106 Exogenous melatonin administration improves behavioural signs, serum melatonin, testosterone, and semen quality in male dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) camels

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 160
Author(s):  
S. Dholpuria ◽  
G. N. Purohit ◽  
S. Vyas

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous administration of melatonin to male camels on reproductive behaviour, seminal parameters, and serum concentrations of melatonin and testosterone during the non-breeding and subsequent breeding seasons. In September 2018, male camels (n=12) were randomly allocated to subcutaneous injections of either melatonin (MLT, 0.643 mg/kg; n=6) dissolved in corn oil, or plain corn oil; (control n=6). The camels were observed for behavioural signs of rut. A second dose of either MLT (1 mg/kg) or corn oil (control) was administered on 7 October 2018 subcutaneously, as camels did not show any change in behaviour until 6 October 2018, and the camels were again observed for behavioural signs of rut. Blood was collected from all camels on 1 September 2018, and then at weekly intervals until 7 January 2019. The serum was separated and stored until further assay of serum melatonin and testosterone using ELISA kits. Semen was collected from camels showing signs of rut period, and the reaction time, copulation time, and seminal parameters were evaluated. Data obtained was analysed by using the computer program SPSS (version 25; IBM Corp.), and means and standard errors were compared. Male reproductive behaviours (protrusion of soft palate, poll gland secretions, frequent urination, increased frothy salivation) were more pronounced in MLT-treated camels (83.33%) than in control camels (50%). Reaction time and copulation times were lower (112.81±30.06s and 229.8±37.91s) in MLT-treated camels than in controls (359.00±41.35s and 301.89±93.90s). Higher semen volume was observed in MLT-treated (5.34±2.06mL) than in control (3.11±1.75mL) camels (P<0.01). Semen collected from MLT-treated camels had more gel formation (81.25%), significantly higher sperm motility (67.50±2.32%), and increased sperm concentration (326.56±38.67 million mL−1) compared with samples obtained from the control males (P<0.01). Serum melatonin concentrations increased in both treated and control camels during the breeding season compared with concentrations before the breeding season. In MLT-treated camels, serum melatonin concentrations increased significantly and continued to be significantly higher than that in control camels for the entire study period (P<0.01). Serum testosterone concentrations were higher in both MLT-treated and control camels during the breeding season compared with those during the non-breeding season (P<0.01). We concluded that exogenous subcutaneous MLT administration improves sexual behaviour, seminal parameters, and serum testosterone concentrations during both the non-breeding and breeding seasons.

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
C. S. Sarswat ◽  
S. Sharma ◽  
K. Nehra ◽  
P. C. Sharma ◽  
M. C. Parashar ◽  
...  

The aim of this work was to determine the effect of administration of exogenous melatonin on the testicular biometry, libido parameters, hormone levels, and freezability of semen during the non-breeding seasons in adult Sirohi bucks. Experiments of 4 and 8 weeks were carried out during non-breeding seasons at different times. Twelve bucks, 2 to 3 years of age, were split into melatonin-treated and control groups, with 6 bucks in each group. Throughout the 2 experimental periods, all bucks were permanently kept outdoors under conditions of natural daylength and at ambient temperature. Bucks in the treated group were subjected to single subcutaneous injection of a powder form of melatonin mixed with corn oil at the dose rate 18mg per 50kg on the first day of experiment; bucks in the control group received sterile corn oil injected subcutaneously in control group. Ejaculates were taken from the bucks by artificial vagina (AV) once per week and their reaction time (the elapsed time between exposure to stimuli and first ejaculation) was recorded. Testicular biometry, serum testosterone, and serum melatonin were determined weekly before semen collection. Ejaculates were cryopreserved and thawed weekly and the same quantitative and qualitative variables were measured as for fresh semen samples. Melatonin significantly (P<0.05) improved testicular biometry, libido parameters, and hormone levels compared with the control group during weeks 3 and 4 of the first experiment and from week 5 onward of the second experiment (P<0.05). Semen volume (mL) improved to 0.70±0.039 vs. 0.48±0.009 and 0.94±0.036 vs. 0.56±0.032 in first and second experiments. Greater (P<0.05) progressive motility (%) was noted in the melatonin group (84.59±1.472 and 86.88±0.797) during experiments 1 and 2. Semen quality of each straw from each ejaculate was evaluated after proper thawing within 24h. Mean post-thaw live sperm percentage for experiments 1 and 2 was 69.25±0.382 and 66.90±0.779, progressive motility was 50.42±0.948 and 58.75±1.058, and curled tail sperm count were 51.00±0.715 and 61.36±0.773, respectively. In conclusion, the results of present experiments are novel regarding the use of single subcutaneous melatonin injection during the non-breeding season to improve variables associated with the fertility potential of the Sirohi buck and frozen-thawed seminal parameters.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 523-533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikkel Andreassen ◽  
Anders Juul ◽  
Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen ◽  
Niels Jørgensen

Objective Gonadotropins (luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)) are released from the pituitary gland and stimulate Leydig cells to produce testosterone and initiates spermatogenesis. Little is known about how and when the deterioration of semen quality occurs in patients with adult-onset gonadotropin insufficiency. Design and methods A retrospective study comprising 20 testosterone-deficient men (median age, 29 years) with acquired pituitary disease who delivered semen for cryopreservation before initiation of testosterone therapy. Semen variables and hormone concentrations were compared to those of young healthy men (n = 340). Results Thirteen of 20 patients (65%) and 82% of controls had total sperm counts above 39 million and progressive motile spermatozoa above 32% (P = 0.05). For the individual semen variables, there were no significant differences in semen volume (median (intraquartile range) 3.0 (1.3–6.8) vs 3.2 (2.3–4.3) mL, P = 0.47), sperm concentration 41 (11–71) vs 43 (22–73) mill/mL (P = 0.56) or total sperm counts (P = 0.66). One patient had azoospermia. Patients vs controls had lower serum testosterone 5.4 (2.2–7.6) vs 19.7 (15.5–24.5) nmol/L (P = 0.001), calculated free testosterone (cfT) 145 (56–183) vs 464 (359–574) pmol/L (P < 0.001), LH 1.5 (1.1–2.1) vs 3.1 (2.3–4.0) U/L (P = 0.002) and inhibin b (P < 0.001). Levels of FSH were similar (P = 0.63). Testosterone/LH ratio and cfT/LH ratio were reduced in patients (both P < 0.001). Conclusions Despite Leydig cell insufficiency in patients with acquired pituitary insufficiency, the majority presented with normal semen quality based on the determination of the number of progressively motile spermatozoa. In addition, the data suggest reduced LH bioactivity in patients with pituitary insufficiency.


2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 229 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Penfold ◽  
D. E. Wildt ◽  
T. L. Herzog ◽  
W. Lynch ◽  
L. Ware ◽  
...  

This study characterized seasonal changes in circulating LH and testosterone and in semen production and quality in the Northern pintail duck. Plasma LH and testosterone were measured in blood samples collected weekly throughout the year from eight males exposed to natural fluctuations in day length and temperature. Semen quality was evaluated weekly in these same males from April–June, the months when spermatozoa were produced. Semen quality (based on sperm concentration and normal morphology) peaked 0–2 weeks after sperm production onset and decreased sharply before sperm production cessation in late June. Nadir LH concentrations were measured in July and August with peak LH observed in May and November. There were clear seasonal patterns in circulating testosterone with July–September values being less (P<0.05) than October–December which, in turn, were less (P<0.05) than January–March. Maximal circulating testosterone (P<0.05) occurred during April–June, coincident with semen production. Weekly circulating LH during the breeding season was directly related to testosterone concentrations (P<0.01), but was not correlated to any specific semen or sperm trait (P>0.05). Testosterone concentrations throughout the breeding season were correlated (P<0.05) to total numbers of spermatozoa produced (volume cell concentration) and percent normal sperm morphology. In summary, the Northern pintail experiences seasonal hormone fluctuations, with maximum circulating testosterone coinciding with peak ejaculate quality reflected by the production of high numbers of morphologically normal spermatozoa.


2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yara Suliman ◽  
Frank Becker ◽  
Armin Tuchscherer ◽  
Klaus Wimmers

Abstract. Horses are seasonal breeders with a natural breeding season beginning in spring and extending through midsummer. In this study, quantitative and qualitative parameters of chilled stallion semen were compared between fertile and subfertile stallions and between the breeding and the non-breeding season. Semen quality parameters compared included ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperm number, sperm morphology, and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)-derived sperm movement characteristics obtained from two groups of warmblood stallions (n=8; four fertile stallions and four subfertile stallions), which differ in the seasonal pregnancy rate 80 %–90 % (fertile) vs. 40 %–60 % (subfertile). A total of 64 ejaculates were collected from the stallions (n=8; four in the breeding season and four in the non-breeding season of each stallion). No significant differences in the semen quality parameters between the fertile and the subfertile stallions in the non-breeding season were observed. However, in the breeding season the proportion of morphologically normal sperm, total motility, progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), and curvilinear velocity (VCL) were significantly higher in the fertile group (P<0.05) when compared with the subfertile group. In addition, a significant seasonal variation in the proportion of morphological normal sperm was found in the fertile group between the breeding and the non-breeding season (P<0.05). Moreover, significant seasonal variations (P<0.05) in CASA parameters of mean VAP, straight line velocity (VSL), and beat-cross frequency (BCF) were observed in the fertile and the subfertile stallions, which tended to be lower in the non-breeding season. In conclusion, differences between the fertile and the subfertile stallions were observed only in the breeding season, and a few of CASA-derived parameters seemed to be significantly lower during the non-breeding season in both the fertile and the subfertile stallions.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
A. Towhidi ◽  
A. Farshad ◽  
M. Dolatpanah ◽  
R. Salehi

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on the semen characteristics of the Markhoz goats. Eighth bucks were randomly allocated into two groups, and received two different diets: unsupplemented diet (control) and supplemented diet with vitamin E (0.30 g/Kg DM). All experimental diets were formulated according to AFRC 1998. Semen was collected at 14-days intervals from June 17, 2006 to September 2, 2006 (non-breeding season) using artificial vagina. Semen characteristics were evaluated including semen volume, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, percentage of motility and progressive motility. This characteristics were evaluated at two weeks intervals the trial. The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculation was calculated by multiplication of the semen volume with sperm concentration. Sperm motility was also analyzed by placing a sample on pre-warmed (37 º C) microscope slide covered with a cover slip, and examined under a high power microscope at a magnification × 200. Data was analyzed using proc MIXED in SAS program. Significant effect (P≤0.05) of the week (sampling time) was observed for all the parameters except for semen volume. Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved (P≤0.05) total number (Control: 263.7 ×107±17.506 vs. Vit E: 320.95 ×107±17.506) and sperm concentration (Control: 301.79 ×107±13.657 vs. Vit E: 386.57 ×107± 13.657), motility (Control: 77.27% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 82.6% ±0.89) and progressive motility (Control: 4.208 ±0.138 vs. Vit E: 4.229 ±0.138), percentage of viability (Control: 80.57% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 85.9% ±0.89). The results suggested that the supplemental Vitamin E may improve the semen quality and fertility in the Markhoz goats.


Author(s):  
Yamina Belkhiri ◽  
Farida Bouzebda-Afri ◽  
Zoubir Bouzebda ◽  
Charef Eddine Mouffok ◽  
Amal Djaout

This experiment was carried out on Ouled Djellal rams in order to study the effect of season on testicular size, serum testosterone level and semen characteristics for a period of one year. Blood samples were obtained via jugular vein, and semen was collected by using an electro-ejaculator from six fertile male rams (2-4 years of age) on a monthly basis. In this breed, testis parameters varied seasonally showing the highest average values during autumn. However, the variation of body weight, GSI, serum testosterone levels, mass motility, individual motility and sperm concentration were not significant during the sampling period. The results reported show that the lowest and highest levels of semen volume were recorded in winter (0.62±0.11 ml) and in autumn (1.23±0.09 ml) respectively. The pH value and total number in sperm showed a uniform pattern with low scores during breeding season and high scores in non-breeding season. High percentage of live sperm was recorded during the summer, and high percentage of abnormal sperm was recorded during winter.


BMC Urology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu-An Chen ◽  
Yi-Kai Chang ◽  
Yann-Rong Su ◽  
Hong-Chiang Chang

Abstract Background The effect of ambient pollutants on the male reproductive system is controversial. This retrospective study investigated the effect of environmental pollutants on male reproductive health. Methods Male patients with primary infertility (n = 282) were identified from a single center between January 2016 and December 2017. Patients were physically examined for the presence of varicocele and for the volume of both testicles. Semen quality was measured in terms of the total sperm count, sperm concentration, and the percentage of sperm cells with motility and normal morphology. Data were acquired on the concentration of ambient pollutants, namely particulate matters of diameter < 2.5 μm, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and ozone (O3), measured on daily and hourly basis, from the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan, Taiwan. Individual exposure to pollutants was estimated based on the reported residential address of each participant. Statistical analysis indicated the effect of each pollutant on the testicular volume, sex hormone profile, and semen parameters. Results The mean ± standard deviation of age was 36.7 ± 7.3 years. The average sperm count and concentration were 41.9 million/mL and 34.1 million/mL, respectively. The mean levels of serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were 3.57 ± 1.68 ng/mL, 7.59 ± 6.3 IU/L, and 4.68 ± 3.49 IU/L, respectively. According to the multivariate linear regression model, NOx exposure was a risk factor for decreased sperm concentration and motility (p = 0.043 and 0.032). Furthermore, SO2 exposure was negatively associated and testicular volume (p < 0.01). Conclusions NO2 and SO2 exposure were negatively associated with the seminal parameter and decreased testicular volume, respectively, in a population of men with infertility. However, additional prospective studies are needed to ascertain the cause–effect relation of current results.


Folia Medica ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 632-636
Author(s):  
Gilmar Pereira Silva ◽  
Vítor Pereira Xavier Grangeiro ◽  
Fabiana Pirani Carneiro

Abstract Background: We proposed to investigate the possible relationship between seminal quality and ferritin and transferrin seminal levels in chronic hemodialysis (CH) patients. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study in a group of 60 men (case) undergoing CH for more than 6 months, and a group of 30 healthy men (control), aged 18-60 years, without clinical or laboratory signs of infection/inflammation and eugonadic. A spermogram was performed by manual method and measured the ferritn and transferrin seminal levels. Results: The case and control groups were age-matched (49.47±5.56 versus 47.90±6.22, p = 0.229). Comparison between case and control group, the exception of seminal ferritin levels that were similar (p = 0.136), were significantly lower in the case group (p<0.001) for all constituents of the seminal parameter and seminal transferrin levels. Seminal ferritin does not appear to be associated with seminal parameters and seminal transferrin (p>0.05); but there was an association between seminal transferrin and seminal parameters (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that seminal quality is related to seminal transferrin level and not with seminal ferritin level being useful in the initial evaluation of chronic hemodialysis patients with clinical suspicion of sub / infertility.


1958 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 123-151 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Gordon

1. Over four breeding seasons (1952–6) field trials, involving a total of 2504 treated and control ewes of nine breeds (Romney, Clun, Suffolk, Cheviot, Lincoln, Welsh Mountain, Ryeland, Southdown and Hampshire) were conducted in an attempt to increase flock fertility by injections of p.m.s. hormone. The hormone employed was in three forms of preparation: purified, freeze-dried and whole serum. Dosage levels from 250 to 1000 i.u. were injected subcutaneously.2. There is no evidence that the treatment affected the ability of the ewe to conceive.3. A significant increase in fertility was induced by treatment. The extent of the increase apparently depended on the dosage level and form of p.m.s. employed, and was found to be affected by the normal fertility status of the sheep undergoing treatment. At any given dosage level of p.m.s. the increases induced by treatment were greatest where flock fertility was very low.4. When used at comparable dosage levels, whole serum tended to be more effective in inducing superfertility than freeze-dried or purified serum. Freezedried serum tended to be more effective than purified serum.5. 1047 injected sheep that conceived to service at the treatment oestrus produced 1898 lambs (1·81 lambs per ewe); 997 control ewes that conceived at the same time produced 1506 (1·51 lambs per ewe).


2005 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 320
Author(s):  
J. Reyna ◽  
P. Thomson ◽  
G. Evans ◽  
C. Maxwell

The objective was to determine the effect of GnRH as an aid to synchronise the time of ovulation in Merino ewes during the non-breeding and breeding seasons as determined by transrectal ultrasound. Oestrus was synchronized in 20 nulliparous Merino ewes (11–12 months old; 2 replicates of 10 animals) during spring 2003 and autumn 2004 at Camden, NSW, Australia, using FGA sponges for 12 days (30 mg Ovagest, Bioniche Pty. Ltd., Armidale, NSW) and an i.m. injection of 400 IU of PMSG (Pregnecol, Bioniche Pty. Ltd., Armidale, NSW). Ultrasound evaluations of ovaries were recorded on VHS tapes every 12 h for 36 h starting at sponge removal (SR), then half of the animals received an i.m. injection of 40 μg synthetic GnRH (Fertagyl, Intervet Australia Pty. Ltd, Bendigo, VIC) and ultrasound evaluations were conducted every 6 h until 60 h. The positions of the largest follicles were recorded on ovarian maps and their growth was monitored. Time of ovulation was defined as the time of disappearance of the largest follicle from the ovary. Ten days after ovulation, the position and diameter of the CL was confirmed by ultrasound. Comparisons were made between treated and control animals, and between breeding and non-breeding seasons, using t-tests. During the non-breeding season ovulation took place from 42 to 54 h (mean 48 ± 2.83 h) vs. 42 to 60 h (mean 52.2 ± 5.69 h) after SR in GnRH-treated vs. control animals (P < 0.05), respectively. Ovulation was delayed in the breeding compared with the non-breeding season (P < 0.05), starting from 48 to 60 h after SR for treated (52.8 ± 3.79 h) and control animals (57.0 ± 4.24 h; P < 0.05). These results suggest that GnRH synchronized the time of ovulation compared with the controls but the time of ovulation was later in the breeding than in the non-breeding season.


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