Fertility aspects in yearling beef bulls grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue pastures

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 479 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. M. Schuenemann ◽  
J. L. Edwards ◽  
F. M. Hopkins ◽  
N. R. Rohrbach ◽  
H. S. Adair ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Tall Fescue ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Endocrine Profiles ◽  
Beef Bulls

During a 2-year study, yearling beef bulls were used to determine the effects of grazing on endophyte-infected tall fescue on endocrine profiles, semen quality and fertilisation potential. Bulls were allotted to graze tall fescue pastures infected with Neotyphodium coenophialum (E+; n = 20 per year) or Jesup/MaxQTM (Pennington Seed, Atlanta, GA, USA; NTE; n = 10 per year). Bulls were grouped by scrotal circumference (SC), bodyweight (BW), breed composites and age to graze tall fescue pastures from mid-November until the end of June (within each year). Blood samples, BW, SC and rectal temperatures (RT) were collected every 14 days. Semen was collected from bulls every 60 days by electroejaculation and evaluated for motility and morphology. The developmental competence of oocytes fertilised in vitro with semen from respective treatments was determined. Bulls grazing E+ pastures had decreased BW gain (P < 0.01), increased overall RT (P < 0.01) and decreased prolactin (P < 0.01) compared with animals grazing NTE pastures. Neither percentage of normal sperm morphology nor motility differed between bulls grazed on the two pasture types. Semen from E+ bulls demonstrated decreased cleavage rates (P = 0.02) compared with semen from NTE bulls. However, development of cleaved embryos to the eight-cell and blastocyst stages did not differ between the two groups. In conclusion, semen from bulls grazing E+ tall fescue resulted in decreased cleavage rates in vitro, which may lower reproductive performance owing to reduced fertilisation ability.

Male traits and herd reproductive capability in tropical beef cattle. 2. Genetic parameters of bull traits

2013 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 101 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
B. M. Burns ◽  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
M. L. Wolcott ◽  
D. H. Corbet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Mass Activity ◽  
Percent Normal

A total of 4063 young bulls of two tropical genotypes (1639 Brahman and 2424 Tropical Composite) raised in northern Australia were evaluated for a comprehensive range of production and reproduction traits up to 24 months of age. Prior to weaning, peripheral blood concentrations of luteinising hormone (LH) and inhibin were measured at 4 months of age. At weaning (6 months) blood insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) and flight time were recorded. Body composition traits of fat depth and eye-muscle area were determined by ultrasonography at 15 months of age when additional measurements of liveweight, hip height and body condition score were recorded. Bull breeding soundness was evaluated at ~12, 18 and 24 months of age when measurements of scrotal circumference, sheath score, semen mass activity, progressive motility of individual sperm and percent morphologically normal sperm were recorded. Magnitude of heritability and genetic correlations changed across time for some traits. Heritability of LH, inhibin, IGF-I and of 18-month scrotal circumference, mass activity, progressive motility and percent normal sperm was 0.31, 0.74, 0.44, 0.75, 0.24, 0.15 and 0.25, respectively, for Brahmans and 0.48, 0.72, 0.36, 0.43, 0.13, 0.15 and 0.20, respectively, for Tropical Composites. Inhibin and IGF-I had moderate genetic association with percent normal sperm at 24 months in Brahmans but low to negligible associations in Tropical Composites. Body condition score in Brahmans and sperm motility (mass and individual) traits in both genotypes had moderate to strong genetic correlation with percent normal sperm and may prove useful candidates for indirect selection. There is scope to increase scrotal circumference by selection and this will be associated with favourable correlated responses of improved semen quality in both genotypes. The lack of genetic antagonism among bull traits indicates that selection for improved semen quality will not adversely affect other production traits.

261 HIGH NUTRITION DURING EARLY LIFE IMPROVES REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF HOLSTEIN BULLS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
A. Dance ◽  
J. Thundathil ◽  
R. Wilde ◽  
P. Blondin ◽  
J. Kastelic
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
Holstein Bulls ◽  
Dairy Bull

The objective was to determine effects of early-life nutrition on reproductive potential of Holstein bulls. Twenty-six bull calves were randomly allotted to 3 groups and fed ~70, 100, or 130% of National Research Council recommendations for both energy and protein from 2 to 31 wk; thereafter, all were fed a 100% diet (adequate vitamins and minerals were constantly available) until slaughter (72 wk). Growth rate, scrotal circumference, and paired testis volume were determined every 4 wk during the differential feeding period. Once scrotal circumference reached 26 cm, semen collection was attempted (to confirm puberty). Post-pubertal semen quality was monitored; once bulls were producing 70% morphologically normal sperm, semen was cryopreserved (programmable freezer). These semen samples (3 bulls per group and 3 ejaculates per bull) were used in an IVF system to determine the fertilizing ability of sperm and developmental competence of resulting embryos. In the low-, medium-, and high-nutrition groups, respectively, bulls were 369.3 ± 14.1, 327.4 ± 9.5, and 324.3 ± 11.7 days at puberty; their paired testes weights were 561.6 ± 23.1, 611.1 ± 59.1, and 727 ± 33.0 g; cleavage rates were 68.0 ± 8.7, 77.1 ± 3.5, and 68.7 ± 4.5%; and blastocyst rates were 31.5 ± 5.6, 41.4 ± 4.9, and 33.7 ± 4.6% (no significant differences among the 3 nutrition groups for rates of cleavage or blastocyst formation). We concluded that early-life supplementation of energy and protein hastened puberty (P < 0.05) and increased testicular size (P < 0.05), without compromising sperm fertilizing ability. Therefore, feeding dairy bull calves a high plane of nutrition early in life is recommended as a management strategy to improve their reproductive potential.

Influence of performance testing on reproductive performance of beef bulls

1992 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-30
Author(s):  
J. W. Wilton ◽  
M. R. McMorris
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Test Program ◽  
Improvement Program ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Subsequent Fertility ◽  
Beef Bulls ◽  
Calving Season

The fertility of beef bulls which completed performance test in the Ontario Bull Test Program was measured by classification of success as breeders according to surveys of consignors to test, by classification of satisfaction in surveys of users of tested bulls and by measurement of calf crop percentages and birth dates of progeny relative to herdmates in the Ontario Beef Herd Improvement Program. Consignors classified 3.0% of the 2556 bulls with completed information as unsuccessful breeders. Users rated 61.5% of the 411 bulls with information from the participant survey as very satisfactory and 4.5% as very unsatisfactory. The effects of end of test weight, gain index, backfat and scrotal circumference on calf crop percentage (cows calving relative to cows exposed), percent of calves born in the first 3 wk of the calving season, percent of calves born in the first 12 wk and satisfaction score were generally small and nonsignificant as tested within breed for 122 Angus, 451 Charolais, 632 Hereford, 575 Limousin and 501 Simmental bulls. In general, gain on test and end-of-test measurements were not found to have any association with subsequent fertility of bulls tested. There was no evidence that increased scrotal circumferences were associated with increased measures of productive performance nor that increased fatness, within the range included in the Ontario Bull Test Program, decreased reproductive performance. Key words: Fertility, genetic evaluation, scrotal circumference, backfat

P–011 Automated sperm morphology assessment using artificial intelligence technology

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Agarwal ◽  
M K Panne. Selvam
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Predictive Value ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Sperm Concentration ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Diagnostic Use ◽  
Normal Sperm

Abstract Study question Can LensHooke X1 PRO semen analyzer be used to evaluate sperm morphology in men with infertility? Summary answer Morphology results generated by X1 PRO are highly reliable when normal sperm forms are ≥4% and therefore they can be reported in such cases . What is known already Most laboratories rely on manual evaluation of sperm morphology smears, which is a time-consuming procedure and its results are subjected to a relatively high variability. However, in recent years the computer-assisted semen analyzers are being increasingly used to evaluate sperm morphology. The X1 PRO semen quality analyzer was designed for in vitro diagnostic use to analyze sperm concentration, total, progressive and non-progressive motility as well as sperm morphology based on WHO 5th edition criteria. Evaluation of sperm morphology using X1 PRO based on AIOM (Artificial Intelligence Optical Microscopic)-based technology requires no fixation steps or staining unlike the manual method. Study design, size, duration This cross-sectional study used 31 semen samples from 8 normozoospermic healthy volunteers and 5 infertile men with a minimum abstinence period between 2 - 3 days. While the 8 healthy semen donors produced a total of 26 ejaculates, which were split into 88 aliquots, the 5 infertile patients produced 5 ejaculates that were split into 13 aliquots. Participants/materials, setting, methods A total of 101 aliquots were prepared from the native semen samples either by dilution or concentration using seminal plasma of the respective donors. Automated semen analysis was performed by the X1 PRO semen analyzer and the results of sperm morphology were compared with manual morphology results using Diff-Quik staining. Statistical analysis was carried out to calculate the positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of X1 PRO semen analyzer. Main results and the role of chance The X1 PRO sperm morphology results show a weak non-significant (P = 0.2441) correlation (r = 0.119) with the manual results. However, X1 PRO demonstrated a high PPV (97.7%) and a low NPV (9.1%) for correct assessment of sperm morphology (≥4%) when compared to manual results. Due to its high PPV, laboratories can report the morphology results generated by X1 PRO in all such cases when normal sperm forms are ≥4%. However, a manual evaluation is necessary in patients with abnormal morphology (&lt;4%). Limitations, reasons for caution One of the limitation of this study is that X1 PRO morphology values did not correlate with manual results. The low NPV seen in our study is due to the inclusion of very few samples with abnormal sperm forms (&lt;4%) in the analysis. Wider implications of the findings: The X1 PRO’s combination of speed, ease of use, accuracy and portability makes it a good choice of device for small medical offices to large IVF centers. High PPV of X1 PRO allows it to correctly identify normal sperm forms for diagnostic use. Trial registration number 18–771

SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE, SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS, GROWTH PARAMETERS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS IN YOUNG BEEF BULLS

1985 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 789-798 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MAKARECHIAN ◽  
A. FARID ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Growth Parameters ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Three Samples ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Semen Characteristics ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Beef Bulls ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Daily Gain

The records of sixty-six yearling and 2-yr-old beef bulls selected for breeding in 1980 and 1981 were used to study the relationships between body weight (BW) and gain measurements, scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics in young beef bulls. The bulls belonged to four breed groups; Hereford, Beef Synthetic, Dairy Synthetic and Pee Wee. A week before the start of breeding season, the bulls were weighed and measured for scrotal circumference. A single prebreeding semen sample was collected by electro-ejaculator from each bull in 1980, while three samples (pre-, mid- and postbreeding) were collected by artificial vagina in 1981. The mean SC ranged from 31.3 cm in the Pee Wee to 38.6 cm in the Beef Synthetic, while SC per 100 kg BW was maximum in the Pee Wee (8.36%) and minimum in the Dairy Synthetic group (6.28%, P < 0.05). The relationship between BW and SC was linear within yearling and 2-yr-old bulls. Age did not have any effect on SC over and above BW within each age group. Preweaning daily gain accounted for a higher fraction of variation in SC compared to BW in all the breed groups except Dairy Synthetic. The relationships between BW, SC and feedlot daily gain with semen quality and quantity were positive but generally small (r < 0.30, P > 0.11). Semen volume and sperm motility had lower values and percent secondary abnormalities were higher in prebreeding compared with mid- or postbreeding samples. Repeatability estimates of the semen characteristics were generally low, ranging from 0 to 0.49. Key words: Beef bulls, scrotal circumference, semen characteristics, growth rate

scholarly journals Clinical significance of sperm morphology in male infertility treatment

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 127-132
Author(s):  
Yu.V. Olefir ◽  
◽  
D.M. Monakov ◽  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Male Infertility ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Intrauterine Insemination ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Vitro Fertilization ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Starting Point

Introduction. Sperm morphology is one of the most common tests in fertility practice. The interlaboratory variability is the main drawback of the method. The clinical significance of sperm morphology in assisted reproductive technologies is controversial. The aim of the review is to address this question. Materials and methods. The search of relevant publications was carried out in PubMed and e-Library databases using the keywords «male infertility», «sperm morphology», «teratozoospermia», «IUI», «IVF», «ICSI». Conference abstracts and dissertations were excluded from analysis and 56 publications were included in this literature review. Results. The small numbers of studies were evaluated to the effect of teratozoospermia on the likelihood of natural pregnancy. The pregnancy rate was higher in the group of couples with normozoospermia. In the couples with severe teratozoospermia pregnancies rate was also detected. The most studies did not reveal a statistically significant effect of tertozoospermia on the frequency of pregnancy during intrauterine insemination. The data about the influence of sperm morphology on in vitro fertilization are contradictory. Early studies showed a positive correlation between normal sperm morphology and frequency of conception, but these results were not confirmed in further studies. The most studies have not been revealed the correlation between normal sperm morphology male fertility status, clinical and live birth rate. Discussion. To date the spermatozoa mofophology studying remains the «starting point» ofa man's examination for infertility. However, the data available do not confirm its role in choosing the method ofassisted reproductive technologies or predicting their results. Conclusions. To date the role of sperm morphology on conceive and pregnancy frequencies in ART use is controversal. The data available does not confirm the value of this test as a proxy of higher pregnancy and birth of healthy child probability. The further studies are required to address this question.

scholarly journals 204 Relationships between semen quality and scrotal circumference, adiposity, and rumen conditions of developing bulls

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 31-32
Author(s):  
Jarret A Proctor ◽  
Nathan S Long ◽  
Connor K Biehler ◽  
Liesel G Schneider ◽  
Justin D Rhinehart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Quality Characteristics ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Rumen Temperature ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Rumen Ph ◽  
Normal Sperm ◽  
Semen Volume ◽  
Breeding Soundness

Abstract Growing concern over breeding soundness examination failures has led to increased interest in identifying factors that may influence semen quality of developing bulls. An experiment was conducted to evaluate relationships between semen quality and scrotal circumference, adiposity, and rumen conditions of Angus bulls (n = 48; 332 ± 47 d of age) that were developed over an 84-d period. Bulls underwent breeding soundness examinations at each of four 21-d intervals. Backfat thickness was measured on d 0 and 84, and rumen pH and temperature were continuously monitored throughout the experiment via rumen boluses (eBolus; eCow, Devon, UK). Simple linear regression was conducted (JMP 13.0; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) to determine independent relationships between semen characteristics and respective explanatory variables. Change in scrotal circumference between d 0 and 84 was directly related to change in percent morphologically-normal sperm (R2 = 0.12; P &lt; 0.05), but no other semen quality characteristics (P ≥ 0.17). Change in backfat thickness throughout the experiment tended to be inversely related to change in percent morphologically-normal sperm (R2 = 0.06; P &lt; 0.10), but was directly related to changes in semen volume (R2 = 0.10; P &lt; 0.05) and total sperm per ejaculate (R2 = 0.12; P &lt; 0.05), but not change in motility (P = 0.24). Mean rumen pH tended to be directly related to changes in semen volume (R2 = 0.07; P &lt; 0.10) and total sperm per ejaculate (R2 = 0.07; P &lt; 0.10), but not changes in motility (P = 0.28) or percent morphologically-normal sperm (P = 0.94). Mean rumen temperature was not related to any semen quality characteristics (P ≥ 0.15). Collectively, these results suggest that rumen pH, as well as changes in scrotal circumference and adiposity are related to and independently explain variation in semen quality of developing bulls.

Genetic correlations of young bull reproductive traits and heifer puberty traits with female reproductive performance in two tropical beef genotypes in northern Australia

2014 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 74 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. Johnston ◽  
N. J. Corbet ◽  
S. A. Barwick ◽  
M. L. Wolcott ◽  
R. G. Holroyd
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Reproductive Traits ◽  
Northern Australia ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Young Bull ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Reproduction Traits ◽  
Age At Puberty

Genetic correlations of young bull and heifer puberty traits with measures of early and lifetime female reproductive performance were estimated in two tropical beef cattle genotypes. Heifer age at puberty was highly (rg = –0.71 ± 0.11) and moderately (rg = –0.40 ± 0.20) genetically correlated with pregnancy rate at first annual mating (mating 1) and lifetime annual calving rate, respectively in Brahman (BRAH). In Tropical Composite (TCOMP), heifer age at puberty was highly correlated with reproductive outcomes from the first re-breed (mating 2), mainly due to its association with lactation anoestrous interval (rg = 0.72 ± 0.17). Scrotal circumference were correlated with heifer age at puberty (rg = –0.41 ± 0.11 at 12 months in BRAH; –0.30 ± 0.13 at 6 months in TCOMP) but correlations were lower with later female reproduction traits. Bull insulin-like growth factor-I was correlated with heifer age at puberty (rg = –0.56 ± 0.11 in BRAH; –0.43 ± 0.11 in TCOMP) and blood luteinising hormone concentration was moderately correlated with lactation anoestrous interval (rg = 0.59 ± 0.23) in TCOMP. Semen quality traits, including mass activity, motility and percent normal sperm were genetically correlated with lactation anoestrus and female lifetime female reproductive traits in both genotypes, but the magnitudes of the relationships differed with bull age at measurement. Preputial eversion and sheath scores were genetically associated with lifetime calving and weaning rates in both genotypes. Several of the early-in-life male and female measures examined were moderately to highly genetically correlated with early and lifetime female reproduction traits and may be useful as indirect selection criteria for improving female reproduction in tropical breeds in northern Australia.

scholarly journals Factors affecting the semen quality of breeding bulls

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 32-39
Author(s):  
S Tohura ◽  
A Parvin ◽  
AB Siddique ◽  
M Assaduzzaman ◽  
BF Zohara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Bull Semen ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Mass Activity

This study aimed to investigate the effects of breed, age, scrotal circumference, Body Condition Score (BCS), season and nutrition on bull semen quality at breeding bull station of Ejab Alliance Limited, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. A total of 777 ejaculates were collected from 25 bulls (Holstein-Friesian-10; Sahiwal-15). All semen parameters were significantly (P<0.05) higher in Sahiwal bulls than in Holstein-Friesian. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were significantly (P<0.05) higher in bulls aged >3.5 - 4.5 years than in younger (2.5 - 3.5 years) and older bulls (>4.5 years). Scrotal circumference significantly (P<0.05) affected all the parameters of semen quality. The highest values were observed in bulls with scrotal circumference 31.1 - 33.0 cm and the lowest in bulls with scrotal circumference of 33.1 cm and less. The volume, individual motility, mass activity and sperm morphology were higher (P<0.05) in bulls with BCS of 4 to 4.5 than in bulls with BCS of >4.5 to 5. Significantly (P<0.05) highest values regarding semen quality were in winter and the lowest in summer. Vitamin ADE supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the semen quality. It is suggested that Sahiwal breeds may be reared at the bull station in the subtropical climate of Bangladesh. Semen should be collected during winter in bulls of >3.5 to 4.5 years of age with moderate scrotal circumference and BCS. The Bangladesh Veterinarian (2018) 35(1&2): 32-39

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