Semen Quality Characteristics Research Articles

Ambient Ozone Exposure, Semen Plasma Metabolites, and Sperm Quality Decline among Adult Men in Wuhan China.

Ambient ozone (O3) exposure may be associated with a reduction of semen quality, yet the potential biological mechanisms remain unclear. We investigated the effects of certain seminal plasma metabolites on mediating the links between O3 exposure and the deterioration of semen quality. The untargeted metabolomics analysis was performed on semen samples of 200 Chinese adult men to determine candidate metabolites associated with characteristics of semen quality. Mediation analysis was adopted to examine whether these metabolites modulated the links between O3 exposure and semen quality. We found a significant reduction in sperm concentration by -28.1% (95% CI: -41.7%, -11.3%), and sperm count by -29.2% (95% CI: -43.7%, -11.0%) associated with each 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient O3 concentration during the period of sperm development. We delineated 7 metabolites in seminal fluid that substantially mediated the links between O3 exposure and declined semen quality, including myristoleic acid, aspartyl-isoleucine, phenylethyl primeveroside, ACar (18:2), ACar (18:1), FAHFA (22:6/22:3), and LPS (22:5). Among these, myristoleic acid exhibited the most pronounced mediation effects, with its indirect effect of which accounts for 46.4% of the overall association. Our findings suggested that exposure to ozone decreased sperm quality by disrupting fatty acid metabolism, particularly myristoleic acid.

Assessment of Quality Characteristics of Raw Semen in Pearl Guinea Fowls

Assessment of Quality Characteristics of Raw Semen in Pearl Guinea Fowls

Impact of thermal manipulation during embryogenesis on thermotolerance and semen quality of Mandarah roosters exposed to heat stress.

The management of incubation conditions impacts embryonic development, hatchability, and post-hatch performance. This study aimed to examine the effects of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryonic development on roosters' thermotolerance, antioxidant activity, immunity, and semen quality under heat-stress conditions. 1200 fertile eggs were distributed evenly between two groups, each containing three replicates (200 eggs/replicate). The first group (G1) was held in the commercial setter with a consistent temperature of 37.5°C and 55% relative humidity (RH) through the 18-day incubation period, acting as a control, while the second group (G2) experienced these conditions until only the 11th day. The eggs were incubated at 39.5°C with 60% RH for 4 h each day from the 12th to the 18th day. From the 19th to 22nd incubation days, both groups maintained a consistent temperature of 37.2°C with a RH of 70%. Two hundred hatched male chicks per treatment group were moved into a closed-system house. All roosters were exposed to a 6-h daily heat challenge with a temperature of 35°C and a humidity of 70% between their 36th and 40th weeks of age. Roosters of G2 exposed to thermal challenge showed improvements (p ≤ 0.05) in multiple blood biochemical, antioxidant, and immunity markers, including total protein, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triiodothyronine, thyroxine, corticosterone, testosterone, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin A levels. Improved semen quality characteristics, including ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, livability, and quality factor, as well as enhanced thermoregulation in post-hatch cocks, were also achieved (p ≤ 0.05). To boost antioxidant activity, immunity, thermotolerance, and semen parameters in roosters under heat-stress conditions, TM application during egg incubation, specifically at 12-18 days, is recommended.

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.

Evaluation of the effect of calcium concentration in the wool of sires on se- men quality characteristics

Chemical elements, as structural components of the body, influence physiological processes and functions of the organism, growth, productive and reproductive traits, resistance and others. In this regard, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of different calcium concentrations in the wool of Holstein sires on the semen quality characteristics. The studies were conducted in conditions of Leningrad and Vologda regions on Holstein sires, 3–5 years old (n = 40). Calcium concentration in wool was determined by atomic emission and mass spectrometry (AES–ICP and MS–ICP). According to the results of this analysis and comparison with previously developed reference intervals, we formed four groups of sires: I – level of Ca concentration less than 25th percentile, II and IV – within 25–75th percentile (physiological norm: 1597–2926 mg/kg) and III – more than 75th percentile. As a result of this distribution, the Ca concentration in the wool of animals of Group II was higher by 75.9 % compared to Group I; in turn, individuals of Group IV exceeded Group III – by 27.9 %. According to the results of semen quality characteristics evaluation, it was found that in the group of sires with Ca level within the previously developed reference intervals, the concentration of spermatozoa was higher by 15.3 % and their activity – by 0.17 points in fresh semen in comparison with the group with its reduced level (below the 25th percentile). High Ca content (above the 75th percentile) in wool contributed to a 9.0 % decrease in the concentration of spermatozoa compared to its average values. Thus, the calcium concentration, assessed by its level in the fur, affects the concentration and activity of sperm. It is necessary to evaluate it to improve the quality characteristics of sperm systematically.

Quality and kinematic characteristics of Bali bulls frozen semen with purified green tea extract epigallocatechin-3-gallate antioxidant addition in diluent.

The preservation of semen quality and kinematic characteristics during cryopreservation is crucial for the reproductive success and genetic management of livestock, particularly in Bali bulls. This study aimed to investigate the effect of adding purified green tea extract antioxidant Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in tris egg yolk diluent on the quality and kinematic characteristics of frozen semen from Bali bulls. Fresh and frozen semen samples were obtained from Bali bull and divided into four different treatment groups. P0 contained semen samples + diluent, while P1 to P3 consisted of semen samples + diluent supplemented with EGCG levels of 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 mg/100 ml, respectively. Data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and followed by Duncan's test if significant differences were found (p<0.05). Parameters observed included the assessment of fresh semen quality, kinematic analysis, post-thawing sperm viability, and abnormality. The results indicated that the assessment of fresh semen quality showed macroscopic and microscopic semen quality according to SNI 4869-1:2021. Kinematic analysis revealed significant differences in DSL and STR parameters between P0 and P3 (p<0.05). EGCG supplementation also caused significant differences in motility between P0 and P3 (p<0.05). Viability and spermatozoa abnormality with EGCG supplementation did not show significant differences (p>0.05). The best results for motility, kinematics, and sperm morphology variables were found in P1 as it did not exhibit a decrease in motility, kinematics, and sperm morphology. Viability did not show significant differences between P1, P2, and P3, but the best results were found in P2 as it did not exhibit a decrease in viability with mean and standard deviation (66.84 ± 7.88). Abnormality variables also did not show significant differences between P1, P2, and P3, but the best results were found in P2 as it did not exhibit a decrease in abnormality with mean and standard deviation (23.80 ± 7.36).

Spatial–Temporal Characteristics of Semen Quality in Infertile Men in Wenzhou, China during 2010–2018

Background. Declining semen quality has become one of the most serious public health problems worldwide; however, the spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men remain unknown. Objective. To explore spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality of infertile men in Wenzhou from 2010 to 2018 and thereby provide a scientific basis for development of strategies to enhance male reproductive health. Methods. We obtained 22,978 semen sample data from 2010 to 2018 from the Reproductive Medicine Center and Urology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in Wenzhou, China. Linear regression analyses and spatial autocorrelation analyses were used to study spatial–temporal characteristics of semen quality parameters. Results. Overall, from 2010 to 2018, mean values for total sperm number and semen volume showed linear increasing trends, and mean values for total sperm motility showed linear decreasing trend (all P &lt; 0.05 ). Cold spot analyses of progressive sperm motility, total sperm motility, and normal sperm forms were also in main urban area of Wenzhou (Lucheng District, Ouhai District, Longwan District, and Dongtou District) and hot spot were also in nonmain urban area of Wenzhou (mainly including Taishun County, Pingyang County, and Wencheng County). However, hot spot analyses of total sperm number and semen volume were mainly in Dongtou District. Conclusions. The main urban area is the “harder-hit area” of semen quality, while for the islands area is the “high-withdrawal area.” Government departments need to pay more attention to improve male reproductive health in the main urban areas and actively control the potential influencing factors of male reproductive health, such as occupational exposure and life stress. Good environmental quality and plenty of seafood intake may be beneficial to semen quality.

Effect of BTS, GEPS and MODENA Extender on DNA Integrity and Relative Expression of HSP70 and Cas3 Gene in HD-K75 Boar Semen

Background: The present study compared the quality characteristics of boar semen diluted with three extenders at different hours of preservation. Methods: A total of 24 ejaculates comprising 6 ejaculates from each of four boars of 10-12 months age maintained under uniform management conditions are being selected for the present study. Semen was collected once weekly from four clinically healthy HD-K75 boars by simple fist method. The ejaculated semen was extended in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender and maintained at 15°C upto 120 hours of preservation. The DNA integrity and the mean fold change in relative expression of HSP70 and Cas3 gene in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender is also being studied. Result: The percentage of DNA integrity revealed that no DNA damaged spermatozoa were observed in MODENA extender from 0 to 120 hours of preservation. The relative expression of HSP70 gene elucidated significant difference (P less than 0.01) at 24 hours in three extenders. The relative expression of Cas3 gene in BTS, GEPS and MODENA extender differed significantly (P less than 0.01) at 0, 72 and 96 hours of preservation. The overall expression (fold change) of apoptotic gene was found to be higher in BTS extender followed by MODENA and GEPS.

Semen quality characteristics of Aseel, Kadaknath and native chicken of Kerala

The present study was conducted to compare the microscopic and macroscopic parameters of semen of three Indian indigenous chicken breeds viz. Aseel, Kadaknath and native chicken of Kerala. The semen volume in native chicken of Kerala was significantly higher compared to that of Aseel and Kadaknath roosters. Significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher appearance score was observed in native chicken of Kerala and Kadaknath roosters compared to that of Aseel roosters. The pH of semen was found slightly alkaline in all the three breeds. Most of the semen samples were white in colour. Most of the semen samples were thick in Kadaknath roosters, thick and medium thick in native chicken of Kerala and thick, medium thick and watery in Aseel roosters. The major contaminants of semen observed were faeces, blood and uric acid crystals. Significantly (p&lt;0.01) higher mass activity score and initial progressive motility was measured in native chicken of Kerala compared to Aseel roosters and the values of Kadaknath roosters were comparable to both. There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and sperm abnormality among three indigenous breeds. The sperm viability percentage was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in native chicken of Kerala compared to Aseel and Kadaknath roosters. The characteristics of fresh semen samples collected from all the three breeds revealed that all three were fit for artificial insemination.

Effect of ecotype and age on semen characteristics of three Tanzanian native chickens

Several findings on the semen characteristics of domestic chickens have revealed that ecotype and age significantly affect semen quality. There is, however, lack of data on effects of ecotype and age on semen characteristics of Tanzanian native roosters. This study evaluated the effect of ecotypes (Ching’wekwe, Morogoro-medium and Kuchi) and ages (11-15 and 24-28 months) on semen quality. A total of 192 semen samples were collected from 12 roosters (four from each ecotype) using the abdominal massage technique at weekly interval for four consecutive months. Semen characteristics of individual samples were evaluated. The semen volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology and proportion of live spermatozoa among the ecotypes varied from 0.42±0.04 to 0.52±0.03mL, 7.01±0.00 to 7.02±0.00, 72.81±1.27 to 76.63±1.35%, 3.90±0.98 to 4.12±1.96 x 109/mL, 86.16±0.55 to 89.38±0.80% and 88.06±1.13 to 90.97±0.81% respectively. However, only the variations in proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology and proportion of live spermatozoa among the ecotypes were significant (P&lt;0.05). The semen volume, pH, sperm motility, sperm concentration, proportion of spermatozoa with normal morphology and proportion of live spermatozoa among the two age groups varied from 0.44±0.03 to 0.52±0.03mL, 7.01±0.00 to 7.02±0.00, 73.88±1.13 to75.92±0.99%, 3.80±0.45 to 4.28±0.32 x 109/mL, 87.02±0.58 to 88.15±0.64%, 88.27±0.77 to 89.83±0.77% respectively. However, only the variations in semen volume among the two age groups were significant (P&lt;0.05). The Pearson correlation coefficients between semen volume and other semen quality characteristics were mostly low to medium with positive values ranging from 0.01-0.51 between semen volume and sperm motility and between morphological normal spermatozoa and proportion of live spermatozoa, respectively. Although there is minimal variation in semen quality among ecotypes and age groups, all the ecotypes might still be used in breeding purposes to maintain native chickens, because the results found were within the reference range for chickens.

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

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

Mass Sperm Motility Is Correlated to Sperm Motility as Measured by Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) Technology in Farmed Ostriches.

Simple SummarySemen quality in ostriches is still being studied to optimize the reproductive performance of these birds in a commercial farming environment. Various methods such as mass sperm motility scoring and computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology have been employed successfully to evaluate semen quality characteristics such as sperm motility. The relationship between these methods in assessing sperm motility in ostriches is unknown. This study evaluated the relationship between the CASA and the mass sperm motility scoring method when analyzing ostrich sperm motility. Positive significant correlations between these methods for sperm motility traits were recorded, suggesting that farmers could utilize the affordable mass sperm motility scoring to screen ostrich males for sperm quality.Semen analyses have gained momentum in various livestock industries. However, in farmed ostriches, semen analysis is still in its experimental stage, and males are not screened for sperm quality before breeding. This study investigated the correlations between computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology and the traditional, yet affordable, mass sperm motility score. Semen was collected from nine South African Black ostrich males (mean age ± SD: 5.25 ± 1.21 years), using the dummy female method for 5 consecutive days monthly, for 8 months. Mass sperm motility scores were recorded on a scale of 1–5 (1: little to no sperm movement; 5: rapid sperm movement). The CASA traits recorded were: total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), curve–linear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), wobble (WOB), and beat-cross frequency (BCF). The results revealed positive correlations between mass sperm motility and PMOT, MOT, VCL, and VAP ranging from 0.34 to 0.59 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, negative correlations were recorded between mass sperm motility and LIN, STR, and BCF, with correlations ranging from −0.20 to −0.39 (p < 0.0001). VSL, ALH, and WOB were not correlated to mass sperm motility (p > 0.05). Ostrich farmers may thus be able to evaluate sperm motility reliably and potentially select breeding males by using the affordable mass sperm motility scoring method. Determining the correlation between these methods and fertility after artificial insemination or natural mating is however needed.

Use of paracetamol (acetaminophen) as a nonprescription analgesic and semen quality in young men: A cross-sectional study.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a frequently used nonprescription analgesic with suggested endocrine-disrupting properties. Epidemiological evidence on the effect of paracetamol on male fecundity is sparse. To investigate if the use of paracetamol as an oral nonprescription mild analgesic was associated with semen quality in young men. This cross-sectional study was based on data from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS; 2017-2019) cohort of 1058 young men (18-21 years) included in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Participants completed a comprehensive online questionnaire on health behavior including analgesic use and provided a semen sample. Negative binomial regression models were used to estimate the percentage differences (adjusted mean ratios [aMR]) in semen quality characteristics according to paracetamol use (no; yes) and frequency of use (almost never;<1/month; ≥1/month; ≥1/week). In total, 28% of the 913 participants with available data reported the use of paracetamol within the last 6 months. We found a slightly higher total sperm count (aMR 1.13 95% CI [0.99-1.30]) in users compared to nonusers but other semen characteristics were unaffected. The frequency of use was suggestive of lower total sperm count and morphologically normal sperm cells primarily among users ≥1/week, however, CIs were wide. We were unable to account for the underlying reason for paracetamol use, which mayinduce confounding by indication.Exposure misclassification due to recall is likely but probably nondifferentialdue to the participants' young age and unawareness of semen quality. Due to the rapid plasma half-life of paracetamol and few frequent users, it was not possible to conclude on potential high-dose effects. Our findings do not suggest any strong detrimental effect of paracetamol use on semen quality within this sample of young Danish men. However, the effects of high dose and frequent use cannot be excluded.

Semen Cryopreservation in Adolescents and Young Adults with Hematologic Diseases: from Bed to Benchside.

Purpose: Infertility in adolescents and young adult (AYA) survivors of malignant disease remains a major long-term adverse effect, but semen collection for fertility preservation in fertility centers is not always feasible and makes AYAs uncomfortable. We evaluated the feasibility of collecting sperm samples on the ward versus in fertility centers. Methods: Consecutive hospitalized AYA-aged male patients in the Hematology AYA unit (Saint-Louis Hospital, France) between August 2010 and June 2016 with hematological disease and indication of semen collection (n = 95) were included in this retrospective study. Semen quality was analyzed according to World Health Organization guidelines and was compared according to semen collection place: on the ward (n = 46) or in fertility center (n = 49). Results: The median age was median age 19.1 years (range: 13.7-33.3; interquartile range: 17.1-22.8) and 85 patients successfully collected semen. Sperm collection failure was ∼11% and was comparable between the two modalities as were main sperm quality characteristics (semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility and vitality, sperm morphology, and multiple anomalies index). Oligospermia was significantly higher in the samples obtained in fertility center (47.7%) than on the ward (26.8%), p = 0.047. Average frozen straws were comparable, 12.2 ± 6.4 on the ward versus 11.9 ± 6.3 in fertility center. Conclusion: Semen collection on the ward is feasible and would be particularly interesting for AYA male patients without altering semen quality characteristics.

Drinking Water Arsenic and Adverse Reproductive Outcomes in Men and Women: A Systematic PRISMA Review

Infertility is a worldwide health issue, but mechanisms of both male and female reproductive toxicity remain to be elucidated. So far, a limited focus has been on potentially harmful environmental factors such as arsenic, which is naturally occurring in groundwater. The objective of this review was to systematically investigate the association between arsenic in drinking water and adverse reproductive outcomes in men and women of fertile age. We conducted a systematic literature search and included case-control studies and cohort studies reporting on decreased semen quality characteristics, increased time to pregnancy, infertility, or spontaneous abortion. In total, 433 articles were screened and ultimately, eight studies were included. Included literature was quality assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Findings were reported in a narrative synthesis. Only one study investigated male fertility. An association between increasing arsenic exposure and decreasing semen quality characteristics was found, as well as an indication of arsenic accumulation in seminal plasma. These findings are, however, at high arsenic levels (&gt;1000 µg/L). No consistent evidence was found to support the hypothesis that arsenic exposure from drinking water is a cause of longer waiting time to pregnancy or spontaneous abortion, being the only endpoints investigated in the included literature. In conclusion; the evidence is sparse and of varying quality, however, it does warrant attention, as it conflicts with existing evidence, mainly from cross-sectional or ecologic studies.

Macro- and microelements in serum and seminal plasma as biomarkers for bull sperm cryotolerance

ABSTRACTBackgroundWide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality.ResultsZinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics.ConclusionsMicroelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

Effects of feeding 60% dried corn distillers grains plus solubles or the equivalent sulfur as CaSO4 on performance and reproductive traits of yearling Angus bulls

The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of feeding 60% dried corn distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) or the equivalent sulfur as calcium sulfate (CaSO4) on semen quality and performance characteristics in yearling bulls. Thirty-six half-sibling Angus bulls [291 ± 8.5 d; initial body weight (BW) = 320 ± 2.7 kg] were assigned to one of three diets: 1) 60% concentrate as corn (CON; S = 0.18%; n = 12); 2) 60% DDGS replacing corn (60DDGS; S = 0.55% DM; n = 12); 3) CON + equivalent sulfur of 60DDGS added as CaSO4 (SULF; S = 0.54%; n = 12). Bulls were fed for 112 d to target an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.6 kg/d. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 56, and 112, and evaluated for testosterone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine (T3) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Ruminal H2S was measured on d 0, 14, and 42. Scrotal circumference and semen were collected on d 0, 28, 56, 84, and 112 to evaluate sperm characteristics and GPx activity in seminal plasma. A computer assisted semen analysis was used to evaluate kinematic profiles in motile and progressive sperm throughout the study. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using MIXED procedures of SAS. No differences (P ≥ 0.14) were observed for final BW, ADG, or scrotal circumference; however, SULF tended (P = 0.07) to have reduced gain:feed compared with CON, with 60DDGS being intermediate. Concentrations of ruminal H2S on d 42 were greatest (P < 0.01) for SULF. Increased ejaculate volume was observed for 60DDGS and CON (P < 0.01) compared with SULF. For motile populations of sperm, velocity on an average path (VAP) and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were reduced (P ≤ 0.02) for SULF compared with CON, with 60DDGS being intermediate. In progressively motile sperm throughout the study, VAP and VSL were reduced (P ≤ 0.05) in 60DDGS and SULF compared to CON. For VCL, SULF was reduced (P ≤ 0.02) compared with CON, with 60DDGS being intermediate. In serum, concentrations of T3 were reduced (P = 0.009) in 60DDGS compared with CON or SULF. A treatment by day interaction (P = 0.03) was observed for seminal plasma GPx. At d 56, GPx activity was greater (P = 0.03) for 60DDGS compared with CON, with SULF intermediate; and at d 112, 60DDGS had the greatest (P ≤ 0.02) GPx activity. Therefore, feeding 60% DDGS to developing bulls altered semen kinematics, T3 concentrations, and GPx activity leading to the conclusion that these differences may not be solely dependent on concentrations of dietary sulfur.

Comparative study on the semen quality characteristics of parthenotes and parent toms reared in Nsukka

The study was conducted to evaluate the semen quality characteristics of turkey parthenotes and parent toms. A total of twenty-four turkeys were used for the study. These comprised of twelve parthenotes toms and twelve parent toms. Parthenotes are male turkeys produced through parthenogenesis. The toms were subjected to abdominal massage techniques for semen collection. Semen collection was done twice per week and analyzed for volume, motility, sperm concentration, like sperm, abnormal sperm, normal sperm, dead sperm, total sperm/ejaculates and total motile sperm cells. The results showed that there were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in semen volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm cell, abnormal sperm and total motile sperm with mean values being 0.35mL, 1.74x109/mL, 97.80%, 2.20%, 1.68x1012 and 0.41ml, 1.50x109/mL, 94.00%, 6.00% and 1.42x1012, respectively for both parthenotes and parent toms. However, semen parameters such as motility, live sperm cell, dead sperm cell and total sperm/ejaculate showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) with values of 96.7%, 97.7%, 2.30% and 6.07x109 for parthenotes toms and 93.20%, 98.50%, 1.50% and 6.23x109 for parent toms. It was observed from the results that turkey parthenotes possess good quality semen characteristic and therefore, recommended for use in poultry industry for turkey production.

No evidence of HEV genotype 1 infections harming the male reproductive system

Extrahepatic disorders are recorded with hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection. The impact of HEV infection on the male reproductive system is a query. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed semen from infertile men and prospectively examined the semen from acute hepatitis E patients (AHE) for HEV markers. HEV RNA and HEV Ag were not detectable in the semen of infertile men nor the semen of AHE patients. Although HEV markers were detectable in the urine of patients infected with HEV-1, these markers were absent in their semen. There is no significant difference in the level of reproductive hormones between AHE patients and healthy controls. Semen analysis of AHE patients did not show a notable abnormality and there was no significant difference in the semen quality and sperm characteristics between AHE and healthy controls.

35 Effect of feeding 60% dried corn distillers grains plus solubles or the equivalent sulfur on performance, hormone concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase activity in yearling Angus bulls

Abstract The objectives were to investigate the effects of feeding 60% dried corn distillers grains plus solubles (DCD) or equivalent sulfur as calcium sulfate (CaSO4) on performance, hormone concentrations, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in yearling bulls. Thirty-six half-sibling Angus bulls [256 ± 8 d; initial BW = 320 ± 2 kg] were assigned one of three treatments: 1) corn-based diet containing 60% concentrate (CON; S = 0.18%; n = 12); 2) diet containing 60% DCD as a replacement for corn (DDGS; S = 0.53% DM; n = 12); 3) CON diet + equivalent sulfur of the DDGS diet added as CaSO4 (SULF; S = 0.51%; n = 12). Bulls were fed in Calan gates to target an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.6 kg/d. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED in SAS. Blood and semen samples were collected on d 0, 56, and 112 then evaluated for concentrations of testosterone, thyroxine, triiodothyronine in serum, and GPx activity in seminal plasma. By design, no differences (P ³ 0.14) were observed among treatments for final BW, ADG or dry matter intake. However, DDGS tended (P = 0.07) to have reduced gain: feed when compared with CON, whereas SULF was intermediate. No differences (P ³ 0.13) were observed among treatments for serum concentrations of testosterone and thyroxine; however, DDGS had reduced (P = 0.009) triiodothyronine concentrations compared with CON and SULF. A treatment ′ d interaction (P = 0.03) was observed for seminal plasma GPx. On d 56, GPx activity was greater (P = 0.03) for DDGS compared with CON, whereas SULF was intermediate, but on d 112, DDGS had greater (P £ 0.02) GPx activity compared with CON and SULF. Therefore, alterations in triiodothyronine concentrations and GPx activity among treatments indicates that DDGS may influence characteristics of semen quality.