Percentage Of Live Spermatozoa Research Articles

Evaluation of equine semen frozen in extenders free of egg yolk using two different freezing curves

A chemically defined cryopreservation extender that maintains seminal parameters is relevant. Fifteen ejaculates from 5 stallions (n= 5; r=3) were diluted in 5 extenders: 1) EDTA-glucose based extender with egg-yolk and dimethylformamide (EY); 2) commercial equine extender (CE); 3) CE with dimethylformamide (CE-3); 4) bovine commercial extender with liposomes (OP); 5) bovine commercial extender with soybean lecithin (BIO), and frozen using a slow and a rapid temperature descent curve. Post-thaw evaluations were: sperm kinematic parameters, viability and acrosome status, membrane lipoperoxidation and DNA fragmentation. Sperm data were analysed using an ANOVA or Friedman test (results mean ± SD). Paired comparison between the two freezing curves was analysed using the Wilcoxon test. Total and progressive motility were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the EY and CE-3 samples using the slow curve, whereas for the fast curve, total and progressive motility were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the EY samples compared to all the extenders and the samples frozen in CE-3 were significantly higher than the remaining extenders (P<0.05). The percentages of live acrosome intact sperm and of live non-peroxidized sperm were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the EY extender when using either of the freezing curves and in turn, were significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples frozen in CE-3 compared to the remaining extenders. Intact DNA was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the BIO extender, using the rapid curve. To conclude, the commercial equine extender with 3% dimethylformamide, without egg-yolk, could be a suitable alternative for extenders with egg-yolk.

EFFECT OF SPERMS FREEZABILITY ON SOME SEMEN ATTRIBUTES AND AMINO ACID CONCENTRATIONS IN SEMINAL PLASMA OF HOLSTEIN BULLS

This study investigated the effect of different sperm freezability on some semen characteristics and amino acid concentrations in the seminal plasma of Holstein bulls cryopreserved for two years. The semen straws (0.25 ml) that cryopreserved for two years were divided into three equal groups (7 bulls per group) according to the sperm’s freezability: medium (73.02%; F1), good (83.76%; F2), and high (91.20%; F3). The F1 bulls were superior (P≤ 0.05) in sperm’s cell individual motility (SCIM) for fresh semen as compared with F2 and F3 bulls. The F2 and F3 groups were superior (P≤ 0.01) to the F1 group in live sperm percentage at cryopreservation. The sperm’s DNA damage percentage was lesser (P≤ 0.05) in the F1 and F3 groups as compared with the F2 group. The differences among groups in normal sperm percentage, sperm’s plasma membrane and acrosome integrity percentage, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant concentrations lacked significance. The essential and non-essential amino acid concentrations in seminal plasma did not differ among groups. In conclusion, sperm freezability influenced some semen attributes but did not affect amino acid concentrations in the seminal plasma of Holstein bulls.

The beneficial effects of quinoa seed extract supplementation on ram sperm quality following cryopreservation

Although cryopreservation is a reliable method used in assisted reproduction to preserve genetic materials, it can stimulate the occurrence of oxidative stress, which affects sperm structure and function. This research was conducted to explore the effects of quinoa seed extracts (QSE) on ram sperm quality, oxidative biomarkers, and the gene expression of frozen-thawed ram sperm. Semen samples were diluted in extenders supplemented with 0 (QSE0), 250 (QSE1), 500 (QSE2), 750 (QSE3), and 1000 (QSE4) µg of QSE /mL, and then frozen according to the typical procedure. The findings indicate that the QSE3 and QSE4 groups provided the optimal results in terms of sperm viability and progressive motility. Sperm kinematics were considerably enhanced in the QSE3 group compared to the other groups (P<0.01). QSE (500–1000 µg/mL) significantly decreased the apoptosis-like changes (higher viable and lower apoptotic sperm) in ram sperm (P<0.001). The percentage of live sperm with intact acrosomes was significantly increased, while the percentage of detached and intact acrosomes in live and dead sperm were significantly decreased respectively by the QSE addition (P<0.001). All QSE groups had higher TAC and lower MDA and H2O2 levels than the control group (P<0.001). The expressions of SOD1, CAT, GABPB1, and GPX1 genes in sperm samples were significantly increased, while the CASP3 gene was significantly decreased in all QSE-supplemented samples. Our data suggest that QSE has beneficial effects on sperm quality of cryopreserved ram semen, which are achieved by promoting sperm antioxidant-related genes and reducing apoptosis-related gene.

The Effect of Adding Levels of the Organic Acid Taurine on Improving the Characteristics of Diluted and Cooled Semen of Arabi Rams

This investigation was place from 1/10/2022 to 31/1/2023 in the College of Agriculture / University of Basra / Karma Ali animal field. Five Orabih rams with similar weights and ages of 2.5 to 3 years were bred for the research. Fortwo weeks, the animals were taught to collect semen using the Kabash's fake vagina and given a 2 kilogram diet with two meals each day. Semen was collected three times a month after training, and rams' sperm was added taurine organic acid (zero, 2, 4.6 mmol) and stored in a cryosafe at 5 º for up to 48 hours. A computer analyzed all diluted and chilled semen properties. Results of the study:T2 treatment significantly outperformed other coefficients in individual movement, sperm concentration, and percentage of live sperm in refrigerated semen (P&lt;0.05). Cryostorage zero (hour) significantly outperformed other periods in pH values, individual movement, and sperm concentration, and exceeded 24 hours (P&lt;0.05). T2 treatment significantly outperformed (P&lt;0.05) other coefficients in pH, individual sperm motility, and live sperm percentage at zero hour, while T2 recorded the highest sperm concentration in refrigerated semen at 24 hours (P&lt;0.05). 2: The control and T6 coefficients had the highest percentagesof dead sperm (P&lt;0.05) compared to other transactions, with the 72-hour cold storage period having the highest moral percentages (P&lt;0.05). The T6 treatment and 72-hour storage period also had the highest moral percentages (P&lt;0.05) in the percentage of dead sperm. T2 transaction significantly outperformed (p&lt;0.05) the straight linear velocity VSL and linearity of the path LIN of sperm, and the duration of cold storage zero (hour) significantly outperformed 72, 48, and 24 hours in VSL and LIN ratios for sperm. T2 transaction at cold storage zero (hour) significantly outperformed VSL and LIN ratios of spe

Influence of two collection frequency intervals on sperm quality of standard and miniature bull Terriers during short breeding periods: A clinical field study

Background and Aim: The quality of canine sperm can be influenced by many factors, such as breed, body weight, age, ejaculatory frequency, nutrition, and environment. In the UK, it is common practice for standard Bull Terriers (SBT) and miniature Bull Terriers (MBT) to require male donors during a short breeding period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of semen collection frequency on ejaculate volume and nine sperm parameters in SBT and MBT males, considering age and body condition score (BCS). Materials and Methods: Ejaculates from six adult SBTs and four MBTs were collected 5 times at two consecutive intervals (Time Series [TS]1, 24 h vs. TS2, 48 h), 1 week apart. Ejaculate volume, concentration, total output, viability (live sperm), subjective total motility, vigor, and total morphological defects, including head, midpiece, and tail defects of sperm, were evaluated. A multivariable mixed linear model for repeated measures was used to analyze the effects of semen collection frequency, age, breed, and BCS on ejaculate volume and sperm parameters. Results: Semen collection frequency, age, and, to a lesser extent, breed, and BCS significantly affected sperm parameters. Semen collection frequency affected all sperm parameters (p &lt; 0.05) but not ejaculate volume (p &gt; 0.05). Total sperm output, sperm vigor, total motility, and tail defects decreased (p &lt; 0.05) at the end of TS1. However, sperm parameters remained relatively constant (p &gt; 0.05) in TS2 between semen collection sessions. Overall, poorer sperm parameters were observed in older dogs (aged 5-8 years) than in younger dogs (aged 4 years). MBT produced less (p &lt; 0.001) ejaculate volume (3.2 ± 0.2 mL vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mL: Least Squares Mean ± Standard Error of Mean), lower total sperm output (221.8 ± 19.2 x 106 vs. 348.6 ± 19.2 x 106) and lower total morphological defects (25.0 ± 1.1% vs. 31.3 ± 0.9%), and a higher percentage of live sperm (77.0 ± 1.4% vs. 71.7 ± 1.1%) than SBT. In addition, a BCS of 4 positively influenced (p &lt; 0.05) viability, vigor, and total sperm motility. Conclusion: Despite differences in age, breed, and BCS, better sperm parameter values were observed in all semen collection sessions. However, intensive semen collection (TS1) appears to be less effective in maintaining good sperm quality. For breeding or artificial insemination purposes, a 48-h interval between collection sessions is recommended for both breeds. The results of this study could be used to further optimize assisted reproductive technologies in both breeds. Keywords: bull terriers, dog, ejaculate, ejaculatory frequency, sperm quality.

Post-thaw sperm morphokinetics and mitochondrial genes profile of buck semen supplemented with selenium in two different forms

Background The quality characteristics of semen is a determinant factor for improving fertility of rabbit. Objectives The current investigation was done to evaluate post-thaw sperm morphokinetics and mitochondrial genes expression profile of buck semen supplemented with selenium in two different forms. Materials and methods Sexually mature bucks (n=16) that aged three months on average were used for collecting two ejaculates which were evaluated using computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) program. The semen samples of all experimental animals which recorded progressive motility greater than or equal to 70% were pooled for cryopreservation. The pooled semen was divided into three groups that were supplemented with selenium nanoparticles and selenium in normal form in addition to the control group. Morphological characteristics as well as CASA parameters were assessed after freezing for 1 week. Moreover, enzymatic activity assays were performed to measure the antioxidant capacity of cryopreserved buck semen. Transcriptional profile of mitochondrial activity and antioxidant defense regulating genes was conducted using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results and conclusion The addition of selenium in normal and Nano forms has significantly (P ≤0.05) enhanced some of CASA parameters such as DCL (µm), DAP (µm), DSL (µm), VCL (µm/s), VAP (µm/s), Amplitude of lateral head (ALH) (µ), BCF (Hz), and VSL (µm/s) during prefreezing period compared with control group. Moreover, the data presented in the present study indicated a significant (P ≤0.05) improvement of post-thaw total and progressive sperm motility in the two groups supplemented with normal and Nano compared with control group. The post-thaw level of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and percentage of live sperm were higher in the two groups supplemented with selenium and Nano selenium than the control group. The expression profile of candidate genes regulating mitochondrial activity (ATP Synthase F1 Subunit Alpha (ATP5A1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit1 (ND1), NADH dehydrogenase subunit2 (ND2), and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT2)) was increased significantly (P ≤0.05) in semen supplemented with selenium in normal and Nano forms compared with the control group. In conclusion, the data of this investigation demonstrated enhancement of CASA parameters during pre-freezing post thaw total and progressive sperm motility in the two groups supplemented with normal and nano selenium. The proportion of sperm viability and the level of total antioxidant capacity were enhanced in the two groups supplemented with selenium which was coupled with up-regulation of mitochondrial transcripts. It seems the both two forms shared the same mechanism on improving post-thaw physical and molecular qualities of rabbit sperm.

METABOLITES AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS IN DIFFERENT BULLS FERTILITY

This study was investigated the relationship between Holstein bulls' fertility with some biomarkers (amino، fatty، and organic acids) and semen characteristics. The study included exploring the relationship among the fertility of Holstein bulls، several biomarkers، and semen characteristics in straws (20-25 straws/bull) preserved for three years. The cows were artificially inseminated (9-10 cows/bull) from semen. Based on the fertility rate، the bulls were divided into three groups، the first bulls of medium fertility (˂65%)، the second of good fertility (65-79%)، and the third of high fertility (&gt;80%). The semen characteristics were evaluated، and the concentration of some amino acids and organic fatty acids was measured in the seminal plasma of bulls using gas chromatography and HPLC. The results revealed significant differences in the fertility rate among the different groups of bulls in favor of the highly fertile bulls. The results did not show any differences in most of the characteristics of the semen، except for a significant increase in the percentage of live sperm in good bulls compared to highly fertile ones. There were no significant differences for all the concentrations of carboxylic and most amino and fatty acids concentrations، except for an increase in the concentration of glycine acid (P˂0.05) and a decrease in the concentration of omega 9 (P˂0.05) in the highly fertile bulls compared to the medium fertile ones. In conclusion، glycine and omega-9 in the seminal plasma of bulls can be regarded as biomarkers of their fertility and the level of carboxylic acids (volatile fatty acids) can be adopted as an indicator of semen quality or energy level in the diet

AMELIORATING POST-THAWED SEMEN OF BUFFALO BULLS USING A MILK-BASED EXTENDER SUPPLEMENTED WITH RESVERATROL

The objective of the current study was to investigate the influence of adding resveratrol (Res) to a milk-based extender on some post-thawed semen quality of Iraqi buffalo bulls for different preservation periods (cooling at 5˚C, 48 h, 1, and 2 months post-cryopreservation; PC). Four bulls, 3.5 to 4 years old, were used from 11th November 2020 to 1st June 2021. Semen samples were collected, pooled, and divided into four groups using different Res concentrations (0, 100, 150, and 200 μM) added to the milk extender. The Res-150 μM group exhibited higher (P≤0.01) plasma membrane, acrosome integrity percentages, and total antioxidants concentration (TAC) compared to the other groups. Sperm abnormalities and DNA damage percentages, as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, were lesser (P≤0.01) in the Res-150 μM group. Finally, Res-150 μM added to a milk-based extender increased the percentage of post-thawed live sperm and TAC in seminal plasma and minimized abnormal sperm percentage, DNA damage percentage, and MDA concentration in the seminal plasma of Iraqi buffalo bulls.

Effect of selenium nanoparticles on the quality and fertility of short-term preserved boar semen.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of different concentrations of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) in the Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) extender on the semen quality and fertility of Hampshire crossbred pigs. For the study, semen was collected from four boars (10 ejaculates/boar) by the gloved hand method. Each ejaculate was extended @ 1:2 with the BTS extender and split into four aliquots. The control (C) samples were without the supplementation of Se-NPs, whereas the other three were supplemented with 0.5 (T1), 1 (T2), and 2 μg ml-1 of Se-NPs (T3) and stored at 15°C in a BOD incubator. Extended semen was evaluated at 0 (immediately after dilution), 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of storage for sperm motility, live sperm, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, DNA integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). The mean percentage of sperm motility, live sperm, and sperm with intact plasma membrane and acrosome, and MMPs were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in all treated groups in comparison to control at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h of storage. Sperm with intact DNA in all treated groups increased significantly at 48 (p < 0.05), and 72 and 96 (p < 0.01) h of storage in comparison to the control group. The concentration of 1 μg ml-1 of Se-NPs was found to be the best among other concentrations. In each group, 10 sows were artificially inseminated with the liquid semen preserved for 72 h at 15°C. Supplementation of 1 μg ml-1 of Se-NPs yielded the highest conception rate in comparison to other groups. In conclusion, supplementation of 1 μg ml-1 of Se-NPs in the BTS extender resulted in the best semen quality and conception rate during the short-time liquid preservation of boar semen.

Impact of seaweed on growth performance, sperm quality and testicular histomorphology of ram

Sperm quality is critical for male fertility, which is largely dependent on testicular development; however, nutrition is critical for optimal growth, gonadal development, and reproductive functions. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of Gracilaria parvispora, a red seaweed on growth performance, testicular physiology, and semen quality in ram. Fifteen indigenous rams, weighing 10-11 kg and aged 12-13 months, were randomly allocated into three groups. One group was considered as control and supplied with German grass and concentrate mixture (control diet). The other two groups were provided with control diet plus seaweed mixture either at 7 g/d or 14 g/d. The starting body weight, scrotal circumferences and semen quality of rams were similar for all groups. However, post-treatment, both the seaweed-treated groups showed significantly higher body weight, total weight gain, daily weight gain, and increased scrotal circumference and testicular dimensions, compared to control group. Moreover, the semen parameters, including sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, mass motility and progressive motility were observed to be significantly increased, while decreasing abnormal sperm percentage in the seaweed-treated group. Furthermore, DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, and in vitro fertilization rate were significantly increased in seaweed treated groups. Additionally, the testicular histology of seaweed treated groups revealed a thinner tunica albuginea with expanded seminiferous tubules containing higher number of spermatogenic cells inside. These findings suggested that seaweed G. parvispora could be a valuable dietary supplement for enhancing the growth and reproductive performance of ram.

Impact of Curcumin Supplementation on Sperm Characteristics and Gene Expression in Fish Sperm Freezing Medium

This study aimed to determine whether curcumin addition in freezing media affected the ability of trout semen to resist cryodamage. Fish semen was collected and cryopreserved in a curcumin-supplemented freezing medium at 20 μM. Sperm motility parameters, and nuclear factor 2 gene expressions (NRF-2 and Keap-1) were assessed following freezing and thawing. Adding 20 μM curcumin to the sperm extender increased the rate and duration of motility, as well as the percentage of live sperm at 277 mOsm with a 1:3 dilution. However, the sperm quality decreased at 135 and 365 mOsm with 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4 dilutions. Following cryopreservation, curcumin-supplemented frozen-thawed semen exhibited significantly elevated levels of NRF-2 and Keap-1 gene expressions. The findings demonstrated that adding curcumin to freezing media protected fish and motility parameters against damage induced by the freeze-thawing process.

Effect of Aqueous extract of Moringa Olivera leaves( AEMOL) on some characteristics of ram epididymal sperms under cooling conditions

The current study was conducted in the Graduate Studies Laboratory at the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, for the period from December 3, 2022 to March 9, 2023, to determine the effect of an aqueous extract of Moringa leaves on some characteristics of epididymal sperm of rams under cooling conditions for different periods. The aqueous extract of Moringa leaves was prepared and stored in the refrigerator ( 5 °C) until the time of use, the testicles were transferred to the laboratory less than an hour after the slaughter of the animal, the caudal epididymis was diluted with a Tris extender containing 0.03 concentration of aqueous extract of moringa olivera leaves.The results of this study showed a significant increase (P&lt;0.01) in the percentage of live sperm, individual motility, and the plasma membrane integrity, while the adding of AEMOL leads to a decreasing of the percentage of abnormal sperms. Increasing the cooling hours of sperm leads to a significant decrease in the percentage of live sperm, individual motility, testing the integrity of the plasma membrane with an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm. Using the aqueous extract of Moringa leaves at different times led to a significant effect on the individual motility, percentage of the plasma membrane integrity represented by the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) , While the treatment did not significantly affect the percentage of live sperm and abnormal sperm. According to the results of this study we conclude that the aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera leaves improves the characteristics of rams epididymal sperms preserved under cooling conditions for different periods

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Dill leaves (AEDL) on some Traits of Ram Epididymal Sperms under Cooling Conditions

The current study was conducted in the Graduate Studies Laboratory of the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, for the period from December 3, 2022 to March 9, 2023, to determine the effect of an aqueous extract of dill leaves ( AEDL)on some properties of epididymal sperms of rams under cooling conditions of 5 °C for different periods. The aqueous extract of dill leaves was prepared and kept in the refrigerator until the time of use. The epididymal sperms were obtained from the testis of Rams that slaughters in the local slaughterhouse of Al-Muthanna Governorate, the testicles were transferred to the laboratory less than an hour after the slaughter of the animal, the caudal epididymis was diluted with a Tris diluent containing 3% concentration of aqueous extract of dill leaves. The results of using the aqueous extract of dill leaves showed a significant increase (P<0.01) in the percentage of live sperm, Individual motility, and a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperms. While the use of the extract did affect the percentage of the integrity of acrosome represented by the hypo osmotic swelling test (HOST) at the 0 time of cooling preservation, The Increasing of the time of sperm cooling.leads to a decreases in the percentage of live sperm, HOST, individual motility, with an increase in the percentage of abnormal sperms. The use of the aqueous extract of dill leaves at different times resulted in a significant effect(P< 0.01) on the percentage of live sperm, individual motility, while it did not significantly affect the percentage of abnormal sperm, and there were no significant differences in the percentage of HOST. according to the results of this study We can conclude to adding the aqueous extract of dill leaves to Improve the physical traits of rams epididymal sperm include the live sperm and individual motility under cooling conditions for different periods.

Determinants of puberty and age of sexual maturity in Nigerian indigenous breeds of male goats

This study was conducted to ascertain the pubertal and sexual maturity characteristics of Nigerian native goat breeds. The research was carried out on three goat breeds; Sahel (SG), Red Sokoto (RSG), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Each breed was represented by eight (8) animals (n=24) and housed in separate pens based on breed type. All bucks were weighed at birth and bi-weekly using digital weighing scales until they reached puberty. Scrotal circumference measurements were taken every two weeks until the end of the study. Semen was collected immediately after preputial separation and all semen samples were labelled and placed in a thermo-flask immediately and subsequently transported to the laboratory for evaluation. The mass motility and the forward motilities of the spermatozoa were observed using a light microscope. The percentage of live, dead, and abnormal sperms were determined after staining with eosin and negrosin stains. The sperm cell concentration was determined by counting spermatozoa with a hemocytometer. Result obtained indicate that at the 14th and 16th weeks of age, the mean scrotal circumference of bucks ranged from 5.14±0.66 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm, 6.32±0.29 cm to 8.05±0.42 cm, and 5.50±0.74 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm in SG, RSG, and WAD bucks, respectively. Puberty in Red Sokoto bucks was achieved at an average age of 14 weeks, with a mean sperm concentration of (116.17±28.47 x 106), progressive sperm motility of (65.00±9.92%), and a mean body weight of 10.17±1.26 kg. Sahelian and WAD bucks reached puberty at the 16th weeks, with sperm concentrations of 106.29±25.18 x 106 and 107.60±19.99 x 106, mean sperm motility of 65.00±9.94% and 76.00±4.8%, and mean body weights of 11.29±1.59 kg and 7.78±0.70 kg, respectively. To summarise, this study revealed that breed, age, scrotal circumference and body weight at puberty played significant roles in determining sperm characteristics and sexual maturity.

The Effects of Varying Combinations of Dietary Selenium, Vitamin E, and Zinc Supplements on Semen Characteristics and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity of Spermatozoa in 1-Year-Old Native Turkish Ganders

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary Selenium (Se), Vitamin E (Vit E), and Zinc (Zn) and their various combinations on semen quantity, quality, and oxidative enzyme activities of spermatozoa in 1-year-old native Turkish ganders. In this study, 48 1-year-old native Turkish ganders were used. The ganders were randomly divided into 8 dietary treatment groups (Control, Se, Vit E, Zn, Se + Vit E, Se + Zn, Vit E + Zn, Se + Vit E + Zn) with 6 birds each. In addition to the control diet, specific amounts of 0.3 mg/kg Se, 100 mg/kg Vit E, and 100 mg/kg Zn were added to the diets of each treatment group. Semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm quality factor (SQF), and total live and normal sperm percentage were the lowest in the control group and highest in the ganders fed with the Se + Vit E + Zn combination. While the percentage of macro-cephalic and dead sperm was highest in the ganders fed with control feed, the lowest percentage of dead sperm was found in the sperm of the ganders fed with Vit E and Se + Vit E + Zn combinations. The lowest glutathione peroxidase enzyme (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the highest amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in the spermatozoa of the control group ganders. This study revealed that the combined use of Se, Vit E, and Zn in the diet maintained higher semen quantity and quality in 1-year-old native Turkish gander despite the advancing reproduction season compared to the control group.

Semen quality parameters of the Tanzanian Horasi chicken ecotype

Predicting potential fertility and eventual egg hatchability in chickens can be done by evaluating the quality of the semen. This study's objective was to describe the semen characteristics of three different age groups of Horasi chicken ecotype cocks (24-32, 28-36, and 32-40 weeks). From 20 Horasi cocks; 6 cocks (24-32 weeks), 6 cocks (28-36 weeks), and 8 cocks (32-40 weeks) over the course of four weeks (5-29th Dec 2022), 80 semen samples in total were taken. Sperm was harvested from cocks using the abdominal massage technique. The amount of semen, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, live spermatozoa percentage, and spermatozoa with normal morphology percentage were all measured. Between the three age groups, the semen volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, percentage of live spermatozoa, and percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology ranged from 0.52 ± 0.03mL to 0.68 ± 0.03mL, 7.24 ± 0.01 to 7.31 ± 0.01, 75.16 ± 0.91% to 76.67 ± 1.07%, 4.31 ± 2.27 to 4.56 ± 3.34 × 109 sperm cells/mL, 90.00 ± 0.55% to 91.04 ± 0.85% and 87.78 ± 0.51 to 89.71 ± 0.68% respectively. Only differences in ejaculate volume between the three age groups of Horasi chicken ecotype cocks were significant at p&lt;0.05. The semen quality parameters had extremely low to moderate Pearson correlation coefficients, with values ranging from - 0.22 to 0.38 between sperm concentration and sperm motility, and between the percentage of morphologically normal sperm cells and the percentage of spermatozoa that are alive respectively. The Horasi chicken ecotype's semen parameters are within the normal range, notwithstanding the possibility that individual cocks may differ from one another in some semen characteristics as a result of environmental influences. Using artificial insemination, breeding programs can therefore exploit the Horasi chicken ecotype to increase the productivity of indigenous chickens.

Study of mitochondrial function in thawed bull spermatozoa using selective electron transfer chain inhibitors

Bull spermatozoa depend equally on glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation for the maintenance of the energy necessary for their proper functioning. The aim of the present work was to delineate the mitochondrial activity of bull spermatozoa after incubation with specific inhibitors of the different mitochondrial complexes and evaluate their ROS production. Thawed bull sperm cells (30 × 106 mL−1 in Tyrode's extender) were incubated 1 and 3h at 37 °C with rotenone 5 μM (ROT), complex I inhibitor; dimethyl-malonate 10 mM (DMM), complex II inhibitor; carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazine 5 μM (CCCP), uncoupling agent; antimycin A 1 μg/mL (ANTI), complex III inhibitor; oligomycin 5 μM (OLIGO), ATP synthase inhibitor, and 0.5% DMSO, vehicle (CTR). Sperm motility and kinematics were assessed by Hamilton Thorn IVOS 12.0. Mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial O2•– production and H2O2 intracellular content were evaluated by BD FACSCalibur flow cytometer, and sperm viability (SYBR-14/PI) and mitochondrial activity (JC-1/SYBR-14/PI) were assessed by epifluorescence microscopy. A multivariate analysis was performed on the results. In addition, sperm kinematic features, registered for each motile spermatozoon, were studied by cluster analysis. The incubation during 1 or 3 h in presence of the inhibitors of mitochondrial functionality only had a minor effect on motility parameters, decreasing the proportion of the SP1 (fast progressive) subpopulation after 3 h of incubation with ROT, ANTI or OLIGO. The percentage of live spermatozoa with active mitochondria was reduced under the effect of ANTI and CCCP both at 1 and 3 h. In conclusion, mitochondrial function is somehow impaired in frozen thawed bull sperm as not all live cells showed active mitochondria. These results support the findings that bull spermatozoa can alternatively rely on oxidative phosphorylation or glycolysis for energy obtainment and that their mitochondria are less affected by ETC inhibitors.

Protective Effect of Acetyl L-Carnitine on Rat Spermatogenesis Defects Induced by Lead Acetate

In this study the influences of the ameliorative effects of Acetyl-L-carnitine, when exposed to lead acetate on functional aspects in spermatogenesis process in the testes of albino male rats, studied, 24 male albino rats weight 178-250 g were randomly distributed into four groups, 6 rats in each, the control group received distilled water orally, Treatment 1 lead acetate group received 10mgkg body weight orally, Treatment 2 acetyl L-carnitine(ALCAR) group received 100mgkg body weight orally, and Treatment 3 lead acetate and acetyl L-carnitine group received 10mgkg body weight and 100mgkg body weight orally respectively. After the end of the experiment the weight of sexual organs were taken, in addition, the total sperm count number, and percentage of dead, live, with abnormal spermatozoa also have been calculated. Results showed that the total sperm count in the lead acetate group was decreased compared with the control and ALCAR groups. The lead acetate with ALCAR showed an increase in total sperm count and live sperm percentage in comparison with control and ALCAR groups. Dead and abnormal sperm percentage increased in the lead acetate group and in lead with ALCAR groups in compared with control and ALCAR grou

Does Better Post-Thaw Motility of Dog Sperm Frozen with CLC Mean Better Zona Pellucida Binding Ability?

Even though the search for methods improving cryopreservation of canine spermatozoa led to an improvement of post-thaw quality, fertilizing results after insemination with frozen-thawed semen are still not satisfying. In this study, we focused on modification of spermatozoa membrane fluidity and investigated whether kinematic parameters as assessed by computer-assisted semen analyzer (CASA) can be improved. The primary aim of our study was to investigate whether the use of cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrins (CLC; 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg) and 2-Hydroxypropyl-ß-cyclodextrin (HBCD; 1 mg) positively influence capacitation status as examined by tyrosinphosphorylation, cholesterol efflux and zona binding assay (ZBA) of spermatozoa. The use of 0.5 mg of CLC increased the percentage of motile, progressive and rapid spermatozoa compared to the control. Addition of HBCD decreased motility and progressive motility of spermatozoa and the population with rapid movement in comparison to the control. The percentage of live spermatozoa without efflux of cholesterol compared to the control was increased when extender with 0.5 mg of CLC was used. There was no change in capacitation status. The zona binding ability of spermatozoa was significantly lower in the group with 0.5 mg of CLC than in the control. In conclusion, these results suggest that improvement of kinematic parameters does not necessarily coincide with better zona pellucida binding ability of spermatozoa.

Viability of Spermatozoa in Goat's Liquid Semen after Adding Sweet Orange Essential Oil to The Andromed Extender

Aims: To find out the percentage of live spermatozoa after diluting the goat's liquid semen using an andromed extender plus sweet orange essential oil.&#x0D; Study Design: Randomized Block Design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Galang, Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia, between December 2022 and January 2023.&#x0D; Methodology: The research procedure starts with the preparation of semen extender, collection of fresh semen, dilution of semen and equilibration. This  research obtained  conducted  using  a  Randomized  Block  Design  consisting  of  5  treatment  levels  and  five replications. Semen storage using 3 Bucks, which has done for three days. As a treatment is the addition of sweet orange essential oil as much as (P0) 0%, (P1) 0.25%, (P2) 0.5%, (P3) 0.75% and (P4) 1% on the andromed extender. The observed variable was percentage viability spermatozoa evaluated before equilibration and after equilibration.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the addition of sweet orange essential oil had a not significant effect (P &lt;0.01) to viability of spermatozoa. The results of adding sweet orange essential oil to the extender (after equilibration) were 80% (P0), 80% (P1), 80% (P2), 80% (P3) and 81% (P4).&#x0D; Conclusion: Adding sweet orange essential oil to andromed had no effect on the viability of goat spermatozoa in liquid semen.