Sperm Mass Research Articles

Gone but not forgotten: dynamics of sperm storage and potential ejaculate digestion in the black soldier fly Hermetia illucens.

Understanding the dynamics of sperm storage is essential to unravel the complexity of post-copulatory sexual selection processes in internally fertilized species. This physiological process goes from sperm transfer during copulation to its use for fertilization. In this context, the spatiotemporal dynamics of sperm storage were described in the black soldier fly (BSF) with fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). BSF females have compartmentalized spermathecae with a transfer compartment, the fishnet canals, and a storage compartment, the reservoirs. Spermatozoa were counted both during and after mating in the two compartments. In addition to seminal fluids, the male transfers a mass of sperm in the fishnet canals, then only 49% of the transferred spermatozoa reach the reservoirs over two days. TEM observations of the fishnet canals revealed potential digestive functions, explaining the decline in the number and viability of spermatozoa in this compartment but not in the reservoirs. After one mating, females laid up to three fertile clutches, showing no constraints on sperm quantity or quality. Spermatic and ultrastructural investigations strongly suggest that BSF ejaculate acts both as a sperm plug and as a nuptial gift, reinforcing the interest in studying this farming insect as a new model for sexual selection.

Functional reproductive morphology of the snapping shrimp genus Synalpheus Spence Bate, 1888 (Decapoda, Alpheidae)

Abstract Shrimp of the genus Synalpheus (Caridea) are commonly found in subtropical and tropical marine habitats around the world. The present work aims to provide the first description of the reproductive system of this genus using histological, histochemical, and morphological perspectives to elucidate the gonochoric or hermaphrodite sexual system in this genus. Males have a slender and very translucent reproductive system that is challenging to observe. The entire cephalothorax was histologically sectioned to ensure that all regions of the reproductive system could be identified. This non-gambarelloides group shows a gonochoric condition. The caridean pattern of the reproductive system was observed where the male has a pair of testes and a pair of very thin vasa deferentia, ending at the opening of the gonopore. Spermatophore structure is absent, without any layers surrounding the spermatozoa which are aggregated in a sperm mass. In females, the reproductive system consists of a pair of ovaries that extend to the end of the pleon. The extension of the ovary has a particular pattern compared to other caridean shrimps. Here, we hypothesize that males invest energy on somatic morphological structures to protect the host and female, using the larger pistol-like cheliped, while females invest energy in reproduction, since all the members of this group are typical “pair-bond” examples. The observed pattern of the reproductive male morphology could also be evidence of a possible synapomorphy for this genus within the infraorder.

Dynamic changes characteristics of the spermatozoon during the reproductive process of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain): From spermatophore formation, transportation to dispersion

To enhance comprehension of the destiny of the spermatozoon throughout the reproductive process of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) is important for achieving large-scale artificial breeding of Scylla. The reproductive systems of sexually mature male and female mud crabs were studied, utilizing the histomorphological method. The spermatozoon traveled from testicular lobules through the seminiferous duct, into the anterior vas deferens (AVD) via the collecting duct. The spermatophore wall formed at the end of the AVD. During copulation, spermatophores stored in the median vas deferens (MVD) were transferred to the seminal receptacle through the posterior vas deferens (PVD), ejaculatory duct, and gonopod, with seminal plasma secreted by both MVD and PVD together. After mating, the sperm plug was formed within the seminal receptacle's ventral zone. At ovary stage Ⅲ, the spermatophore wall ruptured, and the sperm plug disappeared. Bundled sperm packets congregated into a dense mass, while a few spermatozoa dispersed along the intermediate chamber to the dorsal zone. At ovary stage Ⅳ, the dorsal zone also exhibited a dense sperm mass due to increased dispersal. At ovary stage Ⅴ, merely a modest portion of the dense sperm mass remained in the ventral zone, and the rest dissociated and dispersed within the seminal receptacle. Following ovulation, sperm mass remained in the ventral zone, re-dissociating and re-dispersing once ovarian development reached stage Ⅲ again. The phased dispersion supply mode of spermatozoa behind multiple ovipositions was unveiled. Furthermore, we observed the ultrastructural changes in the spermatozoon during the process of the capacitation, including operculum widening, actin-containing substance accumulation, and the density of chromatin in the nucleus decreased. As presented herein, the elucidation of the dynamic changes of the spermatozoon, as well as the pattern of spermatozoa supply, contributes significantly to our enhanced comprehension of the reproductive biology of Scylla.

Rab2 and Rab6 are Implicated in Acrosome Formation during Spermatogenesis in Eriocheir sinensis: Based on Sperm Proteome.

Rab proteins are GTP-dependent small proteins that function as regulators of intracellular vesicle transport, fusion, and localization. However, few studies have investigated their function in Decapoda reproduction. The Eriocheir sinensis sperm has no tail and the nuclei are uncondensed. With the acrosome forming the majority of the sperm mass, it provides an ideal model for studying acrosome formation. We firstly analyzed the sperm proteome using LC-MS/MS. To study the functions of Rab2 and Rab6, related to the Golgi apparatus, in the acrosome formation during spermatogenesis, the genes of Rab2 and Rab6 were cloned based on the testis transcriptome of E.sinensis and poly-clonal antibodies were prepared. The presence of 2 Rab proteins was confirmed in the testis and sperm by western blot. We further observed the characteristics of target 2 Rab proteins using immunofluorescence (IF). A total of 1247 proteins including 7 Rab proteins, Rab1, Rab2, Rab5, Rab6, Rab11, Rab14, and Rab18 were identified in the sperm proteome. The IF results showed that Rab2 co-localizes with GM130, a cis-Golgi matrix protein, in the spermatagonia and spermatocytes. In the early spermatids, Rab2 and Rab6 participate in the formation of pre-acrosomal vesicles. In maturing spermatids, both Rab2 and Rab6 settle on the acrosomal membrane but present different characteristics wrapping the pre-acrosome. In the mature sperm, Rab2 localizes in the perinuclear theca surrounding the nuclei cup, while Rab6 remains on the acrosomal membrane. Our research found 7 Rab proteins based on the analysis of the sperm proteome in E.sinensis, and confirmed the involvement of Rab2 and Rab6 in acrosome formation. These findings provide a foundation for studying the functions of Rab proteins during spermatogenesis in Decapoda animals.

Incorporation of fresh leaves of wormwood (Artemisia herba alba) and/or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in the diet of rams: Effect on testicular function, sexual behavior, and blood parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of wormwood and rosemary supplementation on some reproductive traits of Barbarine rams. The experiment lasted 2 months. Twenty-four adult rams were divided into four groups (n=6) balanced for the weight (53.3 ± 1.2 kg body weight [BW] ± SD). All rams received 1200 g of straw and 600 g of barley. Control rams (C) without aromatic medicinal plant (AMP), while experimental rams received 20 g of fresh rosemary leaves (R), 20 g of fresh wormwood leaves (A), and 10 g of fresh rosemary leaves plus 10 g of fresh wormwood leaves (RA). The results revealed that the live weight of all rams increased (p < .05) in the RA group compared to the C, A, and R groups. Scrotal circumference increased in the R rams when compared to the controls rams (p < .05). For sperm parameters we showed that the A rams had higher sperm concentrations (p < .05). But, the sperm volume decreased in the R rams (p > .05). However, when the rams received rosemary plus wormwood, their sperm volume increased (p > .05). The sperm mass motility was higher for the A, R and AR rams in comparison to the C rams (p=.05). On the other hand, biochemical analysis of the seminal fluid showed no effect of diets on calcium and total proteins concentration. But the measurement of glucose and seminal insulin showed a decrease (p < .05) in these two biochemical markers in group A rams and a decrease (p < .05) in insulin without modification of the glucose concentration in R rams. Blood glucose and insulin decreased in the animals on AMP diet compared to the other groups (p < .05) while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p < .05). Rosemary leaves (R and RA groups) increased (p < .05) plasma cortisol compared to the other groups. It can be concluded that the addition of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Artemisia herba alba in ram diet can have a positive effect on the reproductive function by increasing the concentration and motility of sperm, plasma testosterone, and sexual behavior.

Assessment of Libido and Semen Quality of Boar by using Low-cost Portable Wooden Dummy Sow

Background: Artificial Insemination in pigs is much easier than other domestic species but the training of boar for the collection of semen is a big constraint. Certain boars are not acquainted with the fixed steel dummy sow and the surrounding environment. Hence, the dummy sows brought in the boar’s pen. The steel dummy sow in comparison to wooden is too heavy and found difficult to bring in a boar’s pen. Moreover, the wooden dummy sows are locally made and it becomes cost-effective too. The present study was designed to assess the libido and semen quality of boars by using locally made low-cost portable wooden dummy sows. Methods: The study was conducted on 16 numbers of Large White Yorkshire (LWY) and Mizoram local Zovawk crossbred boars at the age of 10-12 months. The semen collection was done by using a homemade portable “wooden dummy sow” and steel made “fixed dummy sow.” The training was done every morning before feeding and semen was collected twice a week by using the gloved hand method when the boars mounted over the dummy sow by holding protruded and erected corkscrew end of the penis firmly. During collection, libido characteristics of the boars were recorded and semen quality was determined. Result: The duration of training taken by the boars for semen collection was significantly (P less than 0.01) less in portable wooden dummies. The sexual behaviour and other behavioural traits were better when boars were trained on a portable wooden dummy. The mean semen volume, sperm mass activity, pH and sperm concentration of LWY crossbred boar was not significantly different between fixed steel and portable wooden dummy. The percentage of initial sperm motility and intact acrosome of boar spermatozoa was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in portable wooden dummy. In conclusion, the homemade portable “wooden dummy sow” was found to be very effective for the training and collection of semen from breedingboars.

Effect of Adding Different Levels from Melatonin in Some Characteristics Semen of Broiler Breeder Male Ross308

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of melatonin in some of semen Characteristics and antioxidant status in male broiler breeder Ross308, from16/11/2017 to 30/1/2018.Atotal of 25 bird of Ross 308 broiler breeder males ,30 weeks' old were used in this study. The birds were randomly distributed into five group with five replicates each. Each treatment group constituted of 5 birds (1bird each replicate). the broiler breeder males administrated orally with capsules contain melatonin. Treatment groups were as following: T1: Birds fed the basal diet without any addition (control),T2: Birds fed diet supplemented with 15mg/kg of diet,T3: Birds fed diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg of diet,T4: Birds fed diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg of diet and T5: Birds fed diet supplemented with 60 mg/kg of diet. The result of the study revealed a significant decrease in the ejaculated volume, sperm's mass and individual motility and sperm concentration, With a significant increase in dead and abnormal sperm ratio. However, administration with melatonin at (60) mg/kg diet resulted in significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in glucose and total protein concentration of seminal plasma. Also adding melatonin with (15) mg/kg diet had significant improved in the antioxidant status. &#x0D; &#x0D;

Study the Physico-Morphologic Parameters of Neat Cryopreserved Murrah Semen

Artificial insemination with frozen – thawed spermatozoa was introduced in most of the developing countries more than three decades ago, yet it has not been successfully applied in large scale. More than 50% spermatozoa are usually injured during the cryopreservation process. Injuries caused by cryopreservation are more likely due to increasing solute concentration and the formation of intracellular and extracellular ice crystals during cryopreservation [54] leading to significant decline in semen quality and alterations in sperm morphometrix. Therefore, the present study was designed to study cryopreservation of buffalo semen and the effect of semen cryopreservation on determinant like semen fertility viz. physico-morphologic. Forty eight semen samples collected from eight Murrah buffalo bulls maintained at Central semen station, Bhopal were included in the study for the study of physico-morphological characters of neat and cryopreserved semen. The overall average of the eight bulls for neat semen volume mass activity, progressive motility, live %, sperm concentration, head, midpiece, tail, and total sperm abnormalities was 2.89±0.14, 3.64±0.07, 71.56±0.37, 86.22±0.66, 963.92±38.51, 5.58±0.28, 2.18±0.32, 2.09±0.21 and 9.85±0.23 %, respectively. There was significant (P<0.05) between bulls and ejaculate variation in semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm midpiece and tail abnormalities. No significant differences between bulls as, however, recorded in sperm mass activity, progressive sperm motility, live sperm percent, sperm head and total sperm abnormalities.

Functional morphology of the seminal receptacle of Mithrax, Mithraculus and Omalacantha spider crabs (Brachyura: Mithracidae)

Most Majoidea crabs display high sperm competition rates due to the development of spermatic strata within the seminal receptacle (SR). To verify the occurrence of sperm competition, SR anatomy and histochemistry analyses were performed in Mithrax hispidus, Omalacantha bicornuta, and Mithraculus forceps. The SR of the three Mithracidae species is classified into two regions, one of mesodermal origin (dorsal), consisting of a stratified epithelium with desquamation cells that produce a holocrine secretion, and the other, an ectodermal region (ventral) comprising a simple cubic epithelium covered by a cuticle. The oviduct opens in a ventral position near the transition region, which exhibits more pronounced folds on the opposite face of the oviduct, which may aid fertilization due to the presence of an external musculature. Sperm masses in a circular format were observed in the SR lumen, reminiscent of coenospermic spermatophores, and no morphological evidence strata of sperm packets were observed in any of the three studied species. The ventral SR followed the most common pattern observed in Majoidea. The secretion produced in the receptacle is composed of glycoproteins, with neutral polysaccharides. Acidic polysaccharides probably play a role against microorganisms from male seminal fluid. Due to the absence sperm packets, we were unable to determine whether the investigated females receive material from more than one male nor (if this does, in fact, occur) whether any preference for the spermatozoa of one male over another takes place during fertilization, that can may indicate the absence of sperm competition in the investigated species.

Peningkatan Produksi Semen Ayam Kampung Melalui Suplementasi Daun Kelor (Moringa oleifera)

Rural chickens are widely developed by artificial insemination methods, so good quality semen is needed so that fertility and hatching eggs are high. Moringa is famous as a "miracle" plant that contains high and complete nutrients. This study was conducted to examine the effects of moringa oleifera supplementation on chicken semen production. In this study used roosters aged about 1 year weighing an average of 2.0 kg as much as 15 tails divided into 5 treatments, each 3 repeats, each repeat consists of 1 tail. The first group of chickens were used as controls, not given treatment, only given basal feed (T0). The second group of chickens were given 1 gram of moringa leaf powder, every day (T1), group 3 chickens were given 2 grams of moringa leaf powder per day (T2). Furthermore, chickens in group 4 (T3) were given moringa leaf extract supplements of 0.1 ml per head per day were smoked daily and the 5th group (T4) was given moringa extract supplements as much as 0.2 ml were smoked daily. The variables observed were the volume of semen, the number of spermatozoa, motility, live sperm, sperm mass movement, color, viscosity and pH of the semen. Semen volume, the number of spermatozoa, motility and percentage of live sperm were analyzed with variance analysis using the spss series 25 program, while viscosity, color and pH were reported in a descriptive analysis. The results showed that chickens supplemented moringa leaves in powder form as much as 2 grams per day (T2) and extract as much as 0.2 ml per day (T4), showed a significant increase in cement volume (0.45±0.01 ml) (P&lt;0.05) compared to the volume of cement in chicken control which was only 0.29±00.07ml. Likewise, the concentration of spermatozoa, motility, live spermatozoa and movement of spermatozoa mass showed improvement in quality, but had no effect on the color, consistency and pH of semen. It can be concluded that supplementation of moringa leaves, both in the form of powder and extract can increase the production of chicken cement. Key words : Moringa oleifera , rural chicken, semen production

Subcellular patterns of SPE-6 localization reveal unexpected complexities in Caenorhabditis elegans sperm activation and sperm function.

To acquire and maintain directed cell motility, Caenorhabditis elegans sperm must undergo extensive, regulated cellular remodeling, in the absence of new transcription or translation. To regulate sperm function, nematode sperm employ large numbers of protein kinases and phosphatases, including SPE-6, a member of C. elegans’ highly expanded casein kinase 1 superfamily. SPE-6 functions during multiple steps of spermatogenesis, including functioning as a “brake” to prevent premature sperm activation in the absence of normal extracellular signals. Here, we describe the subcellular localization patterns of SPE-6 during wild-type C. elegans sperm development and in various sperm activation mutants. While other members of the sperm activation pathway associate with the plasma membrane or localize to the sperm’s membranous organelles, SPE-6 surrounds the chromatin mass of unactivated sperm. During sperm activation by either of two semiautonomous signaling pathways, SPE-6 redistributes to the front, central region of the sperm’s pseudopod. When disrupted by reduction-of-function alleles, SPE-6 protein is either diminished in a temperature-sensitive manner (hc187) or is mislocalized in a stage-specific manner (hc163). During the multistep process of sperm activation, SPE-6 is released from its perinuclear location after the spike stage in a process that does not require the fusion of membranous organelles with the plasma membrane. After activation, spermatozoa exhibit variable proportions of perinuclear and pseudopod-localized SPE-6, depending on their location within the female reproductive tract. These findings provide new insights regarding SPE-6’s role in sperm activation and suggest that extracellular signals during sperm migration may further modulate SPE-6 localization and function.

Using transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands for buck semen collection yields semen with greater cryoresistance than electroejaculation alone during the breeding season

The cryoresistance of bucks’ semen collected by transrectal ultrasound-guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) and electroejaculation (EE) was compared during the breeding season (Study 1) or the late non-breeding season (Study 2). Semen was collected from 10 Gabon bucks with both methods in each season and then frozen according to a standardized protocol. The time required for ejaculation, the number of electrical pulses applied, the sum of the electrical pulses applied∗voltage and the total number of vocalizations emitted during the collection by each animal were recorded. In Study 1, TUMASG required a longer time (P = 0.0006) but fewer electrical pulses and a lower sum of pulses∗voltage than EE (P < 0.0001 for both comparisons). Bucks vocalized fewer times during TUMASG than during EE (P < 0001). Semen collected with TUMASG had greater sperm concentration, sperm mass motility, total number of motile sperm and of sperm with progressive motility, and tended to have greater total number of sperm with functional membrane than semen collected with EE (P = 0.02; P = 0.003; P = 0.02; P = 0.02; P = 0.06, respectively). After the freezing-thawing process, sperm collected with TUMASG had a greater quality of the motility, a total number of motile sperm and sperm with progressive motility, a greater percentage of motile sperm and sperm with functional membrane, and tended to have a greater total number of sperm with normal morphology than semen collected with EE (P = 0.04; P = 0.04; P = 0.03; P = 0.02; P = 0.04; P = 0.06, respectively). In Study 1 sperm collected with TUMASG had greater cryoresistance for almost all the variables considered than when it was collected with EE. In Study 2, the number of electrical pulses and the sum of pulses∗voltage were greater with EE than with TUMASG (P < 0001; P = 0.0002, respectively). There were no differences in any sperm variable in fresh or thawed samples collected with TUMASG or EE. However, the other seminal characteristics evaluated did not differ according to the method, and there were no differences in the cryoresistance of any variable. Overall, TUMASG affected animal welfare less than EE and was suitable for collecting semen of good quality with high cryoresistance during the breeding season in buck.

Proteomic Changes Associated With Sperm Fertilizing Ability in Meat-Type Roosters.

The molecular basis of male fertility remains unclear, especially in chickens, where decades of genetic selection increased male fertility variability as a side effect. As transcription and translation are highly limited in sperm, proteins are key molecules defining their functionality, making proteomic approaches one of the most adequate methods to investigate sperm capacity. In this context, it is interesting to combine complementary proteomic approaches to maximize the identification of proteins related to sperm-fertilizing ability. In the present study, we aimed at identifying proteins related to fertility in meat-type roosters, showing fertility variability. Fertile roosters (fertility rates higher than 70% after artificial insemination) differed from subfertile roosters (fertility rates lower than 40%) in their sperm mass motility. Fertile and subfertile sperm protein contents were compared using two complementary label-free quantitative proteomic methods: Intact Cell MALDI-TOF-Mass Spectrometry and GeLC-MS/MS. Combining the two strategies, 57 proteins were identified as differentially abundant. Most of them were described for the first time as differentially abundant according to fertility in this species. These proteins were involved in various molecular pathways including flagellum integrity and movement, mitochondrial functions, sperm maturation, and storage in female tract as well as oocyte–sperm interaction. Collectively, our data improved our understanding of chicken sperm biology by revealing new actors involved in the complexity of male fertility that depends on multiple cell functions to reach optimal rates. This explains the inability of reductionist in vitro fertility testing in predicting male fertility and suggests that the use of a combination of markers is a promising approach.

Seasonality of the stress response in goat bucks when there is use of electroejaculation for semen collection

Electroejaculation (EE) is frequently used to collect semen, but this procedure is both stressful and painful. In seasonal-breeding species the sensitivity to stressors might vary with season of the year when semen collection occurs, therefore, the present study was conducted to compare the responses when imposing the EE procedure, stress response to EE and fresh semen characteristics in goat bucks throughout the year. Semen was collected using EE from goat bucks once in autumn (mid-breeding season), winter (transition to the non-breeding season), spring (non-breeding season), and summer (beginning of the breeding season). The number of pulses applied during ejaculation was larger in the autumn and spring than winter and summer months. The number of vocalizations/pulse while bucks were ejaculating was greater in the summer than winter and spring months. The increase in heart rate was greater in spring than summer months. Cortisol concentration was least in the autumn, and concentration of creatine kinase (CK) was greatest in summer. Sperm mass motility was greater in autumn than spring months. Spermatozoa concentration, total number of spermatozoa ejaculated, motile spermatozoa ejaculated, and progressively motile spermatozoa were greater in the autumn and spring than in the winter and summer months. The bucks were less stressed by imposing EE procedures in the autumn, and buck responses were greater in the spring-summer period. Bucks had a greater incremental increase in serum CK and number of vocalizations in the summer months, indicating there was a greater muscular damage and quite likely pain associated with lesser semen quality.

Decreased expression of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa with low sexual performance of mice induced by modified CUMS.

The molecular mechanism of chronic stress especially reduced motility, a major cause of male infertility, has not been proved. It is known that A-kinase anchor protein 4 (AKAP4) and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins are involved in progressive motility. This study aimed to investigate the effect of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) on sexual behaviours, sperm quality, and expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa. Sixteen male mice were divided into control and CUMS groups (n=8/group). Animals were induced by a stressor from twelve stressors for 36days. Sexual behaviours, corticosterone and testosterone, sperm parameters, and histopathology were observed. The expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa were examined. Results showed that CUMS significantly increased corticosterone while serum testosterone level was decreased. Sexual behaviours and sperm parameter quality were significantly decreased. CUMS mice showed vacuolisation and pyknotic cells in seminiferous epithelium and less sperm mass was observed within epididymal lumen. CUMS decreased expressions of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins in testis, epididymis, and spermatozoa. In conclusion, the decreased expression of AKAP4 and TyrPho proteins may be a mechanism associated with low semen qualities particularly decrease of sperm motility in CUMS.

Chemerin Impairs In Vitro Testosterone Production, Sperm Motility, and Fertility in Chicken: Possible Involvement of Its Receptor CMKLR1.

The chemokine chemerin is a novel adipokine involved in the regulation of energy metabolism but also female reproductive functions in mammals. Its effects on male fertility are less studied. Here, we investigated the involvement of chemerin in chicken male reproduction. Indeed, the improvement of the sperm of roosters is a challenge for the breeders since the sperm quantity and quality have largely decreased for several years. By using specific chicken antibodies, here we show that chemerin and its main receptor CMKLR1 (chemokine-like receptor 1) are expressed within the chicken testis with the lowest expression in adults as compared to the embryo or postnatal stages. Chemerin and CMKLR1 are present in all testicular cells, including Leydig, Sertoli, and germinal cells. Using in vitro testis explants, we observed that recombinant chicken chemerin through CMKLR1 inhibits hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) stimulated testosterone production and this was associated to lower 3βHSD (3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) and StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein) expression and MAPK ERK2 (Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2) phosphorylation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that chemerin in seminal plasma is lower than in blood plasma, but it is negatively correlated with the percentage of motility and the spermatozoa concentration in vivo in roosters. In vitro, we show that recombinant chicken chemerin reduces sperm mass and individual motility in roosters, and this effect is abolished when sperm is pre-incubated with an anti-CMKLR1 antibody. Moreover, we demonstrate that fresh chicken sperm treated with chemerin and used for artificial insemination (AI) in hen presented a lower efficiency in terms of eggs fertility for the four first days after AI. Taken together, seminal chemerin levels are negatively associated with the rooster fertility, and chemerin produced locally by the testis or male tract could negatively affect in vivo sperm quality and testosterone production through CMKLR1.

A Comparative Study of Semen Characteristics and Testosterone Concentration in Ram Breeds of Saudi Arabia

The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the semen characteristics, and testosterone concentration for three breeds raised under hot, desert conditions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 rams (Najdi, Naemi, and Harri) were used, aged 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months (ten rams from each breed in each age group). Body weight and testicular parameters were measured. In addition, testosterone concentration (TC), ejaculate volume (EV), sperm concentration (SC), total sperm output per ejaculate (TSO), live sperm percentage (LSP), sperm progressive motility (SPM) and sperm mass motility (SMM). The results show that TC and EV differed significantly (P less than 0.01) between breeds. At 36 months, semen characteristics (TSO, SMM and SPM) differed significantly among breeds. Naemi rams were superior to Najdi and Harri in terms of the mean live sperm percentage (LSP) for all age groups. These results may assist in ram selection for breeding programs based on high reproductive performance.

Review of the reproductive behavior and spermatophore morphology in the whip spider genus Heterophrynus Pocock, 1894 (Arachnida, Amblypygi), with description of new data and a new species

Whip spiders (Amblypygi) are a group of terrestrial arachnids that exhibit fascinating and unique behavioral habits. The genus Heterophrynus has a wide distribution in South America and since most of the species are morphologically (gross morphology) highly similar to each other there is a strong need of revision. To this purpose, we studied the spermatophore morphology, reproductive behavior and the detailed structure of the reproductive organs in selected members of the genus and evaluate the usefulness of this information for species discrimination. According to our investigation and data from the literature, the reproductive behavior of the observed species are, in most aspects, remarkably similar. Minor differences exist in specific behavioral patterns. The overall behavior is simpler than that in other whip spider genera since it lacks the numerous phases and behavioral patterns they exhibit. The most reliable difference among the concerned species involves the action of the male to modify the spermatophore head with the chelicera before the female takes up the sperm mass. The general schema of the entire spermatophore is quite similar within the genus Heterophrynus, but differences are apparent between the two proposed groups. For example, the sperm package carrier is either plate-like or curved oblong, and the entire sperm mass has different locations. However, the reproductive organs provide among the most reliable characters for distinct species discrimination, since they are formed by variously shaped lobes. Others are the ventral pedipalp spination groups and the ratio between pedipalp tibia length and carapace width. We thus strongly recommend the inclusion of these aspects and especially a detailed description of the reproductive organs in taxonomic works. In addition, a species from Columbia is described as new to science.

Reproductive anatomy and receptivity of the female Cyrtograpsus angulatus (Brachyura: Varunidae): Implications for the mating system

The study of the functional anatomy of the female reproductive organs of Brachyura is often used in the classification and establishment of phylogenetic relationships. Besides, it allows us to draw inferences about the reproductive strategies and mating systems of crabs. Using histology and scanning electron microscopy we assessed the reproductive biology of Cyrtograpsus angulatus females by studying: the vulvae morphology, the receptive period duration, the spawning capacity and its relation to the seminal receptacle weight or carapace width, and the anatomy of the seminal receptacle. The vagina was of the concave type with an operculate vulva whose hinge became mobile when the female was receptive. The presence of striae in the vulvae hinge were related to the carapace width and maturity stage. Receptivity occurred during the intermolt period and lasted from 5 to 7 days. The duration of receptivity was independent of the seminal receptacle weight. Large females had seminal receptacles full of sperm and more frequently spawned a brood of eggs compared to small females. The seminal receptacle showed a threshold filling capacity. The histological anatomy of the seminal receptacle corresponds to the general pattern described for other Brachyura. A ventral connection of the ovary to the seminal receptacle was found. The presence of an oviduct valve at the junction of the ovary and the seminal receptacle was evident in non receptive females, but not evident in receptive ones. The seminal receptacle contained an unstructured mass of sperm with no evidence of separate ejaculates. As a result, a female centered competitive mating system is suggested in this species.

Morphological diversity of the spermatozoon and male reproductive tract in Australian Hopping mice, genus Notomys – is it determined by sexual selection?

AbstractHopping mice (Genus Notomys) are a monophyletic group of Australian Old Endemic murid rodents in the Tribe Hydromyini four of which, Notomys alexis, N. mitchellii, N. fuscus and N cervinus, occur in arid or semiarid environments. Here, we compare the size and morphology of their testes, spermatozoa, accessory sex glands and external genitalia across the species, and from these data, we draw conclusions as to their likely breeding systems. We show that both wild caught and laboratory bred adult N. alexis, N. fuscus and N. mitchellii individuals have extremely small testes, but their spermatozoa vary in morphology across the species. The ventral prostate is the only large accessory sex gland present, and their glans penis has very large spines. By contrast N. cervinus individuals have significantly larger testes with their spermatozoa being less variable but generally more complex in morphology, their seminal vesicles and coagulating glands are much larger, whereas the glans penis has only small spines. Since these reproductive traits in N. cervinus are more similar to those of most other hydromyine rodents in the genus Pseudomys, they are likely to reflect the retention of the ancestral condition within the Notomys lineage whereas the divergent reproductive traits of the other species of tiny testes, variable sperm, small seminal vesicles and coagulating glands and large penile spines are probably more recently derived traits. It is suggested that N. cervinus with its relatively larger testes mass and greater abundance of sperm of more consistent morphology has retained a mating system that may potentially involve some intermale sperm competition whereas, by contrast, the reproductive anatomy of the other three Notomys species suggests that these species exhibit monogamy.