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Sperm sex-sorting and preservation for managing the sex ratio and genetic diversity of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 152:137-53. [PMID: 25497423 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
White rhinoceros ejaculates (n=9) collected by electroejaculation from four males were shipped (10°C, 12h) to develop procedures for the production of chilled and frozen-thawed sex-sorted spermatozoa of adequate quality for artificial insemination (AI). Of all electroejaculate fractions, 39.7% (31/78) exhibited high quality post-collection (≥70% total motility and membrane integrity) and of those, 54.8% (17/31) presented reduced in vitro quality after transport and were retrospectively determined to exhibit urine-contamination (≥21.0μg creatinine/ml). Of fractions analyzed for creatinine concentration, 69% (44/64) were classified as urine-contaminated. For high quality non-contaminated fractions, in vitro parameters (motility, velocity, membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity) of chilled non-sorted and sorted spermatozoa were well-maintained at 5°C up to 54h post-collection, whereby >70% of post-transport (non-sorted) or post-sort (sorted) values were retained. By 54h post-collection, some motility parameters were higher (P<0.05) for non-sorted spermatozoa (total motility, rapid velocity, average path velocity) whereas all remaining motion parameters as well as membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity were similar between sperm types. In comparison with a straw method, directional freezing resulted in enhanced (P<0.05) motility and velocity of non-sorted and sorted spermatozoa, with comparable overall post-thaw quality between sperm types. High purity enrichment of X-bearing (89±6%) or Y-bearing (86±3%) spermatozoa was achieved using moderate sorting rates (2540±498X-spermatozoa/s; 1800±557Y-spermatozoa/s). Collective in vitro characteristics of sorted-chilled or sorted-frozen-thawed spermatozoa derived from high quality electroejaculates indicate acceptable fertility potential for use in AI.
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Giaretta E, Bucci D, Mari G, Galeati G, Love CC, Tamanini C, Spinaci M. Is Resveratrol Effective in Protecting Stallion Cooled Semen? J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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53
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Sabatini C, Mari G, Mislei B, Love C, Panzani D, Camillo F, Rota A. Effect of post-thaw addition of seminal plasma on motility, viability and chromatin integrity of cryopreserved donkey jack (Equus asinus) spermatozoa. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:989-94. [PMID: 25256158 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy rates in donkeys after artificial insemination with cryopreserved semen are still low, compared to the horse species. Addition of autologous seminal plasma to frozen-thawed semen appeared to improve pregnancy rates. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity after thawing (T0) and after one and 2 h (T1 and T2) of post-thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0) or 70% (SP70) autologous seminal plasma and (2) sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and DNA quality (%COMP-αt) after thawing (T0) and after 2 and 4 h (T2 and T4) of post-thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0), 5% (SP5) or 20% (SP20) homologous seminal plasma. In experiment 1, seminal plasma decreased total and progressive sperm motility and plasma membrane intact spermatozoa immediately after dilution and at all following time points (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, total and progressive motility did not differ between treatments immediately after dilution and between SP0 and SP5 at T2, while they were lower in both SP5 and SP20 than in SP0 at T4. Plasma membrane intact sperm cells did not differ between SP0 and SP5 and were lower in SP20 at all time points. DNA quality was not affected by treatment immediately after dilution and was significantly worse for SP20 after 4 h of incubation (p < 0.05). The post-thaw addition of seminal plasma at the tested concentrations did not improve donkey frozen semen characteristics in vitro over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sabatini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Impact of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccination on boar semen quality and quantity using two different vaccines. Theriogenology 2014; 82:574-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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55
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Morrell JM, Stuhtmann G, Meurling S, Lundgren A, Winblad C, Macias Garcia B, Johannisson A. Sperm yield after single layer centrifugation with Androcoll-E is related to the potential fertility of the original ejaculate. Theriogenology 2014; 81:1005-11. [PMID: 24582376 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2013] [Revised: 01/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Many attempts have been made to identify laboratory tests that are predictive of sperm fertility, both to improve the quality of stallion semen doses for artificial insemination (AI) and to identify potential breeding sires if no fertility data are available. Sperm quality at the stud is mostly evaluated by assessing subjective motility, although this parameter can be poorly indicative of fertility. Sperm morphology and chromatin integrity in Swedish stallions are correlated to pregnancy rate after AI. Because single layer centrifugation (SLC) selects for spermatozoa with normal morphology and good chromatin, retrospective analysis was carried out to investigate whether sperm yield after SLC is linked to potential fertility. Commercial semen doses for AI from 24 stallions (five stallions with four ejaculates each, 19 stallions with three ejaculates each; n = 77) obtained during the breeding season were cooled, and sent overnight to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in an insulated box for evaluation, with other doses being sent to studs for commercial AI. On arrival at Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the semen was used for SLC and also for evaluation of sperm motility, membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, and morphology. The seasonal pregnancy rates for each stallion were available. The yield of progressively motile spermatozoa after SLC (calculated as a proportion of the initial load) was found to be highly correlated with pregnancy rate (r = 0.75; P < 0.001). Chromatin damage was highly negatively correlated with pregnancy rate (r = -0.69; P < 0.001). Pregnancy rate was also correlated with membrane integrity (r = 0.58; P < 0.01), progressive motility (r = 0.63; P < 0.01), and normal morphology (r = 0.45; P < 0.05). In conclusion, these preliminary results show that sperm yield after SLC is related to the potential fertility of the original ejaculate, and could be an alternative indicator of stallion fertility if breeding data are not available. Single layer centrifugation is fast (30 minutes) and does not require expensive equipment, whereas other assays require a flow cytometer and/or specialist skills. An additional option could be to transport semen doses to a laboratory for SLC if the stud personnel do not want to perform the procedure themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | | | - A Lundgren
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - C Winblad
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - B Macias Garcia
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Johannisson
- Anatomy Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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56
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Niżański W, Partyka A, Rijsselaere T. Use of fluorescent stainings and flow cytometry for canine semen assessment. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 47 Suppl 6:215-21. [PMID: 23279503 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, appreciable progress has been noted in canine semen assessment techniques. The common use of accurate and sensitive diagnostic methods, such as computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA), flow cytometry and sperm penetration tests have become routine procedures in specialized andrology laboratories. Many fluorescent probes have been applied to the assessment of specific sperm characteristics in dogs. Flow cytometry enables the observation of cell characteristics such as size, shape and function of the spermatozoon, that can be revealed by a fluorochrome or fluorescent label. The analysis of events detected on dot plots gives accurate and highly reliable information on membrane integrity, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, capacitation status, lipid peroxidation, apoptosis and DNA damage. Despite the development of these modern and accurate tools, it is still questionable if the ideal method of semen evaluation, allowing predicting of the fertilizing potential of semen, has been established.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Niżański
- Department of Reproduction, University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
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Serafini R, Longobardi V, Spadetta M, Neri D, Ariota B, Gasparrini B, Di Palo R. Trypan Blue/Giemsa Staining to Assess Sperm Membrane Integrity in Salernitano Stallions and its Relationship to Pregnancy Rates. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 49:41-7. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2013] [Accepted: 06/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- R Serafini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - V Longobardi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - M Spadetta
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - D Neri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - B Ariota
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - B Gasparrini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
| | - R Di Palo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production Federico II University of Naples–Via F. Naples Italy
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Stoll A, Love CC, Ball BA. Use of a Single-Layer Density Centrifugation Method Enhances Sperm Quality in Cryopreserved–Thawed Equine Spermatozoa. J Equine Vet Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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60
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O'Brien JK, Steinman KJ, Montano GA, Love CC, Robeck TR. Sperm DNA fragmentation and morphological degeneration in chilled elephant (Elephas maximus and Loxodonta Africana) semen collected by transrectal massage. Andrology 2013; 1:387-400. [PMID: 23536498 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2013.00080.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2012] [Revised: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ejaculates from nine Asian and two African elephants were analysed to gain a further understanding of mechanisms underlying variable semen quality after transrectal massage. Semen analysis was performed after collection (0 h; subjective motility parameters only) and after 24 h of chilled storage at 10 °C (24 h; all ejaculate and sperm characteristics). Ejaculates with ≤50% total motility (TM) at 24 h, which represented >90% of collection attempts, contained a sperm population with a high degree of DNA damage (64.2 ± 19.2% fragmented DNA) and an elevated incidence of detached heads (43.3 ± 22.5%). In contrast, good quality ejaculates designated as those with >50% TM at 24 h displayed higher (p < 0.05) values of sperm kinetic parameters, DNA integrity and normal morphology. Fertility potential was high for good quality ejaculates from two males (one Asian and one African bull) based on in vitro characteristics after chilled storage for up to 48 h post-collection. Urine contamination of semen, as assessed quantitatively by creatinine concentration, was confirmed as a significant factor in reduced elephant ejaculate quality. However, the identification of considerable DNA damage and morphological degeneration in the majority of ejaculates after only 24 h of chilled storage indicates that sperm ageing could be a primary contributor to inconsistent semen quality in the elephant.
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Affiliation(s)
- J K O'Brien
- Sea World and Busch Gardens Reproductive Research Center, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
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61
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Gutiérrez-Cepeda L, Fernández Á, Crespo F, Ramírez MÁ, Gosálvez J, Serres C. The effect of two pre-cryopreservation single layer colloidal centrifugation protocols in combination with different freezing extenders on the fragmentation dynamics of thawed equine sperm DNA. Acta Vet Scand 2012; 54:72. [PMID: 23217215 PMCID: PMC3599590 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-54-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Variability among stallions in terms of semen cryopreservation quality renders it difficult to arrive at a standardized cryopreservation method. Different extenders and processing techniques (such us colloidal centrifugation) are used in order to optimize post-thaw sperm quality. Sperm chromatin integrity analysis is an effective tool for assessing such quality. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of two single layer colloidal centrifugation protocols (prior to cryopreservation) in combination with three commercial freezing extenders on the post-thaw chromatin integrity of equine sperm samples at different post-thaw incubation (37°C) times (i.e., their DNA fragmentation dynamics). Results Post-thaw DNA fragmentation levels in semen samples subjected to either of the colloidal centrifugation protocols were significantly lower (p<0.05) immediately after thawing and after 4 h of incubation at 37°C compared to samples that underwent standard (control) centrifugation. The use of InraFreeze® extender was associated with significantly less DNA fragmentation than the use of Botu-Crio® extender at 6 h of incubation, and than the use of either Botu-Crio® or Gent® extender at 24 h of incubation (p<0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that single layer colloidal centrifugation performed with extended or raw semen prior to cryopreservation reduces DNA fragmentation during the first four hours after thawing. Further studies are needed to determine the influence of freezing extenders on equine sperm DNA fragmentation dynamics.
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62
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Nordstoga AB, Krogenaes A, Nødtvedt A, Farstad W, Waterhouse K. The Relationship Between Post-Thaw Sperm DNA Integrity and Non-Return Rate Among Norwegian Cross-Bred Rams. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:207-12. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02132.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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63
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Mawyer JD, Cavinder CA, Vogelsang MM, Sigler DH, Love CC, Brinsko SP, Blanchard TL, Varner DD, Arnold CE, Teague S, Gordon RK. Thermoregulation of the testicle in response to exercise and subsequent effects on semen characteristics of stallions. J Anim Sci 2012; 90:2532-9. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2011-4543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J. D. Mawyer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - C. A. Cavinder
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - M. M. Vogelsang
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - D. H. Sigler
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - C. C. Love
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - S. P. Brinsko
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - T. L. Blanchard
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - D. D. Varner
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - C. E. Arnold
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - S. Teague
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
| | - R. K. Gordon
- Department of Veterinary Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843
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64
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Serafini R, Varner D, Bissett W, Blanchard T, Brinsko S, Teague S, Stump K, Love C. DNA fragmentation of raw stallion sperm following storage at freezing temperatures. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.06.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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65
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Peña FJ, Ferrusola CO, Tapia JA, Aparicio IM. How Stallion Sperm Age In Vitro? Scenario for Preservation Technologies. J Equine Vet Sci 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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66
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Minervini F, Guastamacchia R, Pizzi F, Dell’Aquila ME, Barile VL. Assessment of Different Functional Parameters of Frozen-Thawed Buffalo Spermatozoa by Using Cytofluorimetric Determinations. Reprod Domest Anim 2012; 48:317-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2012.02152.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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67
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Stuhtmann G, Oldenhof H, Peters P, Klewitz J, Martinsson G, Sieme H. Iodixanol density gradient centrifugation for selecting stallion sperm for cold storage and cryopreservation. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 133:184-90. [PMID: 22784972 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Revised: 06/19/2012] [Accepted: 06/21/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Density gradient centrifugation can be used for selection of sperm of superior quality and removal of seminal plasma for use in artificial insemination. In this study, the use of two-layer iodixanol density gradient centrifugation was evaluated for processing of stallion semen. The protocol includes centrifugation through a 16% iodixanol top layer of 1.090 g mL(-1) and collection of motile and intact sperm on a 30% iodixanol bottom layer of 1.165 g mL(-1). Sperm recovery and effects on sperm quality were determined during cold storage as well as after cryopreservation and compared with ordinary dilution and centrifugation. Two-layer iodixanol density gradient centrifugation allows for selection of greater percentages of morphologically normal and progressively motile sperm compared to ordinary centrifugation. This likely results from collecting sperm on the bottom layer that functions as cushion fluid, which prevents mechanical forces as occur when sperm are packed in a pellet. In addition, percentages of membrane and chromatin integrity are increased when cells are selected based on their density via centrifugation through the top and bottom layers. Removal of seminal plasma and increased initial percentages of motile and membrane intact sperm after iodixanol density gradient centrifugation also result in greater percentages of progressively motile and membrane intact sperm during cold storage as well as after freezing and thawing. In conclusion, the two-layer iodixanol density gradient centrifugation protocol described in this manuscript allows for selection of stallion sperm with greater survival rates for cold storage and cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Stuhtmann
- Clinic for Horses - Unit for Reproductive Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
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68
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Love C, Blanchard T, Varner D, Brinsko S, Voge J, Bliss S, Sudderth K, Teague S, LaCaze K. Effect of daily semen centrifugation and resuspension on the longevity of equine sperm quality following cooled storage. Theriogenology 2012; 77:1911-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 01/13/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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69
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Puglisi R, Pozzi A, Foglio L, Spanò M, Eleuteri P, Grollino MG, Bongioni G, Galli A. The usefulness of combining traditional sperm assessments with in vitro heterospermic insemination to identify bulls of low fertility as estimated in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2012; 132:17-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 04/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Costa AL, Martins-Bessa A, de Andrade AR, Guimarães T, Rebordão MR, Gamboa S, Bravo PP, Correia MJ, Colaço J, Gaivão I, Rocha A. Single Layer Centrifugation with Androcoll-E<sup>TM</sup> improved progressive motility and percentage of live spermatozoa with intact acrosome of chilled stallion semen but did not have an effect on DNA integrity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.4236/ojas.2012.23022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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71
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Bliss SB, Voge JL, Hayden SS, Teague SR, Brinsko SP, Love CC, Blanchard TL, Varner DD. The impact of cushioned centrifugation protocols on semen quality of stallions. Theriogenology 2011; 77:1232-9. [PMID: 22192395 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2011] [Revised: 09/14/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine if decreased cushion-fluid volume and increased sperm number during centrifugation, or if sperm concentration of extended semen following centrifugation, affected stallion sperm quality. Three ejaculates from each of three stallions were subjected to cushioned centrifugation (1,000g for 20 min). Cushion-fluid volume was set at 1 or 3.5 ml, and sperm number per centrifuge tube was set 1 billion or 3 billion. Following centrifugation, sperm pellets were resuspended in semen extender containing 20% seminal plasma (v/v) with sperm concentrations of 25 or 250 million/mL. Sperm recovery rate among centrifugation treatment groups was compared. Motion characteristics, plasma membrane intactness (SMI), and DNA quality (COMPαt) of sperm were compared among treatment groups and uncentrifuged controls immediately following centrifugation (Time 0 h) and following 24 h of cooled storage (Time 24 h). Centrifugation treatment did not affect sperm recovery rate (P > 0.05). At Time 0 h, no differences in experimental end points were detected between cushion-fluid volumes tested (P > 0.05). Values for percent total sperm motility, percent progressive sperm motility, and track straightness were similar between sperm-number treatments subjected to centrifugation (P > 0.05). At Time 24 h, values for all experimental endpoints were similar between centrifugation treatments for cushion volume per tube, and between centrifugation treatments for sperm number per tube (P > 0.05). Centrifugation treatments and control treatments were similar for five of six variables tested (P > 0.05). Sperm storage concentrations of 25 × 10(6) and 250 × 10(6)/mL yielded similar values for percent total sperm motility, percent progressive sperm motility, percent SMI, and percent COMPαt (P > 0.05). A storage concentration of 250 × 10(6) sperm/ml yielded higher values for curvilinear velocity, and lower values for straightness, than all other groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, centrifugation with as little as 1 ml of cushion fluid and a sperm number of up to 3 × 10(9) sperm in 50-ml conical-bottom centrifuge tubes had no detrimental effect on initial or cool-stored sperm quality. Additionally, storage of centrifuged sperm at a concentration of 250 × 10(6)/mL with 20% seminal plasma (v/v) did not have a detrimental effect on percentages of motile or progressively motile sperm, or sperm DNA quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Bliss
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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72
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Edmond AJ, Brinsko SP, Love CC, Blanchard TL, Teague SR, Varner DD. Effect of centrifugal fractionation protocols on quality and recovery rate of equine sperm. Theriogenology 2011; 77:959-66. [PMID: 22115813 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Centrifugal fractionation of semen is commonly done to improve quality of human semen in assisted-reproduction laboratories, allowing sperm separation based on their isopycnic points. Sperm with morphologic abnormalities are often more buoyant, promoting their retention above defined density media, with structurally normal sperm passing through the media following centrifugation. Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of density-medium type, centrifuge-tube size, sperm number, and density-medium volume (column height) on stallion sperm quality and recovery rate in sperm pellets following centrifugation. In all three experiments, equine semen was initially centrifuged to increase sperm concentration. In Experiment 1, semen was layered over continuous or discontinuous gradients. For Experiment 2, semen was layered over three column heights of continuous gradients in 15- or 50-ml conical-bottom tubes. For Experiment 3, increasing sperm numbers were layered over continuous gradient in 15- or 50-ml conical-bottom tubes. Following centrifugation, sperm pellets were evaluated for sperm morphologic quality, motility, DNA integrity, and recovery rate. Centrifugal fractionation improved (P < 0.05) sperm morphology, motility, and DNA integrity, as compared to controls. The continuous gradient increased (P < 0.05) sperm recovery rate relative to the discontinuous gradient, whereas sperm processed in 15-ml tubes yielded higher velocity and higher recovery rates (P < 0.05 for each) than that processed in 50-ml tubes. Sperm recovery rate was not affected (P > 0.05) by column height of gradient. Increasing sperm number subjected to gradient centrifugation decreased (P < 0.05) sperm recovery rate when 15-ml tubes were used.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Edmond
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
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73
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Love C. Relationship between sperm motility, morphology and the fertility of stallions. Theriogenology 2011; 76:547-57. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2011] [Revised: 02/23/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Effect of cryopreservation protocol on postthaw characteristics of stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2011; 76:409-18. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2010] [Revised: 02/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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75
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Klooster KL, Burruel VR, Meyers SA. Loss of fertilization potential of desiccated rhesus macaque spermatozoa following prolonged storage. Cryobiology 2011; 62:161-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2011.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2010] [Revised: 02/03/2011] [Accepted: 02/04/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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76
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SILVER IA, JEFFCOTT LB, ROSSDALE PD. Fifty years of the British Equine Veterinary Association as a facilitator of progress in equine clinical science. Equine Vet J 2011; 43:618-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2011.00379.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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77
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Kareskoski M, Sankari S, Johannisson A, Kindahl H, Andersson M, Katila T. The Association of the Presence of Seminal Plasma and Its Components with Sperm Longevity in Fractionated Stallion Ejaculates. Reprod Domest Anim 2011; 46:1073-81. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01789.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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78
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Gliozzi TM, Zaniboni L, Cerolini S. DNA fragmentation in chicken spermatozoa during cryopreservation. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1613-22. [PMID: 21396690 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2010] [Revised: 12/31/2010] [Accepted: 01/02/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Semen cryopreservation is fundamental both for the practice of artificial insemination, and for the conservation of genetic resources in cryobanks; nevertheless, there is still not an efficient standard freezing procedure assuring a steady and suitable level of fertility in fowl, and consequently there is no systematic use of frozen semen in the poultry industry. This study examined changes in motility (CASA), cell membrane integrity (Ethidium Bromide (EtBr) exclusion procedure and stress test) and DNA fragmentation (neutral comet assay) in fowl spermatozoa before, during and after cryopreservation and storage at -196 °C. An optimized comet assay for chicken semen was studied and applied to the analyses. Semen collected from 18 Mericanel della Brianza (local Italian breed) male chicken breeders was frozen in pellets and thawed in a water bath at 60 °C. Measurements were performed on fresh semen soon after dilution, after equilibration with 6% dimethylacetamide at 4 °C (processed semen) and after thawing. Sperm DNA damage occurred during cryopreservation of chicken semen and the proportion of spermatozoa with damaged DNA significantly increased from 6.2% in fresh and 6.4% in processed semen to 19.8% in frozen-thawed semen. The proportion of DNA in the comet tail of damaged spermatozoa was also significantly affected by cryopreservation, with an increase found from fresh (26.3%) to frozen-thawed (30.9%) sperm, whereas processed semen (30.1%) didn't show significant differences. The proportion of total membrane damaged spermatozoa (EtBr exclusion procedure) did not increase by 4 °C equilibration time, and greatly and significantly increased by cryopreservation; the values recorded in fresh, processed and frozen semen were 2.9, 5.6, and 66.7% respectively. As regards the proportion of damaged cells in the stress test, all values differed significantly (7.1% fresh semen, 11.7% processed semen, 63.7% frozen semen). Total motility was not affected by equilibration (52.1% fresh semen, 51.9% processed semen), whereas it decreased significantly after cryopreservation (19.8%). These results suggest a low sensitivity of frozen-thawed chicken spermatozoa to DNA fragmentation, therefore it should not be considered as a major cause of sperm injuries during cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Gliozzi
- Istituto di Biologia e Biotecnologia Agraria, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy.
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79
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Foster ML, Varner DD, Hinrichs K, Teague S, Lacaze K, Blanchard TL, Love CC. Agreement between measures of total motility and membrane integrity in stallion sperm. Theriogenology 2011; 75:1499-505. [PMID: 21295826 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 12/01/2010] [Accepted: 12/11/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Increasing seminal plasma concentrations in extended stallion semen were utilized to model decreasing sperm motility over time. Level of agreement was determined between flow cytometric measurement of sperm membrane integrity, using a combination of SYBR-14 and propidium iodide, and computer-assisted analysis of sperm motility. Values for total sperm motility (TMOT;%) and membrane integrity (SMI;%) were similar (∼80%) at Time 0 within all sperm treatments. However, TMOT was lower than SMI after 24 and 48 h of storage in treatments with >20% seminal plasma. At Time 0, agreement (bias and absolute difference) between TMOT and SMI was high (-0.7 and 5.6%, respectively), but decreased after 24 (10.8 and 15.1%, respectively) and 48 h (23.0 and 23.8%, respectively) of cooled storage as motility declined more rapidly than SMI. We concluded that TMOT and SMI measured separate aspects of sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Foster
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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80
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Waberski D, Schapmann E, Henning H, Riesenbeck A, Brandt H. Sperm chromatin structural integrity in normospermic boars is not related to semen storage and fertility after routine AI. Theriogenology 2011; 75:337-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Revised: 08/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/07/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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81
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Minervini F, Lacalandra GM, Filannino A, Garbetta A, Nicassio M, Dell’Aquila ME, Visconti A. Toxic effects induced by mycotoxin fumonisin B1 on equine spermatozoa: Assessment of viability, sperm chromatin structure stability, ROS production and motility. Toxicol In Vitro 2010; 24:2072-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2010.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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82
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Partyka A, Niżański W, Łukaszewicz E. Evaluation of fresh and frozen-thawed fowl semen by flow cytometry. Theriogenology 2010; 74:1019-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2010] [Revised: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 04/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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83
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Minervini F, Lacalandra G, Filannino A, Nicassio M, Visconti A, Dell’Aquila M. Effects of in vitro exposure to natural levels of zearalenone and its derivatives on chromatin structure stability in equine spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2010; 73:392-403. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Revised: 09/25/2009] [Accepted: 09/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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84
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Waterhouse K, Gjeldnes A, Tverdal A, De Angelis P, Farstad W, Håård M, Kommisrud E. Alterations of sperm DNA integrity during cryopreservation procedure and in vitro incubation of bull semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 117:34-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 03/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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85
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Johannisson A, Morrell JM, Thorén J, Jönsson M, Dalin AM, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Colloidal centrifugation with Androcoll-E prolongs stallion sperm motility, viability and chromatin integrity. Anim Reprod Sci 2009; 116:119-28. [PMID: 19217226 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2009.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Revised: 01/09/2009] [Accepted: 01/19/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to investigate the changes in stallion sperm quality (sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity and chromatin integrity) occurring during cool storage, and to study the effect of sperm selection by single layer colloidal centrifugation on these parameters of sperm quality. Spermatozoa from 3 stallions (10 ejaculates, 3-4 per stallion) were selected by centrifugation through a single layer of colloid (SLC). The resulting sperm preparations and the control samples (extended but unselected semen samples) were stored at 5 degrees C for 48h. Assessments of sperm quality, such as sperm motility, viability (SYBR-14/PI staining), membrane stability (Annexin-V/PI staining) and chromatin integrity, were performed on aliquots of the selected sperm preparations and unselected samples on the day of collection (3h) and after 24 and 48h of storage. In the SLC-selected sperm samples, sperm motility, sperm viability, proportions of spermatozoa with normal morphology and with intact chromatin were significantly better than in unselected samples (motility: 77+/-4% vs. 64+/-8% at 3h; P<0.001; viability: 79.5+/-9% vs. 64.7+/-9%, P<0.001; normal morphology 89+/-6% vs. 69+/-9%; chromatin integrity DFI 11.3+/-5% vs. 22.1+/-10%). Membrane stability, however, was not different in the SLC-selected and unselected samples (74.6+/-8% vs. 69.3+/-8%). The deterioration seen in sperm quality in the unselected samples was prevented by SLC, so that sperm viability, membrane stability and chromatin integrity were unchanged in the selected samples by 48h compared to 3h (P<0.001), whereas the unselected samples were significantly worse by 48h (P<0.001). Furthermore, it should be possible to send an aliquot of a normal insemination dose (i.e. unselected spermatozoa) overnight to a reference laboratory for analysis of both plasma membrane and chromatin integrity. In conclusion, centrifugation of stallion spermatozoa through a single layer of colloid is a useful technique for selecting the best spermatozoa from an ejaculate and, moreover, sperm quality is maintained during storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Johannisson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences - SLU, Dept. of Anatomy, Physiology & Biochemistry, Uppsala, Sweden
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86
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Colloidal Centrifugation of Stallion Semen: Changes in Sperm Motility, Velocity, and Chromatin Integrity during Storage. J Equine Vet Sci 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2008.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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87
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88
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89
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90
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Waite JA, Love CC, Brinsko SP, Teague SR, Salazar JL, Mancill SS, Varner DD. Factors impacting equine sperm recovery rate and quality following cushioned centrifugation. Theriogenology 2008; 70:704-14. [PMID: 18573520 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2008] [Revised: 04/17/2008] [Accepted: 04/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to investigate modifications in cushioned centrifugation of stallion semen. Specifically, the effects of tube type, centrifugation medium, cushion type, and centrifugation force on post-centrifugation sperm recovery rate and quality were evaluated. In Experiment 1, sperm recovery rate was higher (P<0.05) in conventional plastic conical-bottom tubes (103%) than in newly developed glass nipple-bottom tubes (96%) following cushioned centrifugation; however, several measures of semen quality (i.e., % total motility [MOT], % progressive motility [PMOT], curvilinear velocity, and average-path velocity) yielded higher values following centrifugation in nipple-bottom tubes (P<0.05). Sperm recovery rate following cushioned centrifugation was similar between semen previously diluted in optically clear centrifugation extender (100%) and semen diluted in opaque centrifugation extender (100%); however, MOT and PMOT were higher in semen subjected to cushioned centrifugation in opaque extender (P<0.05). An extender by tube-type interaction was not detected for recovery rate or post-centrifugation semen quality. In Experiment 2, sperm recovery rate following cushioned centrifugation in nipple-bottom tubes was similar when forces of 400xg or 600xg were applied (90 and 90%, respectively; P>0.05), and no resulting differences in semen quality were detected between these treatment groups (P>0.05). The type of iodixanol cushion medium used (i.e., OptiPrep, Eqcellsire Component B, or Cushion Fluid did not impact post-centrifugation semen quality, based on the laboratory values measured (P>0.05). In conclusion, cushioned centrifugation of stallion semen in either conical-bottom or nipple-bottom tubes yielded a high sperm harvest, while maintaining sperm function. An optically opaque extender, commonly used in the equine breeding industry, can be used to achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Waite
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA
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91
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Morrell JM, Johannisson A, Dalin AM, Hammar L, Sandebert T, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Sperm morphology and chromatin integrity in Swedish warmblood stallions and their relationship to pregnancy rates. Acta Vet Scand 2008; 50:2. [PMID: 18179691 PMCID: PMC2246141 DOI: 10.1186/1751-0147-50-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2007] [Accepted: 01/07/2008] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Artificial insemination is not as widely used in horses as in other domestic species, such as dairy cattle and pigs, partly because of the wide variation in sperm quality between stallion ejaculates and partly due to decreased fertility following the use of cooled transported spermatozoa. Furthermore, predictive tests for sperm fertilising ability are lacking. The objective of the present study was to assess sperm morphology and chromatin integrity in ejaculates obtained from 11 warmblood breeding stallions in Sweden, and to evaluate the relationship of these parameters to pregnancy rates to investigate the possibility of using these tests predictively. METHODS Aliquots from fortyone ejaculates, obtained as part of the normal semen collection schedule at the Swedish National Stud, were used for morphological analysis by light microscopy, whereas thirtyseven were used for chromatin analysis (SCSA) by flow cytometry. The outcome of inseminations using these ejaculates was made available later in the same year. RESULTS Ranges for the different parameters were as follows; normal morphology, 27-79.5%; DNA-fragmentation index (DFI), 4.8-19.0%; standard deviation of DNA fragmentation index (SD_DFI) 41.5-98.9, and mean of DNA fragmentation index (mean_DFI), 267.7-319.5. There was considerable variation among stallions, which was statistically significant for all these parameters except for mean_DFI (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001 and P < 0.2 respectively). There was a negative relationship between normal morphology and DFI (P < 0.05), between normal morphology and SD_DFI (P < 0.001), and between normal morphology and mean_DFI (P < 0.05). For specific defects, there was a direct relationship between the incidence of pear-shaped sperm heads and DFI (P < 0.05), and also nuclear pouches and DFI (P < 0.001), indicating that either morphological analysis or chromatin analysis was able to identify abnormalities in spermiogenesis that could compromise DNA-integrity. A positive relationship was found between normal morphology and pregnancy rate following insemination (r = 0.789; P < 0.01) and a negative relationship existed between DFI and pregnancy rate (r = -0.63; P < 0.05). Sperm motility, assessed subjectively, was not related to conception rate. CONCLUSION Either or both of the parameters, sperm morphology and sperm chromatin integrity, seem to be useful in predicting the fertilising ability of stallion ejaculates, particularly in determining cases of sub-fertility.
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93
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Studies on Correlation Among Sperm Characteristics, Farrowing Rates by AI and Chromatin Structure in Boars. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2006. [DOI: 10.5187/jast.2006.48.6.777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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94
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Castellini C, Pizzi F, Theau-Clément M, Lattaioli P. Effect of different number of frozen spermatozoa inseminated on the reproductive performance of rabbit does. Theriogenology 2006; 66:2182-7. [PMID: 16920187 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2006.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2006] [Revised: 06/26/2006] [Accepted: 06/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The relationship between the number of frozen spermatozoa inseminated and fertility rate and litter size at birth in rabbit does was investigated. Six hundred artificial inseminations (AI) were performed on multiparous lactating does with three spermatozoa concentrations: 10, 25, 50x10(6)spermatozoa/AI. All the does were synchronized with 20 UI of eCG 2 days before AI. The estimated sexual receptivity was 87%. The freezing-thawing procedure strongly reduced kinetic and functional traits (acrosome integrity, capacitation) of the spermatozoa. The number of spermatozoa inseminated did not affect the reproductive performance: the mean fertility rate and litter size values were 51.5% and 7.6%, respectively. Sexually receptive does (n=522) inseminated with frozen spermatozoa showed a 58.0% fertility rate whereas, non-receptive does (n=78), had a very poor fertility rate (7.8%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Castellini
- Dip. Biologia Vegetale e Biotecnologie Agroambientali e Zootecniche, Borgo 20 Giugno, 74, 06121 Perugia, Italy.
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95
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Esteso MC, Fernández-Santos MR, Soler AJ, Montoro V, Quintero-Moreno A, Garde JJ. The effects of cryopreservation on the morphometric dimensions of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus hispanicus) epididymal sperm heads. Reprod Domest Anim 2006; 41:241-6. [PMID: 16689889 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00676.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Computer-automated sperm-head morphometry was used in this study to determine the effects of cryopreservation on red deer sperm-head morphometry. Epididymal sperm samples were collected from 40 mature stags and were divided. One portion was diluted at room temperature in a Tris-citrate egg yolk medium, containing 6% glycerol. A microscope slide was prepared from single extended sperm samples prior to freezing. The remainder of each sample was frozen in nitrogen vapours. After thawing, sperm smears were prepared as described above. All slides were air dried and stained with Hemacolor. The sperm-head dimensions for length, width, area, perimeter and shape factor (length/width), for a minimum of 135 spermatozoa were determined for each slide by means of the Sperm-Class Analyser (SCA). Firstly, our results show that cryopreservation substantially reduced (p < 0.001) sperm motility and plasma membrane and acrosome integrities. In addition, sperm heads were significantly smaller in cryopreserved spermatozoa than in the companion extended samples for area (32.05 microm2 vs 32.56 microm2; p < 0.05), length (8.46 microm vs 8.53 microm; p < 0.0001) and shape factor (1.833 vs 1.849; p < 0.0001) for all stags. These differences were found within 29 of 40 stags (75%) for at least three of the morphometric parameters. The individual variability (CV) of sperm head measurements from extended samples was negatively correlated (p < 0.005) with the per cent of change in sperm head measurements after cryopreservation for area (r = -0.465), width (r = -0.483) and perimeter (r = -0.375). Thus, the lower the sperm head variability in the extended samples, the greater the sperm change as a consequence of the cryopreservation. These results suggest that the variability (heterogeneity) in sperm head dimensions of individual stags may be a good indicator of sperm freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Esteso
- Grupo de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto de Investigación en Recursos Cinegéticos, IREC, (CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), Campus Universitario, Albacete, Spain
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96
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Kasimanickam R, Pelzer KD, Kasimanickam V, Swecker WS, Thatcher CD. Association of classical semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation index, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymatic activity of semen in ram-lambs. Theriogenology 2006; 65:1407-21. [PMID: 16188307 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2004] [Accepted: 05/16/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to determine relationships among classical semen characteristics, sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA), lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymatic activity in ram-lamb semen. Fifty-seven ram-lambs were electroejaculated, and routine semen evaluation was conducted (as part of a breeding soundness evaluation). The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) and the percentage of sperm with abnormally high DNA stainability (HDS; immature spermatozoa) were determined by SCSA using the metachromatic properties of acridine orange. Semen was centrifuged at 800 x g for 15 min to separate spermatozoa and seminal plasma and the aliquots were stored at -70 degrees C until analyzed. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were measured by spectrophotometric assays. The classical semen parameters were negatively related to lipid peroxidation and GPx activity in spermatozoa; motility and morphology were negatively related to %DFI (P < 0.05). Based on Kruskal-Wallis pair-wise comparison of median values among breeding soundness outcome groups, %DFI was lower in the satisfactory group compared to other groups (P < 0.05) and the lipid peroxidation and GPx activity in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were lower in satisfactory and questionable groups (P < 0.05). However, the SOD was lower in the unsatisfactory group (P < 0.05). In summary, classical semen parameters were negatively related to % DFI, lipid peroxidation and GPx activity in ram-lamb spermatozoa and seminal plasma. There were indications that SOD and GPx have crucial protective roles against the toxic effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in ram-lamb semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramanathan Kasimanickam
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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97
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Choi YH, Love CC, Varner DD, Hinrichs K. Equine blastocyst development after intracytoplasmic injection of sperm subjected to two freeze-thaw cycles. Theriogenology 2006; 65:808-19. [PMID: 16095679 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2005] [Accepted: 04/24/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thawing, division into aliquots and refreezing on fertilizing capacity (ability to support embryo development after intracytoplasmic sperm injection; ICSI) of frozen stallion semen. Frozen semen from a fertile stallion was thawed, diluted 1:100 with freezing extender, and refrozen (2F treatment). Control semen was frozen only once. In vitro matured equine oocytes were injected with: (1) motile control spermatozoa; (2) motile 2F spermatozoa; (3) non-motile 2F spermatozoa; or (4) non-motile 2F spermatozoa, followed by injection of sperm extract. Blastocyst development after ICSI was equivalent between control spermatozoa and motile 2F spermatozoa (27 and 23%, respectively). Blastocyst development after injection of non-motile 2F spermatozoa (13%) tended (P=0.07) to be lower than that for control spermatozoa. Injection of sperm extract into oocytes that received non-motile 2F spermatozoa resulted in a significant decrease in blastocyst development (to 2%) compared with injection of non-motile 2F spermatozoa alone. Spermatozoa from a subfertile stallion was similarly processed and used for ICSI; blastocyst development for both motile control (once frozen) spermatozoa and motile 2F spermatozoa was 9%. In conclusion, frozen stallion semen may be thawed, diluted, and refrozen without effect on the ability of motile spermatozoa to initiate embryo development after ICSI. Non-motile spermatozoa from reprocessed semen may also achieve embryo development after ICSI. To our knowledge, this is the first report evaluating the ability of refrozen spermatozoa to produce embryos by ICSI in any species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y H Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4466, USA
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98
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Neild DN, Gadella BM, Agüero A, Stout TAE, Colenbrander B. Capacitation, acrosome function and chromatin structure in stallion sperm. Anim Reprod Sci 2005; 89:47-56. [PMID: 16054782 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In general, fertility in breeding stallions is lower and more variable than in the other farm animal species, primarily because selection is based on pedigree, looks and/or athletic performance, with little consideration of fertility or fertility potential. Moreover, because the average stallion breeds only a limited number of mares per year and in-field fertility is influenced significantly by non-stallion factors such as management and mare fertility, meaningful fertility data are hard to come-by. Unfortunately, generating usable figures would involve impractically high costs, time and numbers of mares. Instead, a breeding soundness examination (BSE), based on assessments of sperm number, motility and morphological normality and of mating ability, is often carried out with the ostensible aim of identifying animals with the "potential for good fertility". In fact, the BSE generally succeeds only in ruling out those stallions with a very clear reason for sub-fertility, and still fails to identify some seriously sub-fertile animals. Thus, the routine BSE has very limited use as a predictor of subsequent fertility. This paper reviews assays developed for identifying capacitated, acrosome-reacted and DNA-damaged sperm, and assesses their utility for improving our ability to predict a stallion's fertility prior to the onset of his breeding career.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Neild
- Department of Theriogenology, School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina
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99
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Abstract
The sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA) was introduced by as a method to determine the susceptibility of sperm DNA to denaturation and how those results related to fertility. This initial study used human sperm and was followed by studies in bulls and boars . This assay was one of the first to introduce the technique of flow cytometry, which has the ability to evaluate specific sperm compartments of large numbers of sperm in a short time, as a methodology to evaluate sperm quality and further define the relationship of sperm quality to fertility. For any assay to be of use clinically, it must not only be validated and adapted for the species of interest, but guidelines that associate specific levels of fertility with assay results must be defined. This review will describe how our laboratory uses the SCSA for clinical diagnosis of reduced fertility in the stallion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles C Love
- Department of Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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