Individual Sperm Motility Research Articles

Effect of Addition of Zn, Cysteine, PGF2α and their Combination on Holstein Bulls Cooled Semen in vitro

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of addition of zinc sulphate, cysteine, Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) and their combination to the diluted semen on semen characteristics of Holstein bulls after different periods of cooling. The study was conducted on Artificial insemination Center/ Directorate of Animal Resources/ Ministry of Agriculture at Abu-Graib at the west of Baghdad during the period of Aug. 2019 to the Dec. 2019. Seven Holstein bulls were used, Aged between 2.5- 3 years. Semen was collected via Artificial Vagina one ejaculate per a week for three months. Fresh semen was evaluated which were of bad grand pooled semen were divided into 5 parts. The first part (T1) only diluted semen (Tris) serve as a control. The 2nd part (T2) added 0.576 mmol/ ml of zinc sulphate to diluted semen. The 3rd part (T3) added 5 mmol/ ml of cysteine to diluted semen. The 4th part (T4) added 37.5 pg/ ml of PGF2α to diluted semen to diluted semen. The 5th part (T5) added a combination of previous components to the diluted semen. Then the semen evaluated at 5C° after 24, 48 and 72 hrs. The results showed that the addition of zinc sulphate on cooled diluted semen have no significant difference between different periods in the percent of sperm individual motility. Addition of zinc sulphate and cysteine showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the percent of sperm liveability. The addition of a combination (zn sulphate, cysteine and PGF2α) showed a significant decrease (P<0.05) in sperm abnormalities percent especially at 5C°. The results also showed the addition of zinc sulphate and PGF2α increase the percent of HOST (Hypo-osmotic swelling test) of spermatozoa at 48 hrs. after cooling. zinc sulphate addition showed a significant increase (P<0.05) at 5C° during as comported with other cooled period in the HOST. The addition of zinc sulphate showed a significant increase in cell membrane integrity at 5C° cooled semen. It was concluded that addition of antioxidant and hormone might improve semen quality of Holstein bulls.

Eucalyptus Globulus protects against diclofenac sodium induced hepatorenal and testicular toxicity in male rats

The current study was conducted to investigate the protective properties of Eucalyptus globulus leaves methanolic extract (EGLME) against diclofenac sodium (DS) induced hepatorenal and testicular toxicity in male rats. A total of 40 rats were equally divided into 4 groups, Control, Diclofenac sodium (DS), EGLME and DS + EGLME groups, respectively. DS and EGLME were administered orally at dose rate 2.5 and 100 mg/kg BW, 4 times/week for 8 weeks, respectively. Administration of DS distorted hepatorenal functions manifested by alteration of serum levels of ALT, AST, total protein and albumin, creatinine and urea with changes of histological architectures. DS caused reproductive toxicity represented by minimized sperm count, individual sperm motility and viability; depleted concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in testicular tissue; and decreased testosterone level with alteration in testicular histological features. In contrast, co-treatment of DS intoxicated rats with EGLME protected rats against the adverse effects of DS revealing enhancing properties of EGLME on rats’ liver, kidney and testes. In conclusion, we demonstrated that EGLME had a potent protecting property against DS induced hepatic, renal and testicular toxicity in male rats, with special concern to testicular tissue via modulation of GSH as an oxidant marker. Taxonomy(classification by EVISE): Diclofenac sodium toxicity (hepatorenal and testicular toxicity), co-treatment with natural herbal extract, blood biochemical assays, tissue anti-oxidants assay, histopathology and reproductive indices analyses.

Sexual Behavior and its Relationship with Semen QualityParameters in Jaffrabadi Breeding Bulls

The present study was carried out on 80 ejaculates, 20 each from four healthy Jaffrabadi breeding bulls to see the relationship betweensexual behavior and semen quality parameters. The results depicted that the overall mean values of libido score, mating ability score andsexual libido score between bulls. The overall color of semen ranged from thin white to very thick creamy. The overall values for semen volume(ml), pH, sperm concentration (million/mL), mass activity, individual sperm motility (%) and live spermatozoa (%) were 2.99 ± 0.12, 6.80 ± 0.01, 1439.68 ± 48.46, 3.94 ± 0.03, 89.51 ± 0.21 and 95.00 ± 0.19, respectively. The values for semen volume, sperm concentration,mass activity (%) and live sperm (%) differed significantly (p less than 0.05) between bulls. There were significant positive correlations (p LESS THAN 0.01)of libido with mating ability, sexual behavior score and ejaculate volume of semen (r = 0.37 to 0.87), while a negative correlation wasfound with sperm concentration (-0.30). Mating ability was significantly (p less than 0.01) correlated with sexual behavior score and ejaculatevolume (0.78, 0.67), and sexual behavior was correlated with semen volume (0.84). Sperm concentration was significantly (p less than 0.05 correlated with mass activity (0.29), while individual sperm motility was positively (p less than 0.05) correlated with live sperm percentage (0.25).Correlations of libido, reflected the importance of sexual behavior of Jaffrabadi bulls in predicting their future utility as a proficient breeder under AI program.

Effect of Silymarin on Oxidative Stress Biomarker, Lipid Peroxidation and Reproductive Function of Diabetic Albino Rats

The present study was carried out in the animal house and laboratories of the College of Veterinary Medicine/ University of Basrah to investigate the oral administration of silymarin on oxidative stress biomarker, lipid peroxidation and reproductive function in alloxan induced diabetic of albino rats. After the period of acclimation, 32 male rats were divided into 4 equal groups with 8 animals in each as the following: Control group: Animals of this group administered distilled water, Silymarin group: administered silymarin (20mg/kg) dissolved in distill water orally by gavages. Alloxan treated (DM) group : were given alloxan intraperitoneal injection 150mg/BW, as single dose for induced diabetic mellitus and Alloxan + silmarin treated group : were injection alloxan intraperitonealy and then after 3 days, oral administered of (20 mg/kg bw ) silymarin . The experimental was continued for 45 day. At the end of the experiment, animals of each group were sacrificed, and blood samples were obtained for oxidative stress biomarker, Lipid Peroxidation and hormonal assessment and the caudal epididymis was then separated from the testicles for the evaluation of epididymal sperm characteristics, while the testes were kept in 10% neutral buffer-formalin for histopathological study. The results showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) , Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) , follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone, concentrations of DM group. On the other hand a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in epididymal sperm concentration, individual sperm motility, live sperm percentage and a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and sperm abnormalities percentage were recorded in DM group. Histopathological examination of the testes revealed marked suppression of spermatogenesis with absence of mature spermatocytes of DM group. Moreover DM groups treated with Silymarine showed normal oxidative biomarkers, hormonal concentration, epididymal sperm characteristics, and normal testicular tissues compare with control group.

Semen characteristics and seminal oxidative status of four breeds of rabbit in South\xa0west, Nigeria

BackgroundWithin the rabbit population in South West of Nigeria, four exotic breeds of rabbits consisting of Fauve de Bourgogne, Chinchilla, British Spot, and New Zealand White were evaluated for their reproductive response. This investigation was carried out within July and August, when the least temperature-humidity index (THI) (ranged between 23.41 and 25.30) is observed in Ibadan, South West, Nigeria, which depicts the highest thermal comfort in the study area. Thirty bucks per breed, housed individually and randomly allotted to experimental units, were used for this study. All bucks were made to serve an artificial vagina, libido was evaluated, and the collected ejaculates were assessed for semen characteristics, seminal biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress indices weekly for 4 weeks. Two ejaculates per buck were collected weekly. The first ejaculate for spermiogram and the second ejaculate was centrifuged at 4000 rpm for 15 min to separate seminal plasma and used for biochemical analysis using standard procedures.ResultThe result obtained revealed that sexual urge (reaction time) in the four breeds was similar statistically. British Spot and New Zealand White breeds despite recording a lower semen volume had apparently higher mass motility, individual sperm motility, and significantly higher (P < 0.05) sperm concentration compared with the other breeds. Genetic differences in breeds were evident in most oxidative stress markers, except for the total antioxidant activity of seminal fluid. New Zealand White had the highest antioxidant enzyme activity.ConclusionNew Zealand White had the best oxidative status among the four breeds, and this enhanced its semen quality parameters among the rabbit breeds.

The Motility and Ratio of X and Y Sperm Filial Ongole Cattle Using Different Sexed Semen Methods

Artificial Insemination (AI) using sexed semen produce sex of calf as expected. There are various methods of sexed semen has been found. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of sexed semen methods using egg white sedimentation and percoll density gradient centrifugation toward motility and ratio of X and Y sperm Filial Ongole Cattle. Semen was collected using Artificial Vagina (AV) from Filial Ongole Cattle, evaluated and then separated using egg white sedimentation and percoll density gradient centrifugation technique. Only fresh semen with a minimum of 70% individual motile sperm and 2+ mass motility used in this study. Andromed as a based extender was diluted using aquabidest with 1:4 ratio. The obtained data were analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and continued by Duncan test if there was significant or very significant different. The result showed that the sexing methods (non sexing sperm, upper and under fraction using percoll density gradient centrifugation, upper and under fraction using egg white sedimentation technique) had very significant effect (P<0.01) on motility (64.25±3.94%; 48.55±8.28%; 53±7.93%; 56.9±8.22%; 49.75±8.19% respectively) and significant effect (P<0.05) on the ratio of X and Y sperm. The ratio of X and Y using percoll density gradient centrifugation and egg white sedimentation methods for the upper fraction were 28.0±2.26%:72.0±2.26% and 77.5±1.26%:22.5±1.26%. The ratio of X and Y using percoll density gradient centrifugation and egg white sedimentation technique for the under fraction were 69.0±15.35%: 26.0±4.37% and 22.9±1.44%: 77.1±1.44%. The study concludes that the sexed with egg white sedimentation technique is better than percoll density gradient centrifugation on sperm motility and ratio of X and Y sperm.

Effect of Ginger Aqueous Extract on Some Reproductive and Antioxidant Parameters in Male Rabbits

The objective of the current study was to investigate the effect of ginger on the fertility of male rabbits, in order to get benefit of its useful effect on semen quality and the reproductive performances. Twenty adult male New Zealand white rabbits (5-6 months old) and weighing (3-3.5 Kg) were used. The bucks were divided into two groups; the control group (n= 10) and ginger treated group (n=10). The treated group received 200mg/Kg of ginger aqueous extract orally using stomach tube daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, semen was collected for analysis of; ejaculate volume, sperm motility, count and abnormalities. Sera were used for determination of testosterone level, Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde concentration (MDA). Histoological examination of testes and epididymis was performed. The obtained results revealed; no change in ejaculate volume, significant increase in the individual sperm motility, sperm count with a significant decrease in the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa in ginger treated group. A significant increase in testosterone level, TAC with a significant reduction in MDA concentration in ginger treated group . The histological examination of testes and epididymis showed accumulation of the spermatozoa in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules, increased epithelial cells height of the epididymis with overcrowded lumens with sperms in ginger treated group. . It could be concluded that ginger has a positive effect on the male fertility which could be attributed to the antioxidant and androgenic activity of ginger.

Semen quality, hormone profile and histological changes in male albino rats treated with Corchorus olitorius leaf extract.

Objective:In this study, the anti-fertility effect of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract (COLE) was evaluated in adult male rats.Materials and Methods: Forty rats assigned to 4 groups of 10 rats each, were orally given COLE for 28 days. Group 1 was the control group but groups 2, 3 and 4 were administered with 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, respectively and were considered the test groups. Blood collection from the animals was performed at the end of treatments and blood samples were used for reproductive hormone assays. Also, sperm sample quality was ascertained, and basic organs were evaluated histologically for all groups. Results:A significant fall in relative organ weights for the testes and prostate was observed following high-dose treatment (p<0.05). Sperm sample pH, and individual sperm motility, viability, progressiveness and concentration decreased, while total abnormalities increased following high-dose (1000 mg/kg) treatment (p<0.05). Serum concentration of FSH significantly increased at 500 and 1000 mg/kg dose levels while LH and testosterone concentrations were significantly higher than control at all dose levels (p<0.05) except estrogen which was higher than control at 250 and 500 mg/kg but lower at 1000 mg/kg dose level. Control testes showed intact histological architecture with mature spermatid density of 300 cells per tubule and well differentiated Leydig cells, while those animals treated with 250 and 500 mg/kg of the extract, were without significant pathology but had average spermatid densities of 200 and 280 cells per tubule, respectively. Significant azoospermia and spermatid density of only 30 cells per tubule and prostatic degeneration were seen in the group treated with 1000 mg/kg body weight of the extract. Conclusion:Consumption of high amounts of C. olitorius may inhibit reproductive functions in males.

Influence of season and climatic variables on testicular cytology, semen quality and melatonin concentrations in crossbred bucks reared under subtropical climate.

Seasonality in reproduction and effects of climatic variables on testicular cytology and semen quality in bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions were not well understood. In the present study, using testicular cytology, semen evaluation and melatonin concentrations assessed over a period of 1year, we report that bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions did not show seasonality in reproduction. Climatic variables including temperature, relative humidity, temperature-humidity index (THI), sunshine hours and day length were recorded daily during the whole period of experimentation (one complete year). Ejaculates were collected from crossbred (Alpine X Beetal) males (n = 6) biweekly using artificial vagina, and semen quality (volume, mass activity, sperm concentration, motility, viability, membrane integrity and protamine deficiency) was assessed. To understand the seasonal influence at testicular level, using fine needle aspiration biopsy method, testicular cells were aspirated and different types of cells and testicular cytology indices were quantified. Blood was collected biweekly for estimation of melatonin concentrations. Mass activity was higher (P < 0.05) during rainy season while individual sperm motility and sperm concentration were higher (P < 0.05) during rainy and autumn seasons as compared to other seasons. Sperm functional parameters did not show any differences during different seasons. Sertoli cell count, spermatogenic cell count and testicular indices did not differ among the seasons. Melatonin concentrations also did not differ significantly among the four seasons studied. Among the climatic parameters, THI had significant (P < 0.05) influence on sperm quality. The proportion of Sertoli cell in the testicular cytology had a significant and positive relationship with RH, THI and day length. It was concluded that seasonal variations are less evident in terms of spermatogenesis and semen quality in Alpine X Beetal crossbred bucks reared under subtropical climatic conditions.

Effect of adding aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis leaves and some other antioxidants to milk–based extender on post-cooling and post- cryopreservative sperm’s individual motility and live sperm percentage of Holstein bulls

This study was conducted to explore the effect of adding aqueous extract of Melissa officinalis leaves (AEMOL), some antioxidants and their combinations to the milk-based extenderfor increase on sperm's cells individual motility percentage on and live sperms percentage semen for Holstein bulls following different preservation periods. The study was executed at the Department of Artificial Insemination, Abu-Ghraib belong to the Directorate of Animal Resource, Ministry of Agriculture, during the period from October 2015 to February 2016 using ten Holstein bulls of 2.5-3 years old. Semen was collected via artificial vagina in one ejaculate per bull per week for the 7-week experimental period. Pooled semen was equally divided into ten groups within one experiment. In this experiment, AEMOL (0.062mg/100 ml; A2), WEMOL (0.031 mM) + 5 mM of vitamin C (A3), AEMOL (0.062mg/100 ml + 0.08 mM of Trolox (A4),AEMOL (0.062mg/100 ml + 100 IU of catalase (A5),100 IU of catalase (A6), 5 mM of vitamin C (A7), 0.08 mM of Trolox (A8), 0.2 mM of vitamin E (A9) and AEMOL (0.062mg/100 ml +0.2 mM of vitamin E (A10). The effect of these additives on semen characteristics of Holstein bulls for different preservation periods (cooling at 5◦C, 48 hrs., 1, 2 and 3 months post cryopreservation, PC) were studied. The A2 group exhibited greater (P≤ 0.01) sperm's cell individual motility, live sperm percentage, as compared with A1 group at all preservation periods. Greater sperm's cells individual motility, live sperm percentage noticed in A4 group in comparison with the A1 group at all preservation time periods. On the other hand, A5 group exhibited greater (P≤ 0.01) sperm's cell individual motility, live sperm percentage, as well as, adding of vitamin E alone (A9) or combined with AEMOL (A10) to milk-based extender had a positive (P≤ 0.01) effect in improving sperm's cell individual motility and live sperm percentage at all preservation time periods. In conclusion, adding of AEMOL as alone or combined with the other synthetic antioxidants to milk-based extenders had a crucial role in improving PC sperm's cell individual motility and live sperm percentage of Holstein bulls. This was reflected positively on increasing pregnancy rates of the inseminated cows.

English

The quality control of frozen semen samples from cattle is established by parameters such as percentage of progressive motility (% MP) because it is related to the fertilization capacity of bulls. Nowadays, sperm quality test is performed by direct visual inspection of sperm through a microscope in andrology laboratories. However, there is a high subjectivity in the observation and assessment depending on the observer; thus, causing unreliable diagnoses and non-repetitiveness in results. The development of a low cost computer tool was proposed to identify the individual sperm motility in cattle through the application of artificial vision algorithms. The methodology consisted of: the acquisition and pre-processing of videos obtained from thawed cryopreserved samples, the segmentation, filtering and detection of spermatozoa using the Fisher Discriminant Analysis and Adaptive Gaussian Models, followed by the assignment and construction of sperm trajectories through the Munkres Algorithm and Kalman Filter. Finally, the characterization and assessment of sperm motility parameters were performed based on the criteria present in computer-aided semen analysis (CASA) commercial systems. The results obtained showed high correlation for the individual sperm motility with a determination coefficient of 0.8143 for 10 different samples of bull sperm with respect to manual analysis. Likewise, a concordance coefficient of 0.966 was found in the 95% confidence interval using the Bland-Altman test, indicating that the measures were highly similar. In this way, the methodology is a reliable technological support that contributes to the improvement of quality control of semen samples from cattle. Key words: Sperm motility, track detection, fisher discriminant analysis, Gaussian models, Kalman filter

REPEATABILITY ESTIMATION OF SEMEN PRODUCTION AND QUALITY OF LOCALS MADURA CATTLE BREED (Bos indicus)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genetic and environmental factor on locals Madura cattle semen production and quality. A total of 2275 semen collections records from 11 bulls from 2012 to 2014 were analyzed to evaluate the genetic potency of semen productions. Genetic evaluation consists of repeatability estimation of semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility. Data were analyzed by HGLM (REML) with environmental factors of age, seasons, interval of semen collections, and frequency of ejaculations as fixed effect and bulls as random effect using GENSTAT 16th edition. Result showed that age and ejaculation frequency affect to all variables; interval of semen collections affected to both semen volume and sperm concentrations; while seasons only affected to sperm concentrations. Repeatability estimation of semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility were 0.376, 0.445 and 0.567 respectively. It was concluded that the quality of Madura bulls ejaculate less affected by environmental factors.

Effects of heat stress on some reproductive parameters of male cavie (Cavia porcellus) and mitigation strategies using guava (Psidium guajava) leaves essential oil

Climate changes, particularly the increase of temperature are among the main causes behind the decline of fertility in humans as well as animals. In this study, the effects of heat stress on some reproductive parameters of male cavies and mitigation strategies using guava leaves essential oil (GLEO) were studied. For this purpose, 40 male cavies aged 2.5–3 months and weighing between 348 and 446g were divided into 4 groups of 10 animals each and subjected to the following temperatures: Ambient temperature (20–25°C) for the control group, 35°C for group 1, 45°C for group 2 and 45°C+100µl GLEO/kg body weight, administered by gavage to animals for group 3. Exposure time of heat was 7h per day for 60 days. Results reveal that the relative weights of testes, epididymis, vas deferens and seminal vesicles were hardly affected by the temperature levels considered (P>0.05). The mass and individual sperm motility was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cavies exposed to the temperature of 35 and 45°C as compared with those which received GLEO and controls. The percentages of abnormal sperm and altered sperm DNA were higher in animals exposed to temperature of 35 and 45°C as compared with the controls. The activity of superoxide dismutase significantly increased (P<0.05) in animals exposed to temperature of 45°C and in those of 45°C and orally treated with GLEO, compared with cavies exposed to temperature of 45°C without receiving GLEO. The level of malondialdehyde was significantly increased (P<0.05) in animals exposed to temperature of 35 and 45°C, whereas the level of nitric oxide was significantly lower (P<0.05) in exposed animals as compared with controls. It was concluded that the exposure of male cavies at 35 and 45°C for 60 days induce heat stress that causes deterioration of sperm characteristics. These effects that can be mitigated by the administration of guava leaves essential oil.

Pure Egyptian Cattle Bulls Show both Individual Variation and Different Interaction with Extender in the Post-Thawing Sperm Parameters

Objectives: As very few studies were done on the freezability of pure Egyptian cattle bull sperm. So, we designed this study to evaluate the individual variations in freezability of native bull semen extended in Tris based diluent and sodium citrate-based diluent. Methods: Semen was collected by artificial vagina, examined at once in farm laboratory. Only semen samples fit the minimum parameters are extended in two extenders first the universal one (TRIS) and second modified Sodium citrate extender by adding glycerol (CU-16) which created at Cornell University to evaluate the individual bull variation and interaction between extender and bull. Results: Post-Thawing individual sperm motility, live, abnormal, acrosome integrity percentage was evaluated in addition to Hypo-Osmotic Swelling test (HOS). The highest value for motility, live abnormal and acrosome percentage were 44.00 ± 1.12, 52.25 ± 1.60, 21.25 ± 0.81 and 62.80 ± 2.58 from bull 2, 1, 3 and 2, respectively for semen extended in TRIS, and 42.25 ± 1.61, 52.00 ± 1.76, 22.15 ± 0.85 and 57.40 ± 3.07, from bull 1, 1, 4, 3, respectively for semen extended in CU-16. The results of HOS were 59.25 ± 1.76 and 55.95 ± 2.13 from bull 1 extended in TRIS and CU-16, respectively. Conclusion: A significant variation (p<0.05) in tested parameter was clear when semen extended in TRIS extender with the absence of such variation when semen extended in CU-16 except in live sperm percentage. With ignoring the extender effect a clear significant variations were detected between bulls in all tested parameters.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY BEE POLLEN AND MANNAN OLIGOSACCHARIDE ON SEMEN QUALITY IN RABBITS UNDER EGYPTIAN SUMMER CONDITIONS

The objectives of the present study were to verify the effect of using bee pollen and mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) in the feed mixture on semen quality and reduce the effect of lipid peroxidation of V-line rabbit buck semen during Egyptian hot summer season. A total number of 16 mature V line (VL) rabbit bucks 7-8 months-old of proven fertility with an average initial live body weight of 3.52±0.32 kg were classified into four homogeneous treatment groups of 4 bucks. Bucks were kept under a continuous 16 h light/8 h dark photoperiod and the ambient temperature ranged from 27.3 to 30.3 °C and relative humidity ranged from 72.8 to 75.4%. The estimated temperature-humidity index value indicated that during the experimental period rabbit bucks were exposed to severe heat stress. Four experimental diets were formulated to represent four dietary treatments. Bucks in the first treatment group were given the basal diet without supplementation and served as a control group, the second group was given 0.5 % MOS in their diet, while the third and fourth groups included bucks with supplementation of 0.1 and 0.2 % bee pollen in their diets, respectively. Results show that addition of 0.2 % bee pollen resulted insignificant decrease in semen hydrogen ion concentration (pH) as compared with the control and the other experimental feed additives. Addition of MOS, 0.1 and 0.2 % bee pollen significantly increased individual sperm motility, beside, these feed additives numerically increased ejaculate volume and sperm concentration as compared with the control group. Administration of 0.2 % bee pollen insignificantly increased live sperm percentage and mass activity by 13.2 and 27.4 %, respectively. Numerical increase in packed sperm volume (PSV) percentage amounted to 9.8 % due to administration of 0.2 % bee pollen. On the other hand, it was observed that MOS and bee pollen improved testosterone concentration and acrosome action percentage in comparison with the control group. Numerical decrease in seminal plasma MDA concentration, with significant increase in seminal plasma TAC due to MOS and bee pollen supplementation in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, results indicated that MOS and bee pollen improved semen quality and antioxidant status of rabbit bucks during Egyptian summer season.

Effect of genetic and environmental factors on semen productionand quality of Madura cattle in Indonesia

The indigenous Madura cattle semen production and quality were evaluated. Total of 2275 semen collection records from 11 bulls were analyzed to evaluate the genetic potency of semen productions. The genetic evaluation was described as an estimation of bull semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility. Data were analyzed by HGLM-REML with environmental factors of age, seasons, interval of semen collections and frequency of ejaculations as fixed effect. The result showed that the age and the ejaculation frequency affected to all variables; an interval of semen collections affected to both semen volume and sperm concentrations; and seasons only affected to sperm concentrations. Repeatability estimate of semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm individual motility were 0.376, 0.445 and 0.567 respectively. It can be concluded that the quality of ejaculate was less affected by environmental factors, supported by the good adaptation of indigenous Madura cattle under the local climatic conditions and management in the artificial insemination station.

QUALITY TRAITS OF FRESH, REFRIGERATED AND CRYOPRESERVED BUFFALO BULL SEMEN AND THEIR INTERRELATIONSHIPS

A study was carried out on semen ejaculates (40) of five healthy Surti buffalo bulls during favourable breeding season. The ejaculates with &gt;70% IM were diluted @ 100 million sperms/ml in Tris-fructoseegg yolk-glycerol (TFYG) diluent supplemented with L-cysteine @ 1 mg/ml, and examined for quality parameters such as sperm progressive motility, viability, morphology, acrosomal and plasma membrane integrity. A part of the extended semen was preserved at 5°C and another was processed for ultra-low temperature (-196°C) preservation in LN2 using biofreezer after filled in French mini straws. The mean values of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, mass activity (0-5 score), individual sperm motility, live sperm, abnormal sperm, intact acrosome and HOS reactive sperms observed in fresh semen were 3.04±0.11 ml, 963.05±50.97 million/ml, 2.97±0.06, 75.00±0.69 %, 88.22 ±0.48 %, 4.40±0.26 %, 93.67±0.31 % and 89.17±0.57 %, respectively. Just after dilution the percentages of progressively motile, live &amp; abnormal sperms, intact acrosomes and HOS reactive sperms were 80.51±0.65, 85.95±0.65, 4.92±2.20, 91.00±2.30, 85.72±0.67, respectively. The corresponding values after 48 hrs of refrigeration (5°C) were 61.75±0.85, 67.85±0.85, 6.45±0.27, 89.05±0.32, 67.30±0.96%, the values at pre-freeze stage (after equilibration) were 72.62±0.69, 78.97±0.93, 5.45±0.25, 90.90±0.35, 78.12±0.79% and at post-thaw stage (37°C/30 sec) 46.50±0.72, 52.97±0.79, 7.10±0.26, 85.73±0.18, 51.62 ±0.82%, respectively. The mean motile spermatozoa observed after 1, 2 and 3 h of post-thaw incubation at 37°C in water bath were 32.75±0.82, 18.88 ±0.70 and 8.88±0.66% (P&lt;0.01), respectively. The semen quality parameters, fresh and cryopreserved were acceptable for artificial breeding use. The seminal traits in initial, 48 hrs refrigerated, pre-freeze and post-thawed samples revealed significant (p&lt;0.01) interrelationships (r = 0.44 to 0.84) between progressive motile sperm, live sperm and HOST reactive sperm directing more emphasis on these quality parameters for better semen evaluation.

Comparative blood and seminal plasma oxidant/antioxidant status of Arab stallions with different ages and their relation to semen quality

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant/oxidant levels in blood serum and seminal plasma of Arab stallion with different ages and their relation to semen quality. MethodsHealthy Arabian stallions (n = 57), were divided into three groups. Young (5–10years), Moderate (11–16 years) and Old stallions (>16 years) were subjected to semen evaluation. Seminal plasma and blood samples were collected and stored at −20 °C for measuring glutathione reduced, nitric oxide, Malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, copper and zinc. ResultsOld stallions had significantly greater (P < 0.05) ejaculate volume, % live sperm, and total sperm number compared to young and moderate aged groups. The moderate age horses had significantly the lowest (P < 0.05) sperm concentration. Compared to young horses, serum zinc concentrations of moderate and old horses were significantly high (P < 0.0 001), but NO concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) low. Seminal plasma zinc, ascorbic acid and nitric oxide concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05 and 0.01) high in young stallion group. No significant correlations were observed between seminal zinc, copper, MDA and semen variables. Meanwhile, significant negative correlations were observed between seminal plasma ascorbic acid concentration and all semen variables except total sperm number and sperm abnormities %. Significant correlations were observed between reduced glutathione and both of sperm motility and % of live sperm. Nitric oxide concentrations correlated directly with individual sperm motility but adversely with total sperm number. ConclusionStallion age has significant effect on some semen variables, antioxidant/oxidant status of either blood serum or seminal plasma.

Feeding programs promoting daily feed intake stability in rabbit males reduce sperm abnormalities and improve fertility

Feeding programs promoting daily feed intake (DFI) stability in rabbit males could be useful to ensure successful coverage of their nutritional requirements and for continued production of quality semen. To evaluate two feeding systems designed to reduce DFI variability, 115 rabbit males at age 1.2 years were randomly assigned to three different treatments for 294 days: CS, animals fed ad libitum with a control diet (127-g starch and 281-g total soluble fiber [hemicellulose + soluble fiber] kg−1 dry matter); SF, males fed ad libitum with diet enriched in soluble fiber (86-g starch and 330-g total soluble fiber kg−1 dry matter); and R, animals fed with CS diet but daily restricted to maintenance requirements. Feed intake, body weight, body condition, and variability of DFI were controlled every 42 days, and individual semen volume and sperm motility, concentration, acrosome status, and abnormalities every 15 days. In six commercial farms, the number of females inseminated, pregnant and kindling, as well as the number of kits born alive, was registered for 15,893 inseminations with pooled semen from each treatment. DFI was significantly lower for R males than for the other treatments (on average, −12 ± 4 g/day; P < 0.001). Daily weight gain of R males was close to zero and significantly lower than in the other groups (−1.42 g/day; P < 0.001). Variability of DFI was significantly (P < 0.01) lower for R males (7%) than for males of dietary treatments CS (13%), with SF males showing intermediate values (11%). Semen from R males presented lower sperm abnormalities (−5.9%; P < 0.05) and higher percentages of normal and motile spermatozoa (−3.4% than SF males; P < 0.05). Dietary treatments formulated to reduce DFI variability (SF and R) led to an improvement of kindling to pregnant and kindling to insemination ratio (+0.039 and + 0.060 ± 0.015, respectively; P < 0.05) compared with CS treatment. In conclusion, a moderate restriction of rabbit males may be useful to fit their needs and provide a constant daily supply of nutrients, with some sperm morphologic characteristics being improved, as well as the fertility of their pooled semen.

Effect on post-cryopreserved semen characteristics of Holstein bulls of adding combinations of vitamin C and either catalase or reduced glutathione to Tris extender

This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of adding combinations of vitamin C to Tris extender with either catalase or reduced glutathione on post-cryopreserved semen characteristics of Holstein bulls for different preservation periods (cooling at 5°C, 48h, 1, 2 and 3 months post cryopreservation, PC). Seven Holstein bulls of 2.5–3 years of age were used in this experiment. Semen was collected via artificial vagina in one ejaculate per bull per week for the 7 week experimental period. Pooled semen was equally divided into three treatments using Tris extender. Combinations of vitamin C (2.5mM) were added with either catalase (100IU/ml, T2) or reduced glutathione (2mM, T3) to Tris extender and comparisons in response were made with the control group (Tris extender, T1). Individual sperm motility (IM), viability (V), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and acrosome integrity (AI) were assessed during all periods of the study along with Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and freezing ability. The IM was greater (P≤0.01) in the T2as compared with the T1 group at all periods of the study. Furthermore, the IM were greater (P≤0.01) in the T3as compared with the T1 group at the 48h time period and at 3 months PC. The V, PMI and AI were greater (P≤0.01) in T2 and T3as compared with the T1 group at all the experimental periods. The MDA was greater (P≤0.01) in the T2as compared with the T1 group at 3 months PC. In conclusion, there was improved semen quality if semen of Holstein bulls was collected and stored in combinations of vitamin C with either catalase (T2) or reduced glutathione (T3) being added to Tris extender.