Semen Volume Research Articles

Redox-regulation and anti-inflammatory system activation by quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-rich fraction from Spondias mombin leaves: biochemical, reproductive and histological study in rat model of dichlorvos toxicity

Abstract Objective This study was designed to investigate the redox-regulation capacity of Spondias mombin leaf fraction rich in Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (Q3G-RF) in rat model of dichlorvos (DDVP) toxicity. Method Male Wistar rats randomly allotted to six groups with 12 rats each were administered appropriate regimens orally – sunflower oil, Q3G-RF (100 mg/kg), dichlorvos (8.8 mg/kg), Q3G-RF (100 mg/kg) + dichlorvos (8.8 mg/kg), Q3G-RF (50 mg/kg) + dichlorvos (8.8 mg/kg), and Q3G-RF (100 mg/kg) + clomid (0.35 mg/kg) for groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Key findings DDVP reduced the SOD, CAT, GST, GPx, GR, QR, T-SH, GSH, TAC; ALP, ACP, glucose, sialic acid, 3- and 17-β-HSD, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, NO, MPO, caspase 3; sperm functions; testosterone, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone/estradiol ratio; organ-body weight, body weight, without altering semen volume and semen pH but increased the morphological abnormalities number of sperm cells in head, neck, and tail; level of lipid peroxidation, cholesterol and H2O2 relative to control animals. Co-administration with Q3G-RF or clomid revoked dichlorvos effect relative to the control. Conclusion Q3G-RF reversed the induced oxidative stress and inflammation as well as suppressed sperm function and reproductive parameters caused by dichlorvos, suggesting the exploration as a therapeutic agent in managing male fertility disorders.

Effects of Date Palm Pollen Supplementations on The Expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 Genes in Infertile Men: A Controlled Clinical Trial.

Accumulating evidences suggest that date palm pollen (DPP) induces antioxidant activity and improves semen parameters in male rats. However, there is a few scientific evidences in support of the DPP effects on human male fertility. Hence, the effect of oral consumption of DPP on sperm parameters and expression pattern of Peroxiredoxin- 1 (PRDX1) and Peroxiredoxin-6 (PRDX6) genes was evaluated in men with infertility. The current controlled clinical trial included 40 men with infertility (DPP group) and 10 normospermic fertile men as controls. The DPP group received gelatinous capsules of DPP (400 mg/kg) for 74 days. Semen sampling was done before and after treatment in the both groups. Semen analysis and 8-isoprostane concentration assessments were performed by computer-assisted sperm analysis and ELISA methods, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were employed to explore expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 genes. DPP consumption significantly improved semen volume (P=0.030), count (P<0.001) and morphology of sperm (P=0.023). Concentration of 8-isoprostane was significantly decreased after intervention in the DPP group (P<0.001). DPP consumption led to a significant elevation in the expression of PRDX1 and PRDX6 genes (P<0.001). Elevated gene expression of PRDX6 and PRDX1 was positively correlated with improved parameters of sperm including count, volume, motility and morphology. Taken together, DPP seems to promote sperm quality through a decrease in reactive oxygen species (ROS) by increasing expression of antioxidant genes. Further large-scale studies are required to challenge this hypothesis (registration number: IRCT2015021221014N2).

Sperm competition experiments reveal low prezygotic postmating isolation between parasitic and nonparasitic lamprey ecotypes.

The role of postmating sexual selection as a potential reproductive barrier in speciation is not well understood. Here, we studied the effects of sperm competition and cryptic female choice as putative postmating barriers in two lamprey ecotypes with a partial reproductive isolation. The European river lamprey Lampetra fluviatilis is anadromous and parasitic of other fish species, whereas the brook lamprey Lampetra planeri is freshwater resident and nonparasitic. We measured sperm traits in both ecotypes and designed sperm competition experiments to test the occurrence of cryptic female choice. We also performed sperm competition experiments either at equal semen volume or equal sperm number to investigate the role of sperm velocity on fertilization success. We observed distinct sperm traits between ecotypes with a higher sperm concentration and a lower sperm velocity for L. planeri compared with L. fluviatilis. The outcomes of sperm competition reflected these differences in sperm traits, and there was no evidence for cryptic female choice irrespective of female ecotype. At equal semen volume, L. planeri males had a higher fertilization success than L. fluviatilis and vice versa at equal sperm number. Our results demonstrate that different sperm traits between ecotypes can influence the male reproductive success and thus gene flow between L. planeri and L. fluviatilis. However, postmating prezygotic barriers are absent and thus cannot explain the partial reproductive isolation between ecotypes.

Impact of smoking and alcohol intake in semen profile among infertile men

In the modern stressful lifestyle, habits such as smoking and drinking alcohol are reported to increase the likelihood of fertility issues in adults who are of reproductive age. Moreover, there has been rapid rise in male infertility and 50% of the infertility cases are related to male partners. In this context, here we investigated whether smoking and drinking alcohol have an effect on the semen profile of infertile male patients in terms of seminal oxidative stress and male accessory gland function. A total of 327 men with infertility issue were grouped into four categories according to their smoking and drinking habits viz. smokers, moderate drinkers, heavy drinkers, and abstainers. The participants were investigated for clinical, semen, oxidative stress parameters, and male accessory gland function. The mean of sperm with normal morphology and the level of NOS scavenging activity decreased in smokers compared to abstainers. Heavy drinkers were found to have the lowest normal morphological sperms in comparison to moderate drinkers and abstainers. Interestingly, moderate drinkers showed lower mean sperm concentration, progressively motile sperm, and NOS scavenging activity. The level of seminal citric acid and semen volume had a substantial positive association, according to Pearson’s correlation analysis. The above findings suggest that smoking and excessive drinking lowers sperm with normal morphology, while moderate drinking reduces sperm concentration and progressively motile sperm. Therefore, it will be a better strategy for the infertile couples to modify few life style habits to improve their fertility.

Bladder Neck Obstruction: Experience and Management in a Sperm Bank.

Primary Bladder Neck Obstruction (PBNO) management provides medical and surgical treatment, such as transurethral incisions that can lead to retrograde ejaculation. The aim of this study was to investigate the maintenance of anterograde ejaculation and semen quality before and after this surgical procedure. A retrospective evaluation was carried out between 2011 and 2020. A total of 73 patients diagnosed with PBNO were recruited. Ejaculatory function, semen quality, and the fertility of recruited subjects were evaluated. Semen parameters-Baseline, 8.2% of patients were oligozoospermic and 12.3% had a semen volume below the WHO 2010 fifth percentile. Post-surgery, 20% of patients were oligozoospermic. We detected a significant decrease in total sperm number, a significant increase in the number of abnormal forms, and a reduction in the leukocyte concentration. Ejaculatory function-A total of 7.7% of patients reported anejaculation after transurethral incision of the bladder neck. Fertility-9.2% of the patients already had children before surgery; 13.8% had naturally conceived children in the years following surgery; 76.9% had no desire for paternity at the time. Our data have important implications for sperm bank management. The alterations in semen parameters and the risk of anejaculation suggest that the use of sperm cryopreservation before surgery for PBNO should be encouraged.

KORELASI LINGKAR SKROTUM TERHADAP KUANTITAS DAN KUALITAS SEMEN PEJANTAN SAPI PERAH FRIESIAN HOLSTEIN DI BBIB SINGOSARI KABUPATEN MALANG

This research aims to determine whether there is a correlation between the quantity of scrotal circumference and quality of semen from Friesian Holstein cattle at the Singosari Center for Artificial Insemination, Malang. The sample used for the fresh semen of Friesian Holstein cattle was 5 cows. The variables observed were scrotal circumference, semen volume, acidity (pH), spermatozoa motility, spermatozoa abnormalities, and spermatozoa concentration. The data were analyzed by using Ms. Excel, and also showed a correlation between scrotal circumference and semen volume r = 0,07, scrotal circumference with pH r = -0,15, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa motility r = 0,73, scrotal circumference with abnormal spermatozoa r = -0,72, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa concentration r = 0,03. Thus, the results obtained were very low correlation between scrotal circumference with semen volume and spermatozoa concentration, strong correlation between scrotal circumference and spermatozoa motility, and no correlation between scrotal circumference with pH and spermatozoa abnormality

KORELASI LINGKAR SKROTUM TERHADAP KUANTITAS DAN KUALITAS SEMEN PEJANTAN SAPI SIMMENTAL di BALAI BESAR INSEMINASI BUATAN SINGOSARI KABUPATEN MALANG

This study aims to find out whether there is a correlation between scrotal circumference to the quantity and quality of Simmental cow semen at the Singosari Malang Artificial Insemination Center. The sample used in the form of fresh cement simmental cows amounted to 16 heads. The variables observed are scrotal circumference, semen volume, pH, spermatozoa concentration, spermatozoa motility, and spermatozoa abnormalities. The data analyzed using Ms. Excel, and showed a correlation between scrotal circumference and cement volume r = 0,6943, scrotal circumference with pH r = 0,1645, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa concentration r = -0,3029, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa motility r = -0,1155, scrotal circumference with spermatozoa r = -0,1642 abnormality. Thus, there is a strong correlation between scrotal circumference and semen volume, a very low correlation between scrotal circumference and pH, and there is no scrotal circumference correlation between spermatozoa concentration, spermatozoa motility, and spermatozoa abnormality.

Sigara Kullanımının Varikoselektomi Sonrası Semen Parametreleri Üzerine Olumsuz Etkileri

The negative effects of varicocele and smoking on infertility are known. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on the healing process after varicocelectomy. 378 male patients who have undergone varicocelectomy operation were included in the study. Patients were divided into three groups as non-smokers, patients, who smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day, and patients who smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Semen analysis of the patients before varicocelectomy operation and three months after varicocelectomy operation were evaluated and semen volume, sperm concentration and sperm motility were evaluated according to WHO (World Health Organizations) guidelines. Patient age changed between 16 and 52 and the mean age was 27.20±6.74. When cigarette usage was evaluated, it was determined that 52.82% of patients (n=220) were non-smokers, 13.8% of patients (n=52) smoke less than 10 cigarettes per day and 28.0% of patients (n=106) smoke 10 or more cigarettes per day. Improvement in sperm concentration and motility rates after varicocelectomy was determined to be lower in 10 or more cigarette smoking group compared to other groups. It is shown that cigarettes play a negative role in recovery process after varicocelectomy operation.

How Well Do Semen Analysis Parameters Correlate with Sperm DNA Fragmentation? A Retrospective Study from 2567 Semen Samples Analyzed by the Halosperm Test.

Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) levels have been measured in the workup for in vitro fertilization (IVF) at PIVET since 2007, with the Halosperm test having replaced the previous sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) since 2013. Of 2624 semen samples analyzed for the Halosperm test, 57 were excluded as the sperm concentration was <5 million/mL, a level too low for accurate testing, leaving 2567 samples for assessment within this study. The SDF rates were categorized in 5 sperm DNA fragmentation indices (DFI), ranging from <5% to levels >30%, and these categories were correlated with the respective semen analysis profiles and two clinical parameters, namely the age of the male and the ejaculatory abstinence period prior to the sample. The results showed a significant correlation with male age (r = 0.088; p < 0.0001), the abstinence period (r = 0.076; p = 0.0001), and the semen volume (r 0.063; p = 0.001), meaning an adversely high SDF was associated with advanced age, prolonged abstinence, and raised semen volume parameters. There was a significant negative correlation with sperm morphology (r = -0.074; p = 0.0001), progressive motility (r = -0.257; p < 0.0001), and semen pH (r = -0.066; p < 0.001), meaning these semen anomalies were associated with high SDF values. With respect to abnormal morphology, sperm tail defects had a positive correlation (r = 0.096; p < 0.0001) while midpiece defects showed a negative correlation (r = -0.057; p = 0.004), meaning that tail defects are most likely to associate with adverse DFI values. With respect to motility patterns, the poorer patterns showed a positive correlation with increased DFI, namely C pattern (r = 0.055; p = 0.005) and D pattern (r = 0.253; p < 0.0001). These results imply that raised DFI reflects poor sperm quality and should be investigated in clinical trials involving IVF and the consideration of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on semen quality of uninfected men

BackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide since its discovery in December 2019. Research published since the COVID-19 outbreak has focused on whether semen quality and reproductive hormone levels are affected by COVID-19. However, there is limited evidence on semen quality of uninfected men. This study aimed to compare semen parameters among uninfected Chinese sperm donors before and after the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic-related stress and lifestyle changes on uninfected men.ResultsAll semen parameters were non-significant except semen volume. The average age of sperm donors was higher after the COVID-19 (all P < 0.05). The average age of qualified sperm donors increased from 25.9 (SD: 5.3) to 27.6 (SD: 6.0) years. Before the COVID-19, 45.0% qualified sperm donors were students, but after the COVID-19, 52.9% were physical laborers (P < 0.05). The proportion of qualified sperm donors with a college education dropped from 80.8 to 64.4% after the COVID-19 (P < 0.05).ConclusionAlthough the sociodemographic characteristics of sperm donors changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, no decline in semen quality was found. There is no concern about the quality of cryopreserved semen in human sperm banks after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sperm concentrations do not correlate with semen parameters and hormone profiles in males recovered from COVID-19.

Although the negative impact on fertility of men recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been suggested, there is insufficient evidence, and the data are limited and contradictory. The present prospective study aimed to evaluate the sex-related hormones, semen parameters, erectile dysfunction (ED), and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a cohort of men who recovered from COVID-19 and age-matched control men. Semen samples were collected from twenty-two men recovered from COVID-19 with a median time of 91.5 days and thirty-six control males. The semen parameters were evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory manual to examine and process human semen. The blood samples were collected to assess the male hormone profile. ED and LUTS were evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), respectively. The follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) (3.819±1.515 IU/L), luteinizing hormone (LH) (4.023±1.792 IU/L), prolactin (PRL) [12.60 (10.72-15.20) ng/mL], and testosterone (T) [4.345 (3.565-5.525) ng/mL] levels were at normal range in all males enrolled in the study. Levels of semen volume (control: 2.5 mL vs. COVID-19: 1.9 mL; P<0.05) and sperm concentration (control: 59×106/mL vs. COVID-19: 41.5×106/mL; P<0.005) were significantly lower in males recovered from COVID-19, but still technically well within normal regardless of WHO edition. All variables were examined through logistic regression analysis, demonstrating that only sperm concentration was an independent variable associated with men recovered from COVID-19 [odds ratio (OR) =1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.999-1.098; P=0.016]. According to correlation analysis, there was no correlation between sperm concentration and other semen parameters and sex-related hormone profiles. Furthermore, an absence of ED and LUTS in men who recovered from COVID-19 was evidenced using the IIEF-5 and IPSS, respectively. Reproductive-age males recovered from COVID-19 have normal sperm concentration. Sperm concentration did not correlate with other semen parameters, sex-related hormones, IIEF-5, and IPSS. Further studies should be performed to evaluate whether the lower sperm concentration and semen volume that were still within the normal range are a transient or prolonged downregulation resulting from the COVID-19 attack.

Impact of testicular cancer stage on semen parameters in patients before orchiectomy.

To study the impact of testicular cancer composite stage and histology with semen parameters in preorchiectomy cryopreservation samples. We retrospectively collected semen parameter data, composite stage, and tumor histology for patients who cryopreserved sperm prior to orchiectomy for testicular cancer between 2006 and 2018. Stage I was considered localized disease, and Stages II and III were considered metastatic disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2010 semen parameter criteria was used to characterize lab values as normal or subnormal. Categorical and continuous variables were compared using Fisher's exact and Mann Whitney U tests, respectively. Thirty eight patients with testicular cancer underwent preorchiectomy cryopreservation. The median age (IQR) of our cohort was 27 (23-32). Four patients (11%) had azoospermia. No significant differences were found in these semen parameters between Stage I and Stage II/III patients or between seminoma and NSGCT patients. Per WHO 2010 criteria, 7 patients (18%) had abnormal (below reference range) semen volume, 18 patients (47%) had abnormal total sperm counts, and 9 patients (24%) had abnormal motility percentage. Abnormal semen parameters were not significantly associated with tumor histology or stage. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that semen parameters are similar across all stages of testicular cancer. Prior studies have shown that delaying orchiectomy to cryopreserving sperm does not negative affect oncological outcomes. As a result, regardless of staging or histology, sperm banking should be recommended for patients with both localized and metastatic testicular cancer.

Comparison of reproductive performance of Gembrong goats and male Boerka goats

&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective: &lt;/strong&gt;This study aims to compare the reproductive performance of Boerka goats and Gembrong goats.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The research was conducted at the Sei Putih Slaughter Goat Research Workshop in Deli Serdang, North Sumatra. In this study, male Boerka (n=3) and Gembrong (n=3) goats, aged 3 years and having the same average Body Condition Score (BCS) of 3.83±0.29, were used. Reproductive performance observed included scrotal circumference, libido score, and semen quality macroscopically (volume, color, odor, and consistency) and microscopically (concentration, motility, viability, and abnormalities). The data collected was tabulated and analyzed by t test.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;Of all the parameters of reproductive performance examined, it is known that only the parameters of semen volume (ml) and sperm concentration (x106 cells/ml) showed a significant difference (P&amp;lt;0.05) between Gembrong goats vs. Boerka goats with values of 0.50±0.0 vs. 1.0±0.20 and 1.557±712 vs. 4.500±317.65, respectively, while the other parameters did not show a significant difference (P&amp;gt;0.05).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="MDPI17abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; It was concluded that the volume and concentration of Boerka goats were higher than Gembrong goats.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and L-Arg on reproductive performance of aged male broiler breeders

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary supplementation of tomato pomace (TP) and L-arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on sperm characteristics, reproductive performance, and semen biochemical components of aged commercial male broiler breeders. Thirty Ross 308 male broiler breeders (58 wk old) were provided and assigned to 5 dietary treatment groups, including control (CON), 5% TP (TPS-5), 10% TP (TPS-10), 15% TP (TPS-15), and L-Arg supplemented (10% above the recommendation, LAS-10). The results indicated that the semen volume increased in the TPS-15 group compared to that of the LAS-10 (and CON on wk 9) throughout the study (P < 0.05). The sperm concentration significantly increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to the other experimental groups. On wk 5 and 7, the sperm viability increased in all TPS groups compared to the CON and LAS-10, while on wk 9, it only increased in the TPS-10 group in comparison to the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The hypo-osmotic swelling test decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups on wk 5 and all TPS groups on wk 7 and 9 (P < 0.05). The sperm total motility and forward progressive motility decreased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, unprogressive motility and immotile sperms were increased in the LAS-10 group compared to the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the sperm penetration and fertility rate increased in TPS-10 and TPS-15 groups in comparison to CON and LAS-10 groups (P < 0.05). However, hatchability was reduced in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05). The semen adenosine triphosphate increased in TPS-10, TPS-15, and LAS-10 groups compared to the CON (P < 0.05). Finally, the semen TAC and superoxidase dismutase decreased in the LAS-10 group (P < 0.05), while the glutathione peroxidase increased in the TPS-15 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, 15% dietary TPS is recommended to improve the reproductive performance of aged commercial male broiler breeders.

Effect of Non-Genetic Factors on Seminal Traits of Indigenous and Crossbred Bulls under Semi-arid Climatic Conditions

The study was conducted at Post Graduate Institute of Veterinary Education and Research (PGIVER), Jaipur, Rajasthan, India during July–December 2020 to evaluate the effects of non-genetic factors on semen characteristics of bulls. The data of 4608 ejaculates during the period of 2017–2020 from Tharparkar and its cross with Holstein, Jersey and its cross with Sahiwal cows was maintained at Frozen Semen Bank (FSB), India. The Semen characteristics were recorded and stored in Information Network for Animal Productivity &amp; Health (INAPH) application maintained at FSB and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). The average semen volumes were estimated as 4.18±0.02 ml. Non-genetic factors viz. season, period, breed, ejaculation order and age of bulls showed significant effects on various semen parameters. Higher estimates of semen concentration, motility, Total Ejaculation Volume (TEV) and Post-thaw Motility (PTM) were recorded in Jersey Sahiwal crossbred bull whereas semen motility was observed as higher for Tharparkar bull. Seasonal analysis revealed that winter and autumn were favorable seasons for higher quantity and quality semen production. Age wise analysis presented significantly increased values with the increasing age except semen motility. Non-genetic factors under semi-arid climatic conditions revealed significant effects on semen characteristics of exotic, crossbred and indigenous genotypes and need to be accounted for quality semen production in a semen production centre. Present findings indicate that Jersey Sahiwal cross bulls were found better for quality semen production under semi-arid climatic condition than exotic and other crossbreed bulls.

Modified Palomo Procedure Is an Effective Intervention for Improving Serum Testosterone Levels and Semen Parameters in Patients With Varicocele: A Prospective Study.

A varicocele can be defined as an abnormal venous dilatation and/or tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus. It is generally reported that varicoceles are present in 15% of the general male population and 35% of men as a cause of primary infertilityand in up to 80% of men as a cause of secondary infertility. Differences in venous drainage anatomy between the left and right internal spermatic veins, venous valve incompetence resulting in venous blood reflux, and increased hydrostatic pressure are the most commonly cited theories. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques are in use for treating patients with varicocele. Here we used a modified Palamoprocedure to treat the patients and observed the outcome. A total of 40 patients with varicocele were recruited for the study. A preoperative evaluation, along with serum testosterone levels and semen analysis, was done. A modified Palomotechnique was used to treat varicocele. A postoperative follow-up with serum testosterone levels and semen analysiswas done to observe improvement. The mean (±SD) left testis size, right testis size, testosterone, sperm concentration, sperm vitality and sperm progressive motility were found statistically significantly higher in patients after surgery as compared to patients before surgery (p<0.05). However, there was statistically insignificant mean difference in semen volume between patients before surgery and patients after surgery (p>0.05). Modified Palomoprocedure can be used to treat varicocele with good improvement in serum testosterone levels and semen parameters.

Semen Quality of the First and Second Ejaculates Collected from Breeding Inactive Stallions after Cooling and Freezing

This study aimed to assess the semen quality after the cooling and freezing of the first and second ejaculates of the season, which were collected 1 h apart. After collection (n = 40 ejaculates), the gel-free semen volume, concentration, total number of sperm, and sperm morphology were determined. An aliquot of each ejaculate was extended and cooled for 48 h; a second aliquot was cushion-centrifuged and cooled for 48 h; and a third aliquot was processed and then frozen. The total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) were assessed pre-(0 h), 24 h, and 48 h post-cooling and before and after freezing. The second ejaculate had a lower gel-free semen volume (p = 0.026). The sperm concentration was greater in the first than in the second ejaculate (p < 0.001). The sperm morphology was similar between the ejaculates (p > 0.05). Cushion-centrifugation prevented a reduction in the TM, PM, and PMI over time (p < 0.05). The TM, PM, and PMI decreased after freezing but not between the ejaculates (p > 0.05). The first and second ejaculates of the season, which were collected 1 h apart, varied in quantity but not in quality after cooling and freezing.

Correlation analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation index with semen parameters and the effect of sperm DFI on outcomes of ART

Routine semen analysis provides limited information about a man’s male reproductive potential and can not always fully explain male infertility. Many male infertilities are caused by sperm DNA defects that routine semen quality analyses fail to detect. In this study, we analyzed the association of sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI) with the semen routine, sperm morphology, in vitro fertilization embryo transfer (IVF-ET)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Further, we explored the predictive value of sperm DFI in evaluating male fertility and the outcome of IVF-ET/ICSI. Data on sperm DFI, sperm routine, and sperm morphology were collected from 1462 males with infertility. According to DFI levels, there were 468 cases in group I (DFI ≤ 15%), 518 cases in group II (15% < DFI < 30%), and 476 cases in group III (DFI ≥ 30%). The correlations of sperm DFI with semen routine and malformation rate were analyzed. Seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were assessed. Sperm DFI, semen routine, and sperm morphology were detected in male patients of 101 pairs of IVF-ET/ICSI infertile couples and subdivided into IVF-I group (DFI ≤ 15%), IVF-II group (15% < DFI < 30%), IVF-III group (DFI ≥ 30%), ICSI-I group (DFI ≤ 15%), ICSI-II group (15% < DFI < 30%) and ICSI-III group (DFI ≥ 30%) according to DFI value. The effect of sperm DFI on the outcome of IVF-ET/ICSI was analyzed. There were significant differences in sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR% between groupIII and group II (P < 0.01). There were significant differences in sperm survival rate, sperm concentration and PR% between group III and group I (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in semen volume, age, abstinence days, or percentage of normal sperm between the three groups (P > 0.05). DFI was positively correlated with MDA content ( P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with TAC (P < 0.01). Sperm DFI was negatively correlated with sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR% (P < 0.01). There was no correlation with age, abstinence days, semen volume, or percentage of normal-form sperm (r = 0.16, 0.05, 0.04, -0.18, p > 0.05). Compared with IVF-I group, the sperm concentration and PR were decreased in IVF-III group. The sperm malformation rate was higher in IVF-III group than that in IVF-II group. Comparatively, the PR was decreased in ICSI-III group. The sperm malformation rate was higher in ICSI-III group than that of the ICSI-I group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo rate, and clinical pregnancy rate between IVF group or ICSI group, and between all subgroups (P > 0.05). Sperm DFI is negatively associated with sperm survival rate, sperm concentration, and PR%. Antioxidants can decrease the rate of DNA fragmentation. Sperm DFI has proven to be very valuable in the male fertility evaluation, but its significance as a predictor of pregnancy outcomes following assisted reproductive technology. (ART) requires further investigation.

Non-genetic effects and repeatability estimates of semen production traits in Murrah buffalo bulls.

The objectives of this study were to determine the repeatability estimates and the effect of ejaculate, season, period, age, and bull on semen production traits in Murrah buffalo bulls maintained in an organized semen station. A data set comprising 54,268 ejaculates from 76 Murrah buffalo bulls collected across 12 years were analyzed. The analysis of variables included non-genetic factors as the fixed effects and bull as the random effect. The repeatability was estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method (REML) using WOMBAT program. The overall least-squares means for semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm/ejaculate, mass activity, individual motility, post-thaw motility, and frozen semen straws/ejaculate were 2.65 ml, 1222.04 million/ml, 3030.10 million, 2.64, 67.45%, 51.73%, and 128.80 doses. The repeatability estimates were 0.27, 0.25, 0.22, 0.28, 0.34, 0.27, and 0.23, respectively. The studied non-genetic factors influenced (P < 0.01) all seminal traits. Likewise, variation (P < 0.01) due to individual bull was also observed. The first ejaculate was superior in terms of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm/ejaculate, and frozen semen straws than the second ejaculate. The south-west monsoon and summer seasons were the best seasons with better semen quality and frozen semen production. Compared to the remaining periods, during Period V (2014-2016), greater values for most seminal traits were found. Bulls above 8 years of age expressed higher semen production than the younger bulls below 4 years, whereas the best performance was observed in the age group of 12 years and above. The repeatability estimates were low to moderate ranging from 0.22 for total sperm/ejaculate to 0.34 for individual motility. A significant (P < 0.01) positive correlation was observed between the seminal traits except the negative correlation in semen volume and total sperm/ejaculate. It was concluded that all the non-genetic factors considered in this study exerted influence on studied seminal traits. Therefore, appropriate management practices can be applied to improve semen quality and quantity.

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.