154 REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY AND FOLLICULAR DYNAMICS IN THE PRZEWALSKI'S HORSE

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
C. W. Collins ◽  
S. L. Monfort ◽  
M. M. Vick ◽  
R. B. Weiss ◽  
D. E. Wildt ◽  
...  

Artificial insemination has served as a valuable tool for the genetic management of small, isolated populations of several wildlife species (Pukazhenthi B et al. 2004 Development 16, 33–46). The overall aim of the present project was to develop a successful protocol for AI in the Przewalski horse (Equus ferus przewalskii), which is formally listed on the IUCN Red List as “extinct in the wild.” Achieving the long-term goal requires a series of requisite studies to improve our fundamental understanding of reproductive biology in this rare species of equid; therefore, our specific objectives in the present project were to (1) characterize ejaculate traits and examine the influence of seasonality in stallions; and (2) determine the follicular dynamics in mares. Stallions (n = 7) were anesthetized and subjected to a standardized electroejaculation procedure (Collins CW et al. 2006 Anim. Reprod. Sci. 94, 46–49). Testicular volume (TTV) and seminal traits [total sperm concentration (TSC), and total (TM) and progressive sperm motility (PM)] were assessed once each season (winter, January to March; spring, April to June; summer, July to September; fall, October to December) for 1 year, with data analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Mares (n = 8) were examined by ultrasonography in a specialized chute system 3 days/week during breeding season (April to June) over 3 years. At each examination, ovarian structures [size of the dominant follicle and presence of corpora lutea (CL)] were assessed. Values for total ejaculate volume (mean ± SEM, 33.0 ± 22.2 mL), sperm motility (TM, 58 ± 19%; PM, 49 ± 18%), and TSC (2.8 ± 0.3 × 109) were highly variable among individuals. Seasonality significantly (P < 0.05) influenced TSC, which was highest in summer (4.41 ± 0.09 × 109) compared with spring (2.7 ± 0.5 × 109), fall (1.7 ± 0.4 × 109), and winter (2.5 ± 0.4 × 109). Season had no influence on TTV or other seminal traits (P > 0.05), with motile sperm being recovered at all ejaculation attempts. Ultrasonography revealed that the reproductive cycle of the Przewalski mare was composed of two phases. The follicular phase (4.3 ± 2.2 days; range, 3 to 7) was characterized by the presence of one dominant follicle that grew at a rate of 2.9 ± 0.2 mm (range, 1–6 mm) per day and ovulated at a size of 43.8 ± 1.5 mm in diameter (range, 30–57 mm). The luteal phase was distinguished by the presence of a CL that was sustained and evident on the ovary for 12.2 ± 3.3 days (range, 9–15) before regression. In summary, the basic reproductive physiology of the Przewalski horse is comparable with the domestic horse, including the ability of stallions to retain year-round spermatogenesis and ovarian follicular dynamics (including number, size, and growth rate) in the mare. These data allow us to suggest that established protocols for AI in the domestic horse (including estrus induction) likely will have relevance to adapting this technology to the genetic management of the rare Przewalski horse. Morris Animal Foundation (Grant No. D07ZO-403), Sichel Endowment Fund, Smithsonian Endowment Fund, Animal Management staff at CRC and The Wilds.

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 217
Author(s):  
A. E. Crosier ◽  
L. L. Marker ◽  
J. G. Howard ◽  
B. S. Pukazhenthi ◽  
J. N. Henghali ◽  
...  

Wild cheetahs are threatened with extinction, and ex situ populations are not self-sustaining due to poor reproductive efficiency. Sperm cryo-preservation is a valuable tool for genetic management; however, increased knowledge of ejaculate traits is essential to improve cryopreservation protocols. The objective of this study was to characterize ejaculate traits of wild-born cheetahs in Namibia, Africa. Specifically, the influences of animal age, season and captive status on electroejaculate volume, sperm concentration, motility, forward progressive status (FPS scale 0-5, 5 = best), morphology, and acrosomal integrity were evaluated. Animal age was divided into categories: juvenile (14-24 mo; n = 16 males, 23 ejaculates), adult (25-120 mo; n = 76 males, 175 ejaculates), and aged (over 120 mo; n = 5 males, 5 ejaculates). Namibian seasons were divided into hot-wet (Jan-Apr), cold-dry (May-Aug) and hot-dry (Sep-Dec). Cheetahs were considered wild-caught (n = 29 males; 44 ejaculates) if trapped on farmland d30 days before semen collection. Raw ejaculates contained 69.0 � 1.1% motile sperm (mean � SEM) and 73.6 � 1.5% sperm with intact acrosomes. Overall, 18.4 � 0.9% of sperm were morphologically normal, with midpiece abnormalities being the most prevalent defects (?39%). To determine treatment differences, data were analyzed by General Linear Model procedures and means were separated with Duncan's multiple-range test. Juvenile cheetahs produced ejaculates with reduced (P < 0.05) sperm motility (56.7 � 3.3%) and FPS (2.9 � 0.1) compared to adult (69.8 � 1.4% and 3.4 � 0.1, respectively) and aged (78.9 � 6.7% and 3.7 � 0.3, respectively) animals. Ejaculates from juvenile animals also had reduced (P < 0.05) volume (0.69 � 0.3 mL) and fewer (P < 0.05) total motile sperm (7.1 � 9.3 � 106) compared to adult (2.2 � 0.1 mL and 42.3 � 4.1 � 106) and aged (2.3 � 0.6 mL and 23.5 � 20.0 � 106, respectively) males. For all ejaculates combined, seminal quality was poorest during the hot-dry season with lower (P < 0.05) sperm motility and intact acrosomes as well as an increased (P < 0.05) percent of sperm with head abnormalities. Ejaculates from captive cheetahs (n = 68 males, 159 ejaculates) had increased (P < 0.05) volume (2.0 � 0.2 mL) and intact acrosomes (80.1 � 3.6%), but lower (P < 0.05) sperm density (14.3 � 3.9 � 106/mL) than wild-caught animals (1.5 � 0.3 mL, 71.9 � 4.6%, and 24.1 � 5.1 � 106/mL, respectively). These are the first large-scale data acquired to examine the reproductive biology of male cheetahs in Namibia, including those recently captured from the wild. Results reveal that this species demonstrates seasonal and age-based variations in ejaculate quality, and that all individuals (including those recently derived from the wild) produce unusually high proportions of pleiomorphic spermatozoa. These data are being used to select the ideal donor age and season during which spermatozoa should be collected for addition to a genome resource bank, thereby enhancing effective genetic management for cheetahs propagated ex situ.


2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. I. Derar ◽  
H. A. Hussein

The objective of the current study was to describe follicular dynamics in Egyptian Jennies throughout the estrous cycle. In this experiment, 8 estrus cycles in 8 cyclic Jennies were studied from February to June using ultrasonography. The result revealed that one follicular wave per cycle was recorded throughout the studied period. Dominant follicle (DF) was firstly detected at day in Jennies. The growth rate of DF was  mm/day. Left ovulations were nonsignificantly () more than right ovulations (55.6% versus 44.6%). The CL was firstly detected at D , developed in a rate of  mm/day, reached a maximum diameter of  mm at D , and started to regress on D with a mean regression rate of  mm d-1. Results of the present study indicated that Jennies had one follicular wave per cycle. The Day of the cycle has a significant effect on the number of different classes of the ovarian follicles, but not large ones. Ultrasonographic characteristics of the preovulatory follicles could be useful to predict ovulation. CL developed and regressed in a slow rate.


2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-107
Author(s):  
Sadiq Abu ◽  
Hadijat O. Kolade-Yunusa ◽  
Terkaa Atim ◽  
F. Ehimatie Obakeye ◽  
Nuhu K. Dakum

Background: Infertility is a major cause of marital disharmony in Nigeria because of the high premium placed on childbearing. Unfortunately, the blame is on the woman most times in Nigeria. Seminiferous tubules comprise 80-90% of testicular mass. Thus, the testicular volume is an index of spermatogenesis. Therefore, accurate testicular volume will help in assessing testicular function if there is no obstruction. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between testicular volume, measured by ultrasound and conventional sperm parameters (semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility and sperm morphology) in men with infertility presenting to Urology Division, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada Abuja. Methodology: This was a descriptive cross sectional study, male subjects with infertility presenting to University of Abuja Teaching Hospital were recruited into the study. The testicular volume of all the subjects was measured by ultrasonography. The semen samples were collected by the process of masturbation on day five of sexual abstinence and analyzed according to WHO criteria 2010. Collated data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. P-value<0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The average total testicular volume (TTV) of men with infertility was 19.83 ml while mean testicular volume (MTV) was 10.24 ml. There was a statistically significant difference between MTV and semen volume (r=0.391, p=0.000), and sperm concentration (r=0.639, p=0.000). There was a weak and insignificant correlation between MTV and sperm motility and MTV and morphology (r=0.216, p=0.055 and r=0.076, p=0.502) respectively. Linear regression analysis showed significant impact of MTV (P<0.001) on sperm concentration with a critical MTV of ≤10ml.0 indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) Conclusion: The mean ultrasonic testicular volume in men with infertility in this study was 10.24ml and there was a significant positive correlation of MTV with semen volume and sperm concentration. Although, there was correlation of MTV with sperm motility and morphology, this was not significant. The critical mean ultrasonic testicular volume indicating poor testicular function (severe oligospermia) was found to be 10ml. This study has shown that the mean ultrasonic testicular volume can be a pointer to semen volume and sperm concentration in evaluating men with infertility.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 237-244
Author(s):  
Nguyen Huu Duc ◽  
Pham Thu Giang ◽  
Tran Thi Binh Nguyen ◽  
Nguyen Thi Mai ◽  
Bui Dai Phong

The objective of this study was to determine the semen cryopreservation capacity of BBB bulls in Hanoi-Vietnam. Research conducted on the fresh semen collected from 05 BBB bulls. Results showed that semen color was normal (milky white, ivory white, ivory yellow), semen volume ranged from 6.35 mL to 7.48 mL (P <0.05), initial motility of semen ranged from 80.53% to 82.92% (P <0.05), sperm concentration in semen  ranged from 1.02 x 109 sperms/ml to 1.12 x 109 sperms/mL (P <0.05), abnormal sperm ratio ranged from 6.45% to 8.12% (P <0.05), alive sperm ratio ranged from 76.34% to 82.97% (P <0.05), sperm motility after thawing from straw semen ranged from 71.33% to 75.92% (P<0.05). In conclusion, successfully semen collection from 05 breeding BBB bulls at Hanoi Cattle Breeding Joint Stock Company, semen samples had normal color and good quantity and quality, suitable for production of frozen semen; and semen cryopreservation of straws of the 05 bull BBB semen mentioned at -196oC, sperm motility after freezing-thawing reached the economic and technical norms of 675/2014 of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 389-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal

The objective of this work was to study the effect of oral administration of Cyperus esculentus (CE) and its alcoholic extract on sperm function parameters in prepubertal mice as a model for human .The animals were divided into three groups each contains 6 animals .Group 1 was treated with 150 mg/ kg body weight /day of crude CE, group 2 was treated with same dose of alcohol extract of CE and group 3 regarded as control throughout six weeks period. The results showed a significant (p> 0.05) increase in the mean of sperm concentration ,sperm motility percent and progressive sperm motility between treated groups and control . There was no differences among groups in the mean of sperm normal morphology and sperm viability . No significant differences was recorded in the mean of body weight among groups throughout the study. The results revealed that the administration of Cyperus esculentus may enhance certain sperm characters in prepubertal mice without affecting body weight.


2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Bambang Waluyo Hadi Eko Prasetiyono ◽  
Widiyanto Widiyanto ◽  
Yon Soepri Ondho ◽  
Agung Subrata ◽  
Hermawan Setyo Widodo

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of SOYXYL as one of the dietary protected protein supplement product in the rations on the reproduction performance of Simmental bulls. Twelve 5 years-old Simmental bulls were allotted to 4 treatment groups with 3 replications in each, i.e.: T0= control ration (elephant grass + 5 kg/head/day commercial concentrate), T1= control ration + 150 g protected protein supplement SOYXYL (3% of concentrate), T2 = control ration + 300 g SOYXYL (6% of concentrate) and T3= control ration + 450 g SOYXYL (9% of concentrate). The experiment lasted for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, semen and blood were collected and body weight gain was measured. The variables measured included sperm motility, sperm concentration, blood protein, blood urea and the concentration of testosterone. Results showed that SOYXYL supplementation, particularly at the levels of 3 and 6%, increased the total plasma protein of bulls. SOYXYL supplementation at 3% from concentrate resulted in increased plasma urea concentration. Feeding SOYXYL, particularly at the levels of 6 and 9%, increased the average daily gain of bulls as compared to control. Feeding 3% SOYXYL increased, but at the levels of 6 and 9% decreased the concentration of sperm of bulls. The concentration of testosterone was higher in the bulls received 3 and 6% SOYXYL in the rations. Dietary supplementation of SOYXYL increased the sperm motility of Simmental bulls. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of SOYXYL at the level of 3% increased plasma protein, testosterone, and sperm concentrations as well as sperm motility. However, supplementation of SOYXYL at 6 and 9% from rations decreased the concentrations of sperm and testosterone.


2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 931-938
Author(s):  
M. A. Kleshchev ◽  
V. L. Petukhov ◽  
L. V. Osadchuk

At present great attention is paid to studying genetic regulation of farm animal adaptations to environmental conditions. This problem is very important due to a wide expansion of highly productive cattle breeds created in Europe and North America. However, until the present no investigation of changing semen quality in bulls of imported breeds during their adaptations to environmental conditions of Western Siberia has been conducted. The aim of this study was to investigate semen quality peculiarities and the diversity of morphological sperm abnormalities in bulls of imported and local breeds kept in the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia. We determined sperm concentration, sperm count, and rate of sperm with progressive motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa. The rate of sperm abnormalities according to Blome’s classifcation was determined too. It was found that the mean values of sperm concentration, sperm motility and percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in the bulls investigated were similar to those in bulls kept in European countries. Inter­breed differences in these parameters were not found. However, bulls of the Red Danish, Angler, and Simmental breeds had a higher percentage of misshapen sperm head and pyriform sperm head than bulls of the Black­White breed. An inter­strain difference in sperm motility in bulls of the Black­White breed was observed. It was found that bulls of Reflection Sovereign 198998 strain had lover sperm motility than bulls of Wis Burke Ideal 1013415 strain. No inter­strain differences in sperm production, percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa and rate of main sperm abnormalities were found. Thus, it has been found that the environmental conditions of the southern part of Western Siberia do not seriously affect the sperm production, sperm motility or percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa in bulls. However, the increased rate of misshapen and pyriform sperm heads in the bulls of the foreign breeds points to a need to study sperm DNA fragmentation.


Author(s):  
Vinny Dodiyar ◽  
Parkash Singh Brar ◽  
Narinder Singh ◽  
Mrigank Honparkhe

Background: Understanding of ovarian follicular dynamics and endocrine regulation is essential to design and use interventions to optimize reproductive efficiency. Bos indicus and Bos taurus cows have some differences in their follicular dynamics and ovarian steroidal hormones. The present study was planned to understand follicular dynamics vis-a-vis ovarian steroids profiles in Sahiwal cattle. Methods: The study was conducted in normal cyclic, pluriparous, non-lactating Sahiwal cows (n=7). Trans-rectal ultrasonography was performed to record the location, size, number of follicles and size of corpus luteum (CL) from the beginning, till the end of experiment. The dataset was used to characterize the follicular wave emergence, growth, regression, time of selection and ovulation of the dominant follicle in each cow. Result: Three Sahiwal cows showed two wave and four cows showed three wave estrous cycles with mean interovulatory length of 20.33±0.33 and 22.50±0.28 days, respectively. No significant difference was recorded in the maximum diameter of corpus luteum, P4 and E2 plasma levels between 2-wave and 3-wave estrous cycles. The peak progesterone values of 6.00±0.91 and 6.2±1.2 ng/ml and peak estradiol values of 15.83±0.60 and 14.31±0.44 ng/ml were recorded in 2-wave and 3-wave estrous cycle, respectively. The results showed that Sahiwal cows had 2-wave and 3-wave estrous cycle and the 3-wave estrous cycle had comparatively longer inter-ovulatory period and smaller maximum diameter of second wave dominant follicle than 2-wave estrous cycle.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
O Somova ◽  
H Ivanova ◽  
N Sotnyk ◽  
K Kovalenko ◽  
I Feskova

Abstract Study question To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) testicular injections on spermogram parameters of men with severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT). Summary answer The PRP testicular injections have beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and enhance sperm concentration and motility in infertile men with OAT. What is known already The use of PRP therapy in assisted reproductive technologies is debatable. Despite the recent evidence of its positive effects in promoting endometrial and follicular growth, data from clinical studies are limited. There are only a few papers on the effectiveness of PRP therapy in the treatment of male infertility and sexual dysfunction. In more detail, the influence of PRP on spermatogenesis was carried out only on experimental animals. Although the mechanisms of its action have not yet been clarified, it is assumed that PRP, containing many biologically active molecules, realizes its effect through the tissue regeneration and cell proliferation. Study design, size, duration This prospective study included 68 men (34.6±5.2) years old with severe OAT (≤4 million/ml, motility ≤30%, normal sperm morphology ≤1%) receiving hormonal and antioxidant (AO) therapy during 6 months before in vitro fertilization cycles. 33 of them were injected once with autologous PRP (0.5 ml in each testicle). Spermogram and testosterone level were analyzed before the treatment and in 3, 4 and 6 months after it. Participants/materials, setting, methods: Sperm concentration, motility and morphology in ejaculate of 33 men of PRP group were compared with those in the group of 35 men without PRP within 6 months of starting the treatment. Total and free testosterone level were measured in blood serum. PRP was prepared by centrifuging the patient’s own blood in the anticoagulant-containing tubes. The final concentration of platelets in the obtained sample was 950.000 – 1.250 000 cells in 1 ml. Main results and the role of chance 4 months after the PRP injection, sperm concentration and motility increased in 18 of 33 men of the PRP group compared with the baseline (before the treatment) – 4.2 (1.0; 6.9) vs 1.4 (0.1; 3.4) mln/ml (p &lt; 0.05) and 36.7 (30.6; 45.8) vs 17.7 (6.7; 28.2)% respectively (p &lt; 0.05).The maximum increase in sperm motility (but not in sperm concentration!) was observed in 24 men in 6 months – 49.6 (39.6; 56.4)% (p &lt; 0.05). Percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa in ejaculate slightly increased only in 12 men in that time period from 0–1% to 1–2%. The total testosterone level was 2.4 times higher than the baseline (31.6±7.2 vs 13.2±4.3 nmol/l, p &lt; 0.05), the free testosterone level was 1.8 times higher (14.5±3.5 vs 7.9±3.0 pgl/ml, p &lt; 0.05). Unlike the PRP group, in the group of men without PRP treatment, the sperm parameters did not changed compared with the baseline in 4 months after the starting hormonal and AO treatment. A significant increase of sperin concentration was observed only in 17 of 35 patients in 6 months. Sperm motility and percent of morphologically normal spermatozoa after the treatment did not differ from the baseline. Changes in the testosterone levels were similar to changes in PRP group. Limitations, reasons for caution Only young and middle-aged men were considered in the study. Large randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the PRP therapy efficacy and safety of f various fertility disorders. There are also no standardized protocols for PRP preparation. Wider implications of the findings: PRP therapy may have great potential for the treatment of male infertility and improving spermatogenesis. Optimization of methods of PRP preparation and dosage of testicular injections can enhance reproductive outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies. Trial registration number Not applicable


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 406 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosita A. Condorelli ◽  
Aldo E. Calogero ◽  
Giorgio I. Russo ◽  
Sandro La Vignera

The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate whether infertile patients may benefit from the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters in addition to the conventional semen analysis. To accomplish this, we evaluated the correlation between conventional and bio-functional sperm parameters based on their percentile distribution in search of a potential threshold of these latter that associates with conventional sperm parameter abnormalities. The study was conducted on 577 unselected patients with infertility lasting at least 12 months. We identified cut-off values according to the median of the population for mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), number of alive spermatozoa, and chromatin abnormality. High MMP (HMMP) (≥46.25%) was associated with sperm concentration, sperm count, progressive motility, and normal form. Low MMP (LMMP) (≥36.5%) was found to be associated with semen volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, progressive motility, total motility, and normal form. The number of alive spermatozoa (≥71.7%) was associated with sperm concentration and progressive motility whereas abnormal chromatin compactness (≥21.10%) was associated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility. The data would suggest that, for every increase in the percentile category of sperm concentration, the risk of finding an HMMP≤46.25 is reduced by 0.4 and by 0.66 for a total sperm count. This risk is also reduced by 0.60 for every increase in the percentile category of sperm progressive motility and by 0.71 for total sperm motility. Each increment of percentile category of the following sperm parameter was followed by a decrease in the risk of finding an LMMP≤36.5: sperm concentration 1.66, total sperm count 1.28, sperm progressive motility 1.27, total sperm motility 1.76, and normal form 1.73. Lastly, the data showed that, for every increase in the percentile category of total sperm count, the risk of finding an abnormal chromatin compactness ≤21.10 is reduced by 1.25 (1.04–1.51, p < 0.05) and an increase of total sperm motility is associated with a reduced risk by 1.44 (1.12–1.85, p < 0.05). Results suggest a correlation between bio-functional and conventional sperm parameters that impact the sperm fertilizing potential. Therefore, the evaluation of bio-functional sperm parameters by flow cytometry may be useful to explain some cases of idiopathic male infertility.


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