LOW TEMPERATURE SPERM SELECTION METHOD TO SUPPORT BOVINE BREEDING INDUSTRY
This research proposed novel bovine sperm selection method based on sperm motility parameter to support bovine breeding industry. Sperm selection method consists of three main processes. First, decrease and holdbovine semen temperature at 4oC to reduce average sperm motility.Second, determine targeted sperm location which has highest motility within objective’s field of view after general motility observed decreasedinto 5% from initial value.Third, track targeted sperm and maintain holding temperature continuously until targeted sperm immotile and ready to be aspirated. Testing result showstemperature controller prototype can decrease bovine semen temperature safely without generate any intracellular ice. Micro actuator prototype can provide high motion performance exceed bovine sperm average velocity so it fully supporting motion detection software to perform real time bovine sperm tracking. Autofocus mechanism was succeedingincrease motion detection sensitivity using 4X, 10X and 40X objectives lens. All prototype devices developed in this research provide safely selection process to achieve high quality bovine sperm.