.5 ml amount. The period of experience took four weeks at the end of the experience, in the day 29the animals were anesthetized and eradicated the epididym is and calculated the total number of sperm and percentages of viable and dead sperm as well as the percentages of motile and non-motile sperm, the blood was taken for hematological tests, results confirmed the existence of a decreased significant value (P&lt;0.01) in the total number of sperm of the 2nd group compared with control group and the decline value was less significant (p&lt;0.05) in the first group compared with control group. In addition a significant value (P&lt;0.01) increased in the percentage of dead sperm and non-motile sperm, also a significant value (p &lt;0.01) decreased in the percentage of viable sperm and motile sperm, while the results proved the existence of a significant value (p&lt;0.05) reductions in PCV, Hb, TWBC and monocyte values compared with control group. effect of aspirin on the male reproductive system may be due to being a Prostaglandins inhibitor, and These findings probably indicate that aspirin have deleterious effect on the blood chemistry of male albino rats.

Supplementation of soybean lecithin-based semen extender by antioxidants: complementary flowcytometric study on post-thawed ram spermatozoa.

The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effects of cysteine (C) and glutathione (G) on the post-thawed ram sperm quality. Collected semen samples from four mature rams were diluted with five soybean lecithin (SL)-based extenders containing: no antioxidant (SL-0), 5 mM cysteine (SL-C5), 10 mM cysteine (SL-C10), 5 mM glutathione (SL-G5) and 10 mM glutathione (SL-G10). After freeze-thawing process, motion and velocity parameters, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, morphological abnormality, lipid peroxidation, acrosomal status, mitochondria activity, and apoptosis status of post-thawed ram spermatozoa were assessed. The results showed that SL-C10 increased the total motility and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05) of post-thawed ram spermatozoa (55.86 ± 1.37 and 60.57 ± 1.34 %) compared to other extenders. Progressive motility was significantly higher in SL-C10 (24.71 ± 1.13 %) compared to SL-0 (20 ± 1.13 %) and SL-G10 (15 ± 1.13 %). Mitochondrial activity was significantly higher in SL-C10 (56.83 ± 2.29 %) compared to SL-G10 (38.75 ± 2.29 %). Capacitation and acrosomal status, lipid peroxidation, and the percentage of dead spermatozoa were not affected by different extenders. The percentage of live spermatozoa was higher in SL-C10 (56.33 ± 1.35 %) compared to other extenders. Also, SL-C10 resulted in a lower percentage of apoptotic spermatozoa (14.17 ± 0.53 %) compared to other extenders. The results of this study showed that supplementation of SL-based ram semen extender with 10 mM cysteine resulted in an improved quality of post-thawed ram spermatozoa.

Effect of Superoxide Dismutase on Semen Parameters and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities of Liquid Stored (5°C) Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

The present study was undertaken to assess the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on sperm motility, and viability; total sperm abnormality; acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity; DNA abnormality; antioxidant profiles such as catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC); enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), and alanine amino transaminase (ALT); and biochemical profiles such as malondialdehyde (MDA) production and cholesterol efflux. Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), and group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL, and 150 U/mL of SOD, respectively. These seminal parameters, antioxidant, enzymatic, and biochemical profiles were assessed at 5°C for 1, 6, 12, 24, and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of SOD into diluent resulted in significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, SOD at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen than SOD at 50 or 150 U/mL stored inin-vitrofor up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of SOD on sperm parameters are that it prevents MDA production and preserves the antioxidants and intracellular enzymes during preservation.

Evaluation of semen for breeding soundness of four different breeds of bull used for artificial insemination

The investigation was aimed to evaluate the bulls for breeding soundness by assessing their fresh semen. The study was performed in District AI center, Mymensingh and AI center,BAU, Mymensingh. Four different bulls of cross breed (Holstein-Friesian × Zebu, Sahiwal × Zebu, Sindhi × Zebu and Red Chittagong Bull) were examined physically with a special emphasis to the palpation of the scrotum and testicles and rectal palpation of the pelvic genitalia were carried out once every two weeks. The sexual behavior particularly the libido was observed at service. A total of 107 ejaculates were collected and evaluated with respect to ejaculate volume, mass activity, sperm motility, concentration of sperm, pH, percentages of live and dead spermatozoa from 1 May to 31 October, 2013. The bulls used in this study were regarded as clinically normal. During the study, mean value of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live and dead sperm and pH were 5.81± 0.16ml, 66.64± 0.50%, 3.59± 0.05, 1115.97± 16.08 million/mm 3 , 77.62 ± 0.63 %, 15% to 45%,6.48± 0.01 respectively. The mean fertility rate (65.37± 0.31%) of the bulls was also recorded. The mean values of semen ejaculate volume, sperm motility, mass activity, sperm concentration, percentage of live sperm and dead sperm, pH and fertility varied significantly (p<0.01) among breeds. Significantly (P<0.01) the highest volume per ejaculation, sperm concentration, mass activity were found in Holstein cross and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest live spermatozoa percentage, pH, fertility rate were found in Holstein - Friesian × Zebu and lowest in Red Chittagong breeds of bulls. It was concluded that the Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull produced better quality semen in comparison to other breed. So, it can be suggested that, Holstein - Friesian × Zebu crossbred bull could be suitable as breeding bull to be used for AI.

Naturally and stimulated levels of reactive oxygen species in cooled stallion semen destined for artificial insemination

The decrease in foaling rates after artificial insemination with cooled semen warrants the search for new predictors of fertility. The objectives were to investigate levels of naturally occurring reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cooled, stored stallion semen doses for artificial insemination (AI), and their relationship with parameters of semen quality and with pregnancy rate. Semen was collected from warmblood stallions (n=15) and used to prepare commercial semen doses for AI. Sperm quality was evaluated after cooled transport to the laboratory overnight. The results were correlated with observed foaling and pregnancy rates. Hydroethidine and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate were used as indicators for the ROS superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, respectively. Sperm morphology, motility, plasma membrane integrity and chromatin integrity were also evaluated. These variables were correlated with each other and with pregnancy rates. We found a high inter-individual variation in the ROS levels between stallions. The proportion of live, hydrogen peroxide-negative spermatozoa was correlated with progressive motility, whereas live hydrogen peroxide-negative spermatozoa and chromatin damage were negatively correlated, indicating that low levels of hydrogen peroxide were correlated with good chromatin integrity. The percentage of dead hydrogen peroxide-positive sperm was negatively related to the foaling rate. The negative relationships were stronger when combining results from both assays for ROS. These results for stored semen samples indicate that high individual variation exists for superoxide and hydrogen peroxide measurements, and that ROS status can influence sperm quality. Thus, ROS may be some of the factors influencing fertility. Moreover, combinations of ROS variables improved the correlation with fertility, indicating the usefulness of including these variables in a future model for prediction of the fertility of a semen sample.

Scrotal-testicular biometry, sperm quality and quantity in rams (Ovis aries)

Abstract Objective To estimate scrotal circumference, testicular (along with epididymis) weight, sperm concentration, live and dead sperm percentage in different age groups of rams. Methods In view of assessing the most reliable technique that could be used for the evaluation of spermatogenesis and the applicability of the same in rams the present study was conducted, 24 normal rams were divided into four groups, i.e., group I ( Results the mean sperm concentration in group II was found to be significantly lower when compared with group III and group IV. The comparison of the mean scrotal circumference between the groups revealed significant difference between group I, group II, group III and group IV. The comparison of live and dead sperms within the groups revealed no significant difference in group I, group III, group IV and group V. Conclusion The analysis of various physiological attributes like, sperm concentration, scrotal circumference, testis weight and live and dead sperms percentage in all the groups shows higher levels in group III and group IV rams.

Effect of catalase on the liquid storage of mithun (Bos frontalis) semen

To assess the effect of catalase (CAT) on sperm motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity, enzymatic profiles such as aspartate amino transaminase (AST), alanine amino transaminase (ALT), biochemical profiles such as cholesterol efflux and malonaldehyde (MDA) production and antioxidant profiles such as reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Total numbers of 50 ejaculates were collected twice a week from eight mithun bulls and semen was split into four equal aliquots, diluted with the TEYC extender. Group 1: semen without additives (control), group 2 to group 4: semen was diluted with 50 U/mL, 100 U/mL and 150 U/mL of catalase, respectively. These seminal, enzymatic, biochemical and antioxidant profiles were assessed at 5 °C for 0, 6, 12, 24 and 30 h of incubation. Inclusion of catalase into diluent resulted in significant ( P < 0.05) decrease in percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities at different hours of storage periods as compared with control group. Additionally, CAT at 50 and 150 U/mL were inferior to CAT 100 U/mL treatments as regards to these characteristics and CAT at 100 U/mL has significant improvement in quality of mithun semen in in– vitro stored for up to 30 h. It was concluded that the possible protective effects of CAT on sperm parameters are it prevent efflux of cholesterol from cell membrane, MDA production and protect the function of antioxidants during preservation.

Supplementation of dietary vitamins, protein and probiotics on semen traits and immunohistochemical study of pituitary hormones in zinc-induced molted broiler breeders

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E and vitamin C, probiotics mixture and protein level and their combination on semen quality and immunohistochemical study of some pituitary hormones in male broiler breeders. One hundred and eighty male broiler breeders 65 weeks old were divided into six groups by completely randomized design. The birds were subjected to zinc-induced molt by mixing zinc oxide at the rate of 3000mg/kg in the feed. After molting, one group was fed control diet (CP16%). The other groups were fed vitamin E (100IU/kg), vitamin C (500IU/kg), probiotics (50mg/L of drinking water), protein (CP14%) and combination of these components. These treatments were given for five weeks. After the feeding period, semen samples were taken and analyzed for semen volume, sperm concentration, motility and dead sperm percentage. Pituitary samples were collected from three birds per replicate and were processed for immunohistochemical study. The results of semen quality parameters revealed that semen volume and sperm motility were significantly high in the vitamin E fed group, while the dead sperm percentage decreased significantly in the vitamin C group. The morphometric analysis revealed that compared to other groups, vitamin E caused a significant increase in the size and area of FSH, LH gonadotropes and lactotropes. These results showed that vitamin E alone may play some role in the enhancement of semen quality and growth of gonadotropes and lactotropes.

Evaluation of Feeding Different Digestible Lysine Intake Levels on Semen Characteristics and Body Weight of Broiler Breeders During Pre-Peak and Peak Production

Because research revealing the impact of Lys on reproduction in Broiler Breeders (BB) is sparse, this study was conducted to evaluate the impact of digestible Lys (dLys) on BB semen characteristics and BW. Eighty males were caged individually from 20 to 39 wk of age. Treatment 1 and 2 diets had the same level of dLys (1,000 mg/rooster/day) in a corn-soybean meal based diet (Soy 1000) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS; DDGS 1000) diet, respectively. Treatment 3, 4 and 5 diets had the inclusion of DDGS in order to titrate dLys intake levels of 850 (DDGS850), 700 (DDGS700) and 550 (DDGS550) mg/rooster/day, respectively. Body weight and semen samples were determined every 2 wk from 26 to 38 wk of age. Immediately after semen collection, samples were analyzed for semen volume, sperm viability, sperm concentration and the Sperm Quality Index (SQI). BW of roosters fed Soy 1,000 was higher than the other treatments from wk 26 through wk 38. This excess weight could be due to over estimating the energy content of DDGS resulting in diets that were not isocaloric. At 28 wk and continuing through wk 38, the percentage of dead sperm was highest in roosters fed Soy 1000. Also, at wk 38 plasma testosterone concentrations were higher for roosters fed Soy 1000. In conclusion, varying levels of dLys (1,000-550 mg/rooster/day) in a DDGS based diet does not appear to cause adverse effects on BB male semen quality during pre-peak and peak production.