Qualitative Semen Characteristics Research Articles

Effect of Organic Zinc Supplementation on Semen Production and Quality in Kankrej Bulls

Background: Zinc is found in very high concentration in semen and male reproductive tract and acts as a hormone receptor modulator for testosterone production in Leydig cells. Thus, it plays a very important role in male reproduction. Moreover, Indian soils are very deficient in zinc as per earlier reports and recent studies have shown that supplementation of zinc has improved qualitative as well as the quantitative aspects of semen quality in bulls. So, a study has been planned to study the effect of organic zinc supplementation on semen production and quality in kankrej bulls. Methods: A total of 8 healthy Kankrej bulls under semen collection were selected for the study. Basal diet (concentrate mixture, green and dry fodder) was fed during pre-supplementation and zinc propionate @ 100 ppm/bull was supplemented to the basal diet during post-supplementation for a period of 60 days to complete one spermatogenic cycle. A total of 128 ejaculates (64 pre-supplementation and 64 post-supplementation) were collected. Result: Mean semen volume was non-significant (P greater than 0.05) between the treatment groups. Mean sperm concentration was 1325.68±80.08 and 2162.36±112.0 million/ml pre- and post-supplementation, respectively. Feeding of zinc propionate significantly (P less than 0.01) increased semen sperm concentration. The average mass motility of sperms was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher during post-supplementation (3.92%) than the pre-supplementation (3.78%). The overall live sperms were significantly (P less than 0.01) higher during post-supplementation (73.33±0.91%) than the pre-supplementation (63.53±1.03%). It may be concluded that supplementation of 100 ppm of zinc propionate in the diet of Kankrej bulls improved semen quality in terms of quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen.

PSXI-1 Influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of sperm of Holstein bulls

Abstract Many studies show that an excess or deficiency of chemical elements in an animal’s body can lead to a number of reproductive disorders. In this regard, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of concentrations of essential and toxic elements in semen on qualitative characteristics of semen of sire bulls. The studies were carried out on Holstein bulls at the age of 3–4 years (n = 65). Sperm concentration (billions) was estimated using a digital photometer (IMV Technologies). Sperm activity (score) was studied using a phase contrast microscope (Nikon ECLIPSE E400, Tokyo, Japan). The elemental composition of the semen was determined by 25 chemical elements (Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Se, Si, Sn, Hg, Sr, V, Zn) by ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Coefficients were calculated according to Spearman’s correlation. As a result of the research, it was found that sperm activity negatively correlated (r = -0.47; P ≤ 0.05) with the Pb content in semen and had a positive correlation with Zn concentrations (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.64; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.67; P ≤ 0.05). Sperm concentration was positively correlated with Cu levels (r = 0.55; P ≤ 0.05); P (r = 0.76; P ≤ 0.05); Se (r = 0.66; P ≤ 0.05). Thus, the results of the carried out studies indicate a high degree of relationship between the content of essential and toxic elements in semen and main qualitative characteristics of sperm. A deeper study of the role of chemical elements in reproductive function can be useful in overcoming the problem of low reproductive capacity of sires. The studies were carried out in accordance with the research plan for 2019–2021. FSBSI Federal Research Centre BST RAS (No. 0761-2019-0006)

Effect of Dietary Copper and Zinc Supplementation on Semen Quality of Murrah Bulls

The effect of dietary supplementation of Cu and Zn on semen quality parameters and certain bio-chemicals parameters were evaluated in Murrah bulls. Twelve mature Murrah bulls (4-6 years of age) were divided into three groups (n=4) T1, T2, and T3 based on semen volume and concentration and were fed as per ICAR standard (2013). However, the animals were supplemented with 0%, 25%, and 50% Cu and Zn above the basal diet in T1, T2 and T3 groups, respectively for 180 days. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen, blood and seminal plasma antioxidant status, blood and semen minerals (Cu, Zn, Ca and Mn) were determined in experimental Murrah bulls. Semen ejaculate volume (mL) increased in T2 and T3 while sperm concentration (million/mL), intact acrosome (%), HOST reacted spermatozoa (%) increased in T3 group compared to T1 and T2 groups. No difference was observed in mass motility, pH, live spermatozoa (%) in semen sexual behaviour except dismounting time which was decreased in T3 than T1 and T2 (plessthan0.05). SOD activity in blood plasma and LPO activity decreased in seminal plasma in both T2 and T3 groups than T1, whereas catalase activity did not show any significant difference. Cu and Zn supplementation in T2 group improved plessthan0.05) Zn level in blood and seminal plasma and Cu level in blood plasma only, but not in seminal plasma. Therefore, it can be concluded that supplementation of Zn and Cu at 50% above the recommended levels of ICAR (2013) improved the qualitative and quantitative attributes of semen in Murrah bulls.

СРАВНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ОЦЕНКА КАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ СПЕРМЫ БАРАНОВ ПОРОД ДЖАЛГИНСКИЙ И РОССИЙСКИЙ МЯСНОЙ МЕРИНОСЫ В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ СЕЗОНА ГОДА

Many breeds of sheep show pronounced seasonality in reproduction. The aim of the study was to study quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen taken from Dzhalginsky Merino (DzM) and Russian Meat Merino (RMM) rams in different seasons of the year. Semen samples were taken from five rams of each breed weekly for 12 months using an artificial vagina. The study results showed significant (P<0.05) seasonal variations in semen concentration and survival. It was found that the highest semen quality was obtained in autumn, the lowest possible in spring (semen volume: 1.41 ml in DzM and 1.25 ml in RMM vs. 0.96 ml in DzM and 0.79 ml in RMM; concentration: 3.61 billion/ml in JM and 3.35 billion/ml in RMM vs. 2.66 billion/ml in DzM and 2.33 billion/ml in RMM; motility 9.08 points in DzM and 8.57 points in RMM vs. 7.42 points in DzM and 6.45 points in RMM). The estimation of semen motility after cryopreservation showed a 50% decrease on average as compared to fresh semen.Despite the high variability of most semen indices of both breeds, the conclusion was made that it is possible to use rams of Dzhalginsky Merino and Russian Meat Merino in autumn-winter and summer months. However, the revealed differences between the studied indicators within each breed indicate the need to select the producing rams based on their individual evaluation.

Advancement of puberty and enhancement of seminal characteristics by supplementation of trace minerals to bucks

Attainment of puberty in animals is dependent on their age, body weight, nutritional status, genetic and environmental conditions. Nutritionally, organic minerals are suggested to improve semen production, sperm motility and male fertility. In this context, role of organic zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in advancing male puberty and semen characters in Osmanabadi goats were studied. Forty one (n = 41) bucks (Aged 5 months) were divided into ten groups and the dietary treatments comprised of a control group (basal diet; without additional trace mineral supplementation) and nine treatment groups that received, in addition to the basal diet, various doses of trace minerals (mg) on per kg dry matter basis, organic Zn as low Zn20, medium Zn40 and high Zn60, organic Cu as low Cu12.5, medium Cu25, high Cu37.5 and combination of organic Zn + Cu as low Zn20 + Cu12.5, medium Zn40 + Cu25, high Zn60 + Cu37.5, respectively fed for a period of 8 months. Bucks fed organic trace minerals reached puberty 28–35 days earlier than control group. In addition, improvement (P < .01) in testosterone hormone (ng/ml) levels (control: 1.63 ± 0.07 VS Zn60: 2.54 ± 0.02; Cu12.5: 6.17 ± 0.05; Cu25: 3.01 ± 0.04; Cu37.5: 2.39 ± 0.06; Zn20 + Cu12.5: 1.94 ± 0.02; Zn60 + Cu37.5: 2.44 ± 0.16 at 240 days), semen production capacity (sperm concentration, volume, mass motility) and semen quality (higher progressive motility, velocity, sperm membrane integrity and acrosome integrity) were observed in supplemented groups (P < .05) than the control bucks. The present study demonstrated that, additional feeding of organic Zn and Cu to growing male goats advanced onset of puberty and improved quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics. The results also implied that the organic Cu had a significant effect on overall performances of bucks as compared to Zn alone or Zn and Cu in combination.

Termografia digital por infravermelho do escroto, qualidade do sêmen, níveis séricos de testosterona em touros Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) e suas correlações com os fatores climáticos

&lt;p&gt;Objetivou-se estudar a relação dos fatores climáticos com a temperatura da superfície do escroto e qualidade seminal por meio da termografia digital de infravermelho em touros Nelore, criados extensivamente. Em seis touros realizaram-se termografia escrotal com câmera Flir E40®, colheita de sangue para a testosterona sérica e colheita de sêmen por eletroejaculação a cada 10 dias, com seis repetições. Os fatores climáticos: temperatura ambiente, umidade relativa do ar, temperatura do globo seco e temperatura do globo úmido foram registrados com globotermômetro (InstruTemp®,ITWTG-2000). Os termogramas do escroto foram analisados com o &lt;em&gt;software Flir Tools® &lt;/em&gt;para as temperaturas da superfície escrotal, dos lados direito e esquerdo, colo do escroto, terços: dorsal, médio e ventral dos testículos; e caudas dos epidídimos. Os dados do sêmen e dos termogramas foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste de Tukey a 5%. Correlação de Pearson foi empregada para as temperaturas da superfície do escroto, temperatura retal, características quantitativas e qualitativas do sêmen e fatores climáticos. Houve correlação positiva (P&amp;lt;0,05) para motilidade espermática x temperaturas do escroto; concentração espermática x temperaturas do escroto; fatores climáticos x temperatura retal. Houve correlação negativa (P&amp;lt;0,05) entre temperatura ambiente x concentração espermática. Concluiu-se que as temperaturas da superfície do escroto e os fatores climáticos, temperatura e umidade do ar, influenciaram na qualidade do sêmen. A termografia é recomendada como exame complementar na avaliação reprodutiva de touros.&lt;/p&gt;

Oral Zinc Supplementation Restores Superoxide Radical Scavengers to Normal Levels in Spermatozoa of Iraqi Asthenospermic Patients

Oxidative stress and decreased antioxidant levels have been projected as potential factors involved in the pathophysiology of diverse male infertility types, including asthenospermia. The present study was conducted to examine the effect of zinc supplementation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen along with oxido-sensitive index level (superoxide dismutase/xanthine oxidase ratio) in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic patients. Semen samples were obtained from 60 fertile (age 31.6 ± 3.3 years) and 60 asthenospermic men (age 32.5 ± 3.23 years) from July 2011 to July 2012, from couples who had consulted the infertility clinic of the Babil hospital of maternity (Hillah, Iraq). The subfertile group was treated with zinc sulfate, every participant took 2 capsules (220 mg each) of zinc sulfate per day for 3 months. Semen samples were obtained (before and after zinc sulfate supplementation). Oxido-sensitive index level, catalase-like activity and various sperm parameters were measured. The value of the oxido-sensitive index of fertile controls (1.28 + 0.31 in seminal plasma and 1.57 + 0.62 in spermatozoa) was significantly higher than that of the infertile patient group (0.56 + 0.48 in seminal plasma and 0.65 + 0.57 spermatozoa) (p = 0.0001). Oxido-sensitive index levels were significantly higher in the infertile group treated with zinc sulfate (1.13 + 0.22 in seminal plasma and 1.15 + 0.16 in spermatozoa) (p = 0.001). Catalase-like activity was increased significantly in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of patients compared to that of healthy controls. Volume of semen, progressive sperm motility and total normal sperm count were increased after zinc supplementation. Zinc supplementation restores oxido-sensitive index and catalase-like activity in semen of asthenozoospermic subjects to normal ranges.

Semen characteristics and selected biochemical markers of canine seminal plasma in various seasons of the year

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of season on selected qualitative semen characteristics and biochemical markers of canine seminal plasma. Whole ejaculates were collected from 5 crossbred dogs aged 2-8 years. The study covered a period of one year divided into four seasons: spring (March, April, May), summer (June, July, August), autumn (September, October, November) and winter (December, January, February). Semen samples were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic analyses to determine semen volume, total sperm counts and sperm morphology parameters. The study also involved the determination of sperm motility parameters (CASA system), sperm plasma membrane integrity (SPMI, fluorescent staining SYBR-14/PI), sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP, fluorescent staining JC-1/PI) and the ATP content of sperm cells. Total protein content (TPC) and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) were determined in biochemical analyses of seminal plasma. No significant differences in ejaculate volume, SMPI or ATP content of sperm cells were observed between seasons. The highest total sperm counts were reported in ejaculates acquired in summer and autumn. The lowest MMP values were determined in summer ejaculates. No significant differences in sperm motility (MOT) were observed throughout the experiment, but ejaculates collected in autumn and winter were characterized by the highest progressive motility (PMOT). AP activity and TPC were not significantly affected by season. However, AcP activity levels were significantly lower in autumn than in the remaining seasons. Seasonal variations in the analyzed macroscopic and microscopic parameters of ejaculates and biochemical markers of seminal plasma did not exert a clear negative effect on the quality of canine semen.

Study of the effects of oral zinc supplementation on peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity in seminal plasma of Iraqi asthenospermic patients

BackgroundLow concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) are necessary for the biology and physiology of spermatozoa, but high levels of NO are toxic and have negative effects on sperm functions. Although several studies have considered the relationship between infertility and semen NO concentrations, no study on the effects of asthenospermia treatments such as oral zinc supplementation on concentrations of NO, which are important in fertility, has been reported. Studies have shown that oral zinc supplementation develops sperm count, motility and the physical characteristics of sperm in animals and in some groups of infertile men. The present study was conducted to study the effect of zinc supplementation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen, along with enzymes of the NO pathway in the seminal plasma of asthenospermic patients.MethodsSemen samples were obtained from 60 fertile and 60 asthenozoospermic infertile men of matched age. The subfertile group was treated with zinc sulfate; each participant took two capsules (220 mg per capsule) per day for 3 months. Semen samples were obtained (before and after zinc sulfate supplementation). After liquefaction of the seminal fluid at room temperature, routine semen analyses were performed. The stable metabolites of NO (nitrite) in seminal plasma were measured by nitrophenol assay. Arginase activity and NO synthase activity were measured spectrophotometrically.ResultsPeroxynitrite levels, arginase activity, NO synthase activity and various sperm parameters were compared among fertile controls and infertile patients (before and after treatment with zinc sulfate). Peroxynitrite levels and NO synthase activity were significantly higher in the infertile patients compared to the fertile group. Conversely, arginase activity was significantly higher in the fertile group than the infertile patients. Peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity of the infertile patient were restored to normal values after treatment with zinc sulfate. Volume of semen, progressive sperm motility percentage and total normal sperm count were increased after zinc supplementation.ConclusionsTreatment of asthenospermic patients with zinc supplementation leads to restored peroxynitrite levels, arginase activity and NO synthase activity to normal values and gives a statistically significant improvement of semen parameters compared with controls.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01684059

Oral zinc supplementation restore high molecular weight seminal zinc binding protein to normal value in Iraqi infertile men

BackgroundZinc in human seminal plasma is divided into three types of ligands which are high (HMW), intermediate (IMW), and low molecular weight ligands (LMW). The present study was aimed to study the effect of Zn supplementation on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen along with Zinc Binding Protein levels in the seminal plasma in asthenozoospermic patients.MethodsSemen samples were obtained from 37 fertile and 37 asthenozoospermic infertile men with matched age. The subfertile group was treated with zinc sulfate, every participant took two capsules per day for three months (each one 220mg). Semen samples were obtained (before and after zinc sulfate supplementation). After liquefaction seminal fluid at room temperature, routine semen analyses were performed. For determination of the amount of zinc binding proteins, the gel filtration of seminal plasma on Sephadex G-75 was performed. All the fractions were investigated for protein and for zinc concentration by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Evaluation of chromatograms was made directly from the zinc concentration in each fraction.ResultsA significant high molecular weight zinc binding ligands percentage (HMW-Zn %) was observed in seminal plasma of fertile males compared with subfertile males. However, seminal low molecular weight ligands (LMW-Zn) have opposite behavior. The mean value of semen volume, progressive sperm motility percentage and total normal sperm count were increased after zinc sulfate supplementation.ConclusionsZinc supplementation restores HMW-Zn% in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermic subjects to normal value. Zinc supplementation elevates LMW-Zn% in seminal plasma of asthenozoospermic subjects to more than normal value.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01612403

Effects of frequency of semen collection on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of semen in turkey breeder males

The effects of various frequencies of semen collection on several quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics were investigated in adult turkey breeder males (30 to 40 wk of age). In Experiment 1, a total of 35 males were first trained for semen collection (twice a week for 2 consecutive wk), and then divided into five groups (seven males each), each group being collected either once every 2 wk, once every week, twice every week, three times every week (each for 4 wk) or five to seven times per week (each for 2 wk). Volume, sperm concentration, and sperm number per ejaculate were determined for each ejaculate. No significant differences between groups were observed for sperm concentration (P > 0.05), but males collected once every 2 wk, once per week, or twice per week had larger volumes than males collected at higher frequencies (P < 0.05). Thus there were significant differences for sperm number per ejaculate between groups (P < 0.05). Also, daily semen output (DSO) was markedly increased in males collected at the highest frequencies (e.g., DSO = 0.62 x 10(9) and 1.93 x 10(9) in males collected once and five times per week). Finally, in euthanatized birds (36 wk) no differences between groups were observed for body weight (25.8 +/- 1.7 kg), testicular weight (51.5 +/- 2.2 g), or total number of elongated spermatids per male (14.0 +/- 0.8 x 10(9)). In Experiment 2, 35 males were distributed into groups and collected under the same conditions as in Experiment 1. Besides quantitative analyses of ejaculates (volume, sperm concentration, and sperm per ejaculate), sperm viability between groups was also tested using the Sybr14/PI fluorescence test. Our results demonstrated: 1) a favorable effect of high semen collection frequencies on sperm viability and, 2) a marked decline in sperm viability during the first 2 d following a 2-d resting period in males collected five times a week. We concluded that turkey males express their optimal reproductive capacity more efficiently when semen collection is undertaken at a high rather than a low frequency.

The effect on the gonadal axis in cockerels of electrolytic lesions in various regions of the basal hypothalamus

Bilateral electrolytic lesions were placed in various regions of the basal hypothalamus of 3-month-old White Leghorn cockerels. Weekly determinations of quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics as well as comb factor and hematocrit values determinations were carried out during an experimental period of 112 days. The histological organization of the testes was studied, and also the dehydrogenase in their interstitial tissue. Birds with lesions located in the mammillary nuclei and posterior part of the ventromedial nuclei became functionally castrated and obese (FC), showing completely atrophied testes and combs; spermatogenesis and dehydrogenase activity in their testicular interstitial tissue were absent. A complete impairment of hypothalamic FRF and LRF release seems to be the cause of these phenomena. Another group of birds with lesions in the posterior part of the mammillary nuclei, covening sometimes a part of the arcuate nuclei, became functionally castrated and obese, but carried large combs (FCLC). The testes were markedly atrophied and had no spermatogenesis activity, but, in contrast to the FC cocks, dehydrogenase activity was present, indicating blocking of FRF release but not of LRF. A third group of birds bearing lesions in the ventromedial nuclei became obese only, but with normal semen production, and with histologically normal testes. A fourth group of birds with small lesions in the mammillary nuclei showed marked gonadal atrophy, and produced semen at a lower rate than the control group.