Social rank does not affect sperm quality in male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 875 ◽  
Author(s):  
Femke Van den Berghe ◽  
Monique C. J. Paris ◽  
Zoltan Sarnyai ◽  
Michael B. Briggs ◽  
Robert P. Millar ◽  
...  

Sperm banking and AI could benefit endangered African wild dog conservation. However, it is unclear whether their dominance hierarchy causes a decrease in reproductive and sperm quality parameters in subordinate males that typically do not breed. In this study, we investigated the effect of social rank on male reproductive parameters, including faecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, prostate and testes volume, preputial gland size, semen collection success and sperm quality. Samples were obtained from captive males (prebreeding season: n=12 from four packs; breeding season: n=24 from seven packs) that were classified as alpha (dominant), beta or gamma (subordinates) based on the frequency of dominant versus submissive behaviours. In the prebreeding season, semen was successfully collected from all alpha but only half the subordinate males, with urine contamination (associated with lower rank) significantly reducing total and progressive motility, sperm motility index, normal sperm morphology and acrosome integrity. The breeding season was associated with a significant increase in faecal androgens, prostate and testis volume, as well as progressive motility and the total number of spermatozoa ejaculated. However, with the exception of prostate volume (mean±s.e.m: 12.5±4.5, 7.1±1.0 and 7.3±1.0cm3 in alpha, beta and gamma males respectively; P=0.035), all other reproductive and sperm quality parameters did not differ between males of each social rank. In conclusion, reproductive suppression of subordinate males appears to be behaviourally mediated, because males of all social ranks produce semen of similar quality, making them suitable candidates for sperm banking, particularly during the breeding season when sperm quality improves.

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 188
Author(s):  
F. Van den Berghe ◽  
M. C. J. Paris ◽  
Z. Sarnyai ◽  
M. B. Briggs ◽  
R. P. Millar ◽  
...  

Sperm banking and AI could benefit conservation of endangered African wild dogs (AWD). However, it is not clear whether their strict dominance hierarchy causes subfertility in subdominant males that typically do not breed. Our study investigated the effect of dominance on male reproductive parameters, including faecal glucocorticoids (fGCM) and androgens (fAM), testis and prostate volume, preputial gland size, semen collection success, and the number, motility, morphology, viability, acrosome integrity (PSA-FITC), and DNA integrity (TUNEL) of spermatozoa collected by electroejaculation. Samples were obtained from n = 12 captive AWD (4 US packs) in the pre-breeding season and n = 28 captive AWD (n = 11 from 4 US packs; n = 17 from 3 Namibian packs) in the breeding season. Male hierarchy was clearly determined by behavioural observations in all but 1 Namibian pack. Data were grouped by dominance status and means were compared by ANOVA or t-test; P ≤ 0.05 was significant. In the pre-breeding season, there was no significant difference in body weight, fGCM, fAM, or prostate and testis volume between dominance groups. Semen was successfully collected from all alphas but only half the subdominants; urine contamination was negatively associated with dominance. Sperm quality was low (17.3 ± 10.2% total motility, 12.8 ± 8.5% progressive motility, 27.4 ± 11.5 × 106 ejaculated spermatozoa, 40.6 ± 9.8% normal morphology, 63.1 ± 5.1% viability, 72.6 ± 5.2% acrosome integrity) with no difference observed in any parameter except progressive motility and normal sperm morphology, which were significantly lower in subdominants (27.7 ± 16.8% v. 0.0 ± 0.0% and 59.8 ± 13.0% v. 21.4 ± 5.7%). From pre-breeding to breeding season, testis and prostate volume increased significantly, particularly in beta and gamma males respectively. Prostate volume was higher in alpha than beta males (16.0 ± 6.4 cm3 v. 5.7 ± 1.4 cm3), but testis volume, body weight, fAM, and fGCM did not differ between dominance groups (12.0 ± 0.9 cm3, 28.5 ± 0.8 kg, 0.51 ± 0.07 µg g−1, and 30.6 ± 2.3 ng/g of dry weight). Semen was successfully collected from 75% of males with reduced urine contamination. Collection success, urine contamination, and preputial gland size were not associated with dominance. Sperm quality improved with significantly greater number, viability, and total motility. However, sperm quality did not differ between dominance groups (47.4 ± 6.7% total motility, 30.5 ± 5.8% progressive motility, 32.3 ± 9.2 × 106 ejaculated spermatozoa, 50.9 ± 5.2% normal morphology, 74.4 ± 4.2% viability, 85.6 ± 3.0% acrosome integrity, and 99.7 ± 0.1% DNA integrity). In conclusion, subdominant males are at higher risk of urine contamination and have lower sperm motility and normal morphology when semen is collected in the pre-breeding season. However, their semen is of similar quality to dominant males in the breeding season, indicating that reproductive suppression of subdominant males is only behavioural. Thus, AWD males of all social ranks in the breeding season are suitable candidates for sperm banking.


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Di Iorio ◽  
Giusy Rusco ◽  
Roberta Iampietro ◽  
Maria Antonietta Colonna ◽  
Luisa Zaniboni ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to find an effective cryopreservation protocol for turkey semen through the combined use of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and three non-permeant cryoprotectants (NP-CPAs), sucrose, trehalose, and Ficoll 70. In addition, the action of two dilution rates (1:2 and 1:4) were also investigated. Semen was processed according to two final dilution rates and the following treatments: Tselutin extender (TE)/DMSO (control), TE/DMSO + sucrose or trehalose 50, 100, 200, or 400 mM, and TE/DMSO + Ficoll 0.5, 0.75, 1, or 1.5 mM. In total 26 different combinations treatments were achieved. The diluted semen was filled up into straws and frozen on liquid nitrogen vapor. The post-thawing sperm quality was assessed by analyzing motility, membrane integrity, osmotic resistance, and DNA integrity. The results obtained revealed a significant effect of NP-CPA concentration on total and progressive motility, on most of the kinetic parameters, on membrane integrity and DNA integrity, while the post-thaw quality was less affected by dilution rate. The highest post-thaw quality for all sperm quality parameters assessed except curvilinear velocity (VCL) and DNA integrity were found in semen frozen with 1 mM Ficoll/1:4 (p < 0.05). Our findings provide an important contribution for the identification of a reference procedure for turkey semen cryopreservation, in order to create the first national avian semen cryobank.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 2050313X1983415
Author(s):  
José Arturo Mora Rodríguez ◽  
Leonardo M Porchia ◽  
Felipe Camargo ◽  
Esther López-Bayghen

Male patients suffering from oligoasthenoteratozoospermia typically failed to achieve pregnancy, even with assisted reproductive technologies. Growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 have been shown to regulate sperm quality parameters; therefore, the insulin-like growth factor 1 supplement could improve sperm parameters. Here, we determine the effect insulin-like growth factor 1 has on sperm parameters in a patient suffering from oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. A 47-year-old male was administered once a day 1.5 IU of insulin-like growth factor 1 by intradermal injection for 2 months. Seminogram analysis was performed before and after. Treatment with insulin-like growth factor 1 resulted in a 15.5-fold improvement in sperm concentration (1.1 × 106 vs 18.3 × 106 per mL), 71.4% change in volume (0.7 vs 1.2 mL), increased progressive motility (2% vs 43%), and the total volume of sperm with progressive motility (0% vs 23.6%). Here, we show that administering a daily dose of insulin-like growth factor 1 can improve sperm quality parameters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Qun Lan ◽  
Yingyu Xie ◽  
Jiahua Pan ◽  
Qiaohui Chen ◽  
Tianfang Xiao ◽  
...  

In the present study, we hypothesized that buckwheat honey (BH) should be regarded as a potential alternative to antibacterial and antioxidant agent in liquid storage of boar semen. To this end, boar semen was firstly studied for in vitro dose tolerability to BH by measuring sperm progressive motility. The optimum progressive motility of boar spermatozoa was observed in extender with 0.5% and 0.6% BH addition. Afterward, sperm quality parameters, bacterial profile and composition, total antioxidant (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of control, BH supplementation, antibiotics supplementation, and incorporated supplementation were compared during liquid storage period, to further investigate antibacterial and antioxidant properties of BH. The results showed that BH supplementation significantly improved sperm motility, acrosome integrity, plasma membrane integrity, inhibited opportunistic bacterial growth, and altered microbial compositions at the end of preservation. Additionally, T-AOC, SOD, and CAT levels were significantly higher in the BH supplementation group than those in the control and antibiotic supplementation group, whereas MDA level exhibited opposite change pattern. Importantly, BH addition to the extender was able to exert a synergistic effect in combination of antibiotic use. Our findings suggested that the appropriate concentrations (0.5% and 0.6%) of BH were added to the extender could act antibacterial and antioxidant roles in liquid preservation of boar semen.


Nutrients ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Danielewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Przybyłowicz ◽  
Mariusz Przybyłowicz

The etiology of diminished sperm quality in about 30% of male infertility cases generally remains unexplained. Some studies have suggested that specific nutritional factors can affect semen quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate an association between dietary patterns (DPs) and the risk of abnormal semen quality parameters in men. This cross-sectional study was carried out in 114 men aged 20–55 years from Poland. Semen parameters were assessed via computer-aided semen. Diet was assessed by a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DPs were derived using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Two DPs were derived: Pro-healthy and Western. After adjusting for potential confounders, the risk of abnormal progressive motility was significantly higher in the middle (OR: 2.89, 95% CI: 1.03–8.09) and upper (OR: 7.78, 95% CI: 1.52–15.06) tertiles of the Western DP. A trend for increased risk of the abnormal total count, progressive motility, and morphology (P-trend < 0.050) was found in Western DP. To conclude, the Western DP may increase the risk of abnormal semen parameters, whereas no association was found in the case of Pro-healthy DP. These findings stand in contrast to an increasing number of research findings indicating a positive relation between intake of healthy foods or diet and semen quality parameters. The results highlight the need to study whether modifications in diet and lifestyle factors improve semen quality.


Author(s):  
D. V. Chaudhari ◽  
J. A. Patel ◽  
K. K. Hadiya ◽  
A. J. Dhami

            The study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal influence (peak winter and summer) and the efficacy of three extenders (egg yolk based TFYG extender and egg yolk free soya bean based commercial extenders Optixcell and Andromed) on quality and freezability of Gir bull semen in Middle Gujarat. Semen ejaculates (6/bull/season, total36) revealed mean ejaculate volume 6.49±0.30 ml, sperm concentration1212.36±58.10 million/ml, progressive motility 74.17±0.78 %, live sperm 81.39±0.80 %, abnormal sperm 7.36±0.31 %, and sperm with intact plasma membrane 81.31±0.98 % and intact acrosome 94.81±0.24 %. Only the progressive sperm motility was significantly (P<0.05) higher(76.39±0.97 % vs. 71.94±1.00 %) with lesser sperm abnormality(6.17±0.37 % vs. 8.56±0.30 %) during winter than in summer. Semen samples split diluted with TFYG, Optixcell and Andromed extenders recorded the overall mean values of progressive sperm motility, livability, abnormality, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity during winter season as 77.87±0.51, 77.50±0.45, 5.56±0.20,76.02±0.81 and 94.35±0.29 on dilution; 72.41±0.51, 70.50±0.64, 5.96±0.26, 71.20±0.79 and 93.09±0.32 at pre-freeze stage; 41.30 ±0.94, 50.28±1.03, 9.15±0.31, 29.89±0.40 and 90.65±0.40 at post-thaw stage, respectively. The respective values in summer season were 72.13±0.60, 75.50±0.60, 7.48±0.25, 75.61 ±0.55 and 94.09±0.30 on dilution; 65.46±0.66, 69.41±1.05, 8.89±0.28, 69.70±0.66 and 92.63 ±0.33 at pre-freeze stage; 31.48±0.52, 45.09±0.85, 13.48±0.33, 26.85±0.71 and91.26±0.38 at post-thaw stage.  The overall mean sperm post-thaw motility/longevity at 0, 30, 60 and 120 min of incubation at 37°C was 41.20±1.51, 35.19±1.47, 28.80±1.75 and 17.50±1.47 % during winter season and 31.57±0.89, 26.20±0.77, 20.37±0.83 and 13.80±0.77% in summer season, respectively. The initial quality as well as freezability of semen in terms of motile, live, normal and HOS reactive sperm including post thaw longevity were better in winter season than in summer season. Further, the values of all the five semen quality parameters studied were comparatively better in Optixcell than TFYG and Andromed extenders with significant differences only in sperm progressive motility in both the seasons.The season x extender interaction was not significant for any of the sperm quality parameters studied.


Zygote ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-223
Author(s):  
Yu Xiao ◽  
Zhengmu Wu ◽  
Min Wang

SummaryThe effects of adding fulvic acids (FAs) to semen extenders on the quality parameters of frozen–thawed goat buck spermatozoa remain undetermined. Buck semen samples collected from six mature goat bucks once a week were diluted with Tris–egg yolk-based extenders. The diluted semen samples were supplemented with FAs (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%, w/w), cryopreserved, and evaluated for sperm-quality parameters. Addition of FAs to the extender increased progressive motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and decreased percentage abnormality and sperm malondialdehyde level compared with the control group. However, excessive FA addition (>0.4%, w/w) to semen extenders did not improve the efficiency. The results indicated that FAs could be a promising cryoprotectant for goat buck sperm.


2019 ◽  
Vol 200 ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Giriboni ◽  
Özdal Gökdal ◽  
Vadullah Eren ◽  
Engin Yaralı ◽  
Julián Santiago-Moreno ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iva Martincová ◽  
Ľudovít Ďureje ◽  
Stuart J. E. Baird ◽  
Jaroslav Piálek

AbstractSpermatogenesis is a tuned cascade of processes producing sperm; impairment of any phase of this process can affect fitness of males. The level of impairment can be pronounced in hybrids between genetically divergent populations. To explore the effect of hybridization on sperm quality we produced F1 hybrids from 29 wild derived strains of two house mouse subspecies, M. m. musculus and M. m. domesticus, which diverged 0.5 MY ago. The measured sperm quality traits did not significantly differ between intrasubspecific crosses. Effects of intersubspecific hybridization were dependent on sperm trait and cross direction. The proportion of sperm head abnormalities was increased in F1 intersubspecific hybrids. The frequency of dissociated sperm heads was increased in the M. m. musculus × M. m. domesticus (♀×♂) F1 but decreased in M. m. domesticus × M. m. musculus (♀×♂) F1 hybrids, with the difference in medians being more than 180%. We deduce that the dissociated sperm heads trait is associated with the X chromosome and modulated by interaction with the Y chromosome; nevertheless, the high proportion of unexplained variance (55.46 %) suggests the presence of polymorphic autosomal interactions. The reported differences in sperm quality between cross types may be highly relevant to male fitness in zones of secondary contact between the two subspecies. The cross direction asymmetry in frequency of dissociated sperm heads should favour the M. m. musculus Y chromosome. This is consistent with the spread of the M. m. musculus Y chromosome in nature across the hybrid zone between these two subspecies.


2012 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 27-40
Author(s):  
Igor Prka ◽  
Dragan Vukovic ◽  
Stevan Perkovic

In order to evaluate the results of reproductive cows and heifers, different parameters of fertility are used, such as the service period, insemination index, intercalving time and others, and of the breeding bulls the values obtained through non-return. An ejaculate is taken up for further processing by veterinary centres only provided it meets the prescribed quality parameters. Rating semen parameters includes a macroscopic (volume, colour, consistency, smell and pH) and a microscopic evaluation (mobility, density, percentage of live sperm and abnormal and damaged sperm). In addition to sperm quality and the fertility of the female animal, the results of the non-return method are also influenced by a number of exogenous causes (season, age, race, insemination techniques) that have no small impact on the end result of insemination - pregnancy. In order to obtain more objective results of the fertility of bulls the following tasks were undertaken, namely: 1. to calculate with the non-return method the fertility of bulls in over 10,000 cows inseminated for the first time during a period of 6 years; and 2. to analyze the impact of semen quality, season, age of cow and bull, and the bull breed on the results of fertility.


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