33 Caffeine improves equine sperm motility after thawing

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 142
Author(s):  
M. A. Lagares ◽  
N. C. Alves ◽  
A. L. A. Guimaraes ◽  
S. B. Luz ◽  
S. A. Diniz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
The Other ◽  
Semen Sample ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Transport ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Velocity Average ◽  
Lateral Head ◽  
Motility Parameters

The pattern of sperm transport and survival in the mare’s reproductive tract is different between fresh and frozen-thawed semen. A probable reason for this difference is the biophysiological changes in sperm during cryopreservation of equine semen. These changes can impair motility of stallion sperm after thawing. The aim of the present work was to test the effect of different caffeine concentrations on stallion sperm motility after thawing. One ejaculate of 9 stallions was frozen with the INRA82 frozen extender, and after thawing, different caffeine concentrations were added to the semen samples according to the treatments: control INRA82 without caffeine addition (T1), T1+1mM caffeine (T2), T1+2mM caffeine (T3), T1+3mM caffeine (T4), T1+5mM caffeine (T5), T1+7.5mM caffeine (T6), and T1+10mM caffeine (T7). The analysis of sperm motility parameters was performed with a computer-assisted semen analyser in 4 time periods: immediately after semen samples thawing (t0) and 15min (t15), 30min (t30), and 40min (t40) after semen sample thawing. One semen sample of each treatment was thawed, and an aliquot was analysed for the following computer-assisted semen analysis characteristics: velocity curvilinear (VCL; µm s−1), velocity straight line (µm s−1), velocity average path (µm s−1), linearity (%), straightness (%), wobble (%), amplitude of lateral head displacement (µm), beat cross frequency (BCF; Hz), and percentage of total sperm motility (TM) and progressive sperm motility. The statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Duncan’s test. The sperm parameters progressive sperm motility, linearity, wobble, and amplitude of lateral head displacement did not differ among the treatments (P>0.05). Immediately after addition (t0) of 5, 7.5, and 10mM caffeine concentrations, an increase of TM was observed (T5: 53.1%; T6: 45.9%; and T7: 47.4%) compared with the other treatments (T1: 37.5%; T2: 36.0%; T3: 36.6%; and T4: 32.3%; P<0.05). Although after 15min of incubation (t15) the TM decreased compared with t0 in T5, T6, and T7 treatments, the percentage was comparable with the other treatments at t15, t30, and t40. The mean value for TM was higher with 5mM caffeine compared with the control group (38.6% v. 34.7%; P<0.05), whereas for the 10mM caffeine treatment velocity straight line (19.9v. 17.1µm s−1), velocity average path (25.6v. 22.9µm s−1), and straightness (75.4v. 72.3%) were higher than the control (P<0.05). For the 5, 7.5, and 10mM caffeine treatments, VCL and BCF were higher than the control (VCL: 33.9, 34.5, 36.8, and 31.5µm s−1, respectively; BCF: 8.1, 8.6, 9.0, and 7.2Hz, respectively). The remaining motility parameters did not differ until 40min after the treatment (P<0.05). In conclusion, the addition of 5, 7.5, and 10mM caffeine concentrations after semen thawing increased TM and most of the sperm motility characteristics. However, given the complexities of sperm transport, capacitation, and so on, further experiments are needed to test whether caffeine treatments could be used to improve the fertilization rate of frozen-thawed equine semen.

14 FREEZING OF DONKEY SEMEN AFTER 24 HOURS OF COOL STORAGE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 154 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Qeusada ◽  
J. Dorado ◽  
D. Acha ◽  
I. Ortiz ◽  
M. Urbano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Final Concentration ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Preliminary Results ◽  
Cool Storage ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Lateral Head ◽  
Motility Parameters

Several studies on sperm cooling and cryopreservation have been done in horses; however, only a few them have been developed in donkeys. In addition, no studies have been performed to freeze cooled stored donkey semen. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine if it is possible to freeze donkey sperm after 24 h of cool storage. Semen was collected from 4 Andalusian donkeys by artificial vagina. After collection, each sample was separated into 2 aliquots; one of them was immediately frozen (t0) and the other one was cooled and stored before freezing (t24). The cryopreservation procedure consisted of a previous dilution of semen with EquiPro™. After that, semen was centrifuged and the sperm pellet resuspended with Gent® extender plus ethylene glycol (4%) to achieve a final concentration of 100 × 106 sperm mL–1. Sperm was slowly cooled to 5°C, loaded in 0.5-mL plastic straws and frozen in LN vapours. The second aliquot (t24) was diluted with Gent® extender to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm mL–1 and then cooled and stored at 5°C for 24 h. After that, cooled semen samples were cryopreserved following the same procedure as described above. Straws were thawed in a water bath at 37° for 30 s. Computer-assisted sperm motility analysis was performed. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), and the following kinematic parameters: velocity curvilinear (VCL; µm s–1), velocity straight line (VSL; µm s–1), velocity average path (VAP; µm s–1), linearity (LIN; %), straightness (STR; %), wobble (WOB; %), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH; µm), and beat cross frequency (BCF; Hz) were compared between treatments by ANOVA. Results were expressed as mean ± standard error. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between treatments (t0 v. t24) for TM (63.76 ± 4.75 v. 51.67 ± 3.69), PM (36.01 ± 3.19 v. 27.24 ± 2.72), VCL (77.29 ± 0.65 v. 67.56 ± 0.78), VSL (58.50 ± 0.61 v. 52.11 ± 0.76), VAP (67.82 ± 0.64 v. 59.41 ± 0.79), LIN (57.90 ± 0.33 v. 59.53 ± 0.32), STR (70.39 ± 0.30 v. 72.43 ± 0.41), WOB (75.64 ± 0.22 v. 75.48 ± 0.32), ALH (1.88 ± 0.09 v. 1.69 ± 0.10), and BCF (6.28 ± 0.04 v. 6.51 ± 0.06). These preliminary results showed significant differences between cryopreservation at 0 and 24 h post-cooling; however, understanding that direct freezing is better in terms of sperm motility, cryopreservation of cooled stored semen could still be considered good according to the values obtained for sperm motility parameters after thawing. In our opinion, sperm centrifugation before cooling probably improve the results of cryopreservation 24 h post-cooling, due to the negative effect of seminal plasma on sperm viability during storage. In addition, the analysis of other sperm parameters would be useful to check more accurately differences between treatments. In conclusion, sperm motility parameters were higher in donkey semen samples immediately frozen after collection in comparison to semen samples cryopreserved after 24 h of cooling storage. Further studies are needed to improve cooling and cryopreservation procedures for freezing cooled stored donkey semen.

scholarly journals Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis of Freezable and Nonfreezable Mithun (Bos frontalis) Semen

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Perumal ◽  
S. K. Srivastava ◽  
S. K. Ghosh ◽  
K. K. Baruah
Keyword(s):  
Objective Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
Lateral Head ◽  
Motility Parameters

The present study was undertaken to assess the motility and velocity parameters of sperm of freezable and nonfreezable ejaculates by computer-assisted sperm analyser (CASA) such as Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser IVOS 11 in mithun semen. Fifty ejaculates (twenty-five ejaculates each for freezable and nonfreezable semen ejaculates) were collected from ten matured mithun bulls. CASA parameters, motility parameters such as forward progressive motility (FPM) (%), nonprogressive motility (NPM) (%), total motility (TM) (%), and static sperms (SM) (%); velocity parameters such as curvilinear velocity (VCL) (μm/sec), straight line velocity (VSL) (μm/sec), average path velocity (VAP) (μm/sec), linearity (LIN) (%), straightness (STR) (%), wobble (WOB) (%), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) (μm), and beat/cross-frequency (BCF) (Hz) were measured by CASA analyser. The result revealed that these parameters varied significantly (P<0.05) between the freezable and nonfreezable ejaculates and freezable ejaculates have significantly (P<0.05) higher value than nonfreezable ejaculates. It was concluded that most of the CASA parameters were significantly lower in nonfreezable ejaculates than in freezable ejaculates in mithun and confirmed that the CASA was effective for a quick and objective analysis of motility and velocity parameters in mithun semen.

scholarly journals Optimization of CASA-Mot Analysis of Donkey Sperm: Optimum Frame Rate and Values of Kinematic Variables for Different Counting Chamber and Fields

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 1993
Author(s):  
Sabrina Gacem ◽  
Jaime Catalán ◽  
Anthony Valverde ◽  
Carles Soler ◽  
Jordi Miró
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Frame Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Counting Chamber ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
Lateral Head

In order to optimize the donkey sperm motility analysis by the CASA (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis)-Mot system, twelve ejaculates were collected from six jackasses. Capillary loaded chamber (CLC), ISAS®D4C depths 10 and 20 µm, ISAS®D4C Leja 20 and drop displacement chamber (DDC), Spermtrack® (Spk) depths 10 and 20 µm were used. Sperm kinematic variables were evaluated using each chamber and a high-resolution camera capable of capturing a maximum of 500 frames/second (fps). The optimum frame rate (OFR) (defined according to curvilinear velocity—VCL) was dependent on chamber type. The highest OFR obtained was 278.46 fps by Spk20. Values for VCL, straight-line velocity (VSL), straightness (STR), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were high in DDC and 10 µm depth. In both DDC 10 and 20 µm, the sperm velocities (VCL, VSL, VAP) and ALH values decreased significantly from the centre to the edges, while Wobble and BCF increased. No defined behavior was observed along the CLC. However, all the kinematic variables had a higher value in a highly concentrated sample, in both chamber types. In conclusion, analyzing a minimum of nine fields at 250 fps from the centre to the edges in Spk10 chamber using a dilution of 30 × 106 sperm/mL offers the best choice for donkey computerised sperm motility analysis.

86 MOTILITY AND VIABILITY OF BULL SEMEN DURING 24 HOURS OF STORAGE AT 4°C

2006 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 151
Author(s):  
M. E. Carini ◽  
R. Cavia ◽  
G. Larraburu ◽  
G. M. Brogliatti
Keyword(s):  
Storage Time ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Bull Semen ◽  
Multiple Comparison Test ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
One Way Anova ◽  
Velocity Average ◽  
Lateral Head

Currently, cryopreservation process of fresh bull semen is carried out between 3 and 6 hours of refrigeration at 4°C post-collection (Hafez, 1989). However, it is sometimes difficult when the cryopreservation process is not available at the site of collection. The objective of this study was to determine seminal motility and viability in samples maintained at 4°C during 24 hours. A total of 98 ejaculates from 23 adult bulls (Angus, Brangus, Braford and Hereford) were collected and diluted in a semi-defined semen extender (Andromed, Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and stored at 4°C. Parameters of velocity average path (VAP, µm/s), velocity straight line (VSL, μm/s), amplitude lateral head (ALH, μm), linearity (LIN, %), percentage of rapid cells (RAPID, %), percentage of slow and static cells (SL/ST, %), and viability (VIA, %) were determined by Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA, HTM-ceros 12.1, Berkeley, CA, USA). Measurements were done at 6, 9, 12, and 24 h. The obtained results were analyzed statistically with one-way ANOVA and Dunnet Multiple Comparison Test and are summarized in Table 1. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the VAP, RAPID, or SL/ST during 24 h of storage at 4°C. Measurements were significantly different (P < 0.01) for VSL and VIA at 24 h. Measurements of ALH were increased from 12 h (P < 0.01) and consequently, LIN decreased at the same time (P < 0.01). These results suggest that there are no differences in velocity, except in VSL at the end of the storage time. The type of movement of the spermatozoa change, because ALH increases and the trajectory loses linearity. A decrease in viability suggests that from 24 h of storage, the membrane of the spermatozoa becomes more susceptible. More research needs to be done to evaluate the competence of this time-storage semen in the artificial insemination trial. Table 1. Parameters of motility and viability of semen maintained at 4°C during 24 h This research was supported by Centro Genético Bovino de EOLIA S.A.

scholarly journals Effects of chilled storage and pH of activating solution on different motility parameters in burbot (Lota lota) sperm

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (No. 11) ◽  
pp. 429-434
Author(s):  
Zoltán Bokor ◽  
Balázs Csorbai ◽  
Levente Várkonyi ◽  
Zsolt Szári ◽  
Ferenc Fodor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Chilled Storage ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
H 26 ◽  
Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis ◽  
Motility Parameters ◽  
Activating Solution

The effects of a simple saline solution prepared using two different pH (4.4 and 8.5) on sperm motility in burbot were investigated. Results were recorded during a 96-hour chilled storage (4°C) in 24-hour intervals. Measurements were focused on the detailed characteristics of motility using 12 parameters obtained from the Computer-assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA). Significantly higher progressive motility (pMOT), distance average path (DAP), distance curved line, distance straight line (DSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity, straight line velocity, and beat cross frequency (BCF) were observed with the activating solution buffered at pH 8.5 in comparison with pH 4.4. Already after 24 h a significant reduction was measured in pMOT (0 h: 49 ± 24%, 24 h: 12 ± 7%). Similar decreasing tendency was recorded only after 72 h in DAP (0 h: 26 ± 4 µm/s, 72 h: 19 ± 9 µm/s), DSL (0 h: 21 ± 5 µm/s, 72 h: 17 ± 8 µm/s), VAP (0 h: 59 ± 9 µm/s, 72 h: 43 ± 21 µm/s), and BCF (0 h: 28 ± 2 Hz, 72 h: 18 ± 10 Hz). The response of different investigated CASA parameters to different treatments varied in our experiments. According to our studies, numerous burbot sperm motility parameters are sensitive to chilled storage and to low pH of the activating solution. Our results could support the effective sperm quality assessment and successful artificial propagation process in burbot.

scholarly journals 12 CASA PARAMETERS OF FRESH BULL SEMEN COLLECTED BY ARTIFICIAL VAGINA OR ELECTROEJACULATION IN ARGENTINA

2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 156 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Brogliatti ◽  
F. Garcia Migliaro ◽  
R. Cavia ◽  
G. Larraburu ◽  
A. Albrecht
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Glass Tube ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Bull Semen ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Beef Bulls ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Artificial Vagina ◽  
Lateral Head ◽  
Motility Parameters

The latest entry in the field of semen evaluation is computer assisted semen analysis (CASA). Its greatest advantages are elimination of the subjective nature of routine semen evaluation and the addition of detailed motion analysis unquantifiable by visual examination. The objective of this study was to evaluate CASA motility parameters of fresh bull semen collected by artificial vagina (AV) or electroejaculation (EE) from a total of 56 beef different bulls. Semen samples from a total of 45 beef bulls were collected by AV from winter to the end of spring (740 collections), and from 11 beef bulls by EE (120 collections) in the same period. First and second AV collections were analyzed as individual data. EE collection was performed only one. Means and standard deviations for each characteristic were calculated, compared, and statistically analyzed. A sample of the collection was diluted 1:20 in a semi-defined semen extender (Andromed, Minitüb, Tiefenbach, Germany) and held in a glass tube at 36°C for 5 min before analysis. The sample was loaded into 20-μm chambers, and six microscope fields from each chamber were analyzed. The following sperm motility parameters were determined with the Ceros 12.1 sperm analyzer (Hamilton Thorne Biosciences, Inc., Beverly, MA, USA) on at least 1000 spermatozoa:concentration (CONC), velocity average path (VAP), velocity straight line (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude lateral head (ALH), beat cross frequency (BCF), straightness (STR), linearity (LIN), and percentage of rapid or statics cells. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in VAP, VSL, VCL, ALH, STR, LIN, and the percentage of rapid and static cells of semen collected by AV or EE. The concentration (sperm/mL) of the AV-collected sperm was significantly higher than for the sperm collected by EE. Results from the analysis indicate that semen collected by artificial vagina have motility characteristics similar to those collected by electroejaculation. More research needs to be done to evaluate motility parameters of frozen/thawed semen collected by electroejaculation and by artificial vagina. This research was supported by Centro Genético Bovino de EOLIA sa Argentina.

Computer assisted sperm analysis of fresh and frozen-thawed buffalo semen and their interrelationship

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. B. Patel ◽  
A. J. Dhami
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Motile Sperm ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Buffalo Semen ◽  
Live Sperm ◽  
Fresh Semen

Sixty semen ejaculates from 10 mature bulls, 5 each of Jafarabadi and Mehsana breed, were studied for sperm motility and velocity parameters of fresh and frozen-thawed spermatozoa using computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). The mean values of motile and progressively motile spermatozoa observed in fresh semen of Jafarabadi and Mehsana bulls (79.77±1.62 and 61.80±1.85, and 78.90±1.22 and 61.37±1.58%) were highly significantly (P<0.01) reduced (51.20±1.57 and 33.20±1.45, and 52.10±1.70 and 34.30±1.54 %, respectively) in post-thawed semen. The average path velocity, straight line velocity and curvilinear velocity (μm/sec) of spermatozoa of Jafarabadi and Mehsana bulls noted in fresh semen were also reduced highly significantly (P<0.01) in frozen-thawed semen. Among the other velocity parameters, amplitude of lateral head displacement (μm), elongation (%) and medium motile sperm (%) increased, while beat-cross frequency (Hz), straightness (%), linearity (%), sperm area (μm<sup>2</sup>) and rapidly motile sperm (%) decreased significantly in post-thawed sperms when compared with the fresh sperm of both Jafarabadi and Mehsana bulls. The initial motility and live sperm per cent were significantly correlated with CASA traits of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, and all the sperm motility and velocity traits of fresh and frozen-thawed semen assessed by CASA were significantly interrelated among both the breeds. The interrelationships were stronger in Mehsana bulls as compared to Jafarabadi bulls.

9 Single Layer Centrifugation of Bull Semen Through Percoll Plus® Before Cryopreservation

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 144
Author(s):  
A. Martins ◽  
F. N. Marqui ◽  
T. E. Cruz ◽  
T. I. H. Berton ◽  
D. G. Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Quality ◽  
Single Layer ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Bull Semen ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Artificial Vagina ◽  
Lateral Head

We previously reported that single layer centrifugation (SLC) with Percoll® (GE Healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden) of fresh bovine semen resulted in improved sperm progressive motility and movement, as evidenced by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) after freezing-thawing. However, no report has been found in the literature on the use of Percoll Plus® (PP; GE Healthcare), a nontoxic colloid, for the same purpose. Thus, this study aimed to verify the effects of SLC-PP before bull sperm freezing on sperm kinematics after cryopreservation. Ejaculates were collected from 3 Nellore bulls (6 from each) using an artificial vagina. After collection, the semen was assessed and pooled, and then 1 billion spermatozoa either diluted [D; 1:2 (v/v)] in freezing extender (FE, without glycerol) or undiluted (UD) was layered on top of a 9-mL column of PP (in 15-mL centrifuge tubes) at concentrations of 70% or 90% to form the 70D, 70UD, 90D, and 90UD treatment groups. Following centrifugation for 13 min at 839 × g [except for the control (C) group], the supernatant was removed and the sperm pellet diluted to 50 × 106 sperm mL−1 in FE medium plus glycerol. Then, frozen–thawed sperm samples were analysed by CASA (MMC Sperm, St. Petersburg, Russia) for the following parameters: total motility (TM, %), progressive motility (PM, %), curvilinear velocity (VCL, µm−1), straight line velocity (VSL, µm s−1), average path velocity (VAP, µm s−1), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), linearity (LIN, %), and straightness (STR, %). For statistical analyses, ANOVA and Student-Newman-Keuls test were used. Data are presented as mean ± SEM with P < 0.05 taken as significant. No difference was found among the groups for TM, VSL, BCF, and STR. However, the percentage of PM was higher (P < 0.05) in the SLC-selected sperm samples (values ranging from 42.0 ± 7.0 to 47.4 ± 11.4) than in C (28.8 ± 5.0), and ALH was lower in 70UD (1.6 ± 0.12) and 70D (1.7 ± 0.10) than in C (1.9 ± 0.2). Moreover, 70UD (49.0 ± 1.0), 90UD (50.0 ± 3.0), and 90D (50.0 ± 4.0) displayed higher percentage of LIN (P < 0.05) compared with C (45.0 ± 2.0) and 70D (48.0 ± 3.0). On the other hand, similar results were obtained for VCL (from 126.3 ± 8.0 to 130.0 ± 20.5) and VAP (from 82.7 ± 14.5 to 85.1 ± 6.9) in C, 70UD, and 70D, but these values differed (P < 0.05) from those for VCL in 90UD (104.6 ± 10.3) and 90D (97.2 ± 22.0) as well as for VAP in 90UD (72.2 ± 11.0) and 90D (71.8 ± 9.6). These are the first data demonstrating favourable influences of SLC with 70% Percoll Plus® to select distinct sperm subpopulations as evidenced by enhanced PM, LIN, and ALH. Thus, SLC-PP could optimize the production of frozen bull semen by decreasing the number of sperm per insemination dose, and help to circumvent limitations associated with the poor semen quality sometimes found in bulls of high genetic merit. This research was funded by FAPESP # 2015/20986-3, MasterFertility and Tairana Artificial Insemination Station, Brazil.

scholarly journals Correlation between the sperm characteristics evaluated by a computerized system (CASA) and the reproductive performance of sows

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e09963389
Author(s):  
Emanuelle Maria Gottardi ◽  
Thaisa Campos Marques ◽  
Karen Martins Leão ◽  
Francisco Ribeiro de Araújo Neto ◽  
Leidiane Gonçalves Fernandes
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Sperm Characteristics ◽  
Flagellar Beat ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Computerized System ◽  
Farrowing Rate

Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) systems have been one the most used tools to evaluate sperm kinetics. The objective of this research was to estimate the correlation between sperm motility characteristics evaluated by CASA during 72 hours of cooling with the farrowing rate (FR) and total number of piglets born (TNB) after artificial insemination. Multiparous sows (n=464) were inseminated with semen from seven boars (19.6 ± 1.3 ejaculates/male). Sperm motility parameters were determined immediately after dilution and after 24, 48 and 72 hours of cooling at 15°C: total motility (TM-%), progressive motility (PM-%), curvilinear velocity (VCL-μm/s), straight line velocity (VSL-μm/s), average path velocity (VAP-µm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH-µm), flagellar beat cross frequency (BCF-Hz), straightness (STR-%) and linearity (LIN-%). Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to analyze the data and the comparison of the means of the sperm characteristics between the boars was done by Tukey’s test at 5% probability. TM and PM at time zero (T0) were significant and had a moderate to high correlation with FR and TNB. After 72 hours of refrigeration, the semen quality was reduced and showed a significant and low correlation of the TM and PM with these same parameters. The boar presenting the lowest value of TM and PM after dilution obtained lower FR and TNB. In conclusion, computer-assisted semen analysis soon after dilution can be used to predict fertility of boars.

141 Effect of combined treatment of melatonin and equine chorionic gonadotrophin on fresh semen quality of Beetal bucks during the non-breeding season

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 197
Author(s):  
M. Abbas ◽  
M. Irfan-ur-Rehman Khan ◽  
A. Rehman ◽  
N. Hameed ◽  
I. Mohsin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Season ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Chorionic Gonadotrophin ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Simultaneous Administration ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Straight Line ◽  
Fresh Semen ◽  
Velocity Average ◽  
Lateral Head

In the subtropics, bucks show seasonal breeding patterns, and their semen quality decreases during the non-breeding season. Therefore, breeders tend to improve bucks’ semen quality before the breeding season for higher conception rates. In the current study, we hypothesised that simultaneous administration of equine chorionic gonadotrophin (ECG) and melatonin would improve fresh semen quality in bucks before the breeding season. Nine Beetal bucks were randomly assigned (n=3 per treatment) to three treatments: control, melatonin, and melatonin + ECG. Melatonin implants (18 mg; BTC Lab) were placed subcutaneously at the base of the ear. Bucks in the melatonin + ECG treatment were administered ECG (400 IU; Syncro-Part, Ceva Santé Animale) intramuscularly on every fourth day until the end of the experiment. Control bucks were administered normal saline (400 IU; Otuska Pakistan) intramuscularly on every fourth day. Semen was collected twice per week using an artificial vagina (42°C) and immediately evaluated for volume, color, pH, and contaminants. Sperm concentration, motility and kinematics (curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement), viability, DNA, and acrosomal and mitochondrial integrity were monitored using a computer-assisted semen analyzer (AndroVision, Minitube). Weekly concentrations of plasma testosterone and melatonin of all bucks were analysed using radioimmunoassay (Immunotech, Beckman Coulter Ltd.) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (450nm), respectively. Comparisons within and between treatments were made using generalised linear models (repeated-measures analysis of variance). Weekly single-point variance between the treatments was determined (analysis of variance) at P ≤ 0.05 (SPSS ver. 20.0; IBM Corp.). Semen quality (volume, pH, total motility (%), and concentration) improved after Week 4 in the melatonin + ECG treatment compared with the control and melatonin treatments (P&lt;0.05). Similarly, progressive motility (%), viability, DNA, acrosomal and mitochondrial integrity, and sperm kinematics (curvilinear velocity, straight-line velocity, average path velocity, and amplitude of lateral head displacement) improved (P&lt;0.05) after Week 4 in the melatonin + ECG treatment. Similarly, non-viability and ratio of abnormal spermatozoa decreased by Week 3 in the melatonin + ECG treatment (P&lt;0.05) compared with the control and melatonin treatments. Likewise, plasma testosterone concentration (ngmL−1) of bucks was higher (P&lt;0.05) at Week 3 in the melatonin + ECG treatment (4.2±0.2) than in the melatonin (0.8±0.1) and control (1.2±0.1) treatments. Within the melatonin + ECG treatment, plasma testosterone concentration was higher (P&lt;0.05) at Week 5 (4.9±0.2) and Week 9 (4.5±0.1) than at Week 3 (4.2±0.2). Plasma melatonin concentration (pgmL−1) increased (P&lt;0.05) from Week 5 onward in the melatonin + eCG (12.5±0.1) and melatonin (10.2±0.1) treatments compared with the control (2.65±0.1). In conclusion, the simultaneous administration of melatonin and ECG improved fresh semen quality in Beetal bucks.

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