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Al-Kass Z, Morrell JM. Freezing Stallion Semen-What Do We Need to Focus on for the Future? Vet Sci 2024; 11:65. [PMID: 38393083 PMCID: PMC10893461 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11020065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) is used frequently in the breeding of sport horses, apart from Thoroughbreds. Most AIs are carried out with cooled semen rather than frozen semen because of the difficulties in identifying a protocol that is suitable for freezing most ejaculates and the necessity to inseminate close to ovulation because of the short life of the thawed spermatozoa. More widespread use of frozen semen would improve biosecurity, allow greater choice of stallions, and offer more flexibility when managing deliveries of semen to the stud. It would even decrease the amount of antibiotics used in semen extenders, since the volume of frozen semen is smaller than when cooled semen is inseminated. However, there is considerable variability in the cryosurvival of spermatozoa from different stallions, leading to the classification of stallions as good or bad freezers. Improvements could be made at the level of stallion nutrition, the semen collection regimen, the extender, the removal of seminal plasma, and the cooling protocol, among others. Stallion sperm membranes are highly susceptible to lipid peroxidation, but research on antioxidants has failed to identify an additive that would benefit all stallions. In the future, biomarkers for sperm freezability could be used as an aid in identifying suitable ejaculates for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyad Al-Kass
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Surgery and Theriogenology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Mosul, Mosul 41002, Iraq
| | - Jane M. Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden;
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Optimizing Bull Semen Cryopreservation Media Using Multivariate Statistics Approaches. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061077. [PMID: 36978618 PMCID: PMC10044293 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryo-injury reduces post-thaw semen quality. Extender components play a protective role, but existing experimental approaches do not elucidate interactions among extender components, semen samples, and post-thaw quality. To identify optimal concentrations for 12 extender ingredients, we ran 122 experiments with an I-optimal completely random design using a large dataset from our previous study. We obtained a maximum predicted total motility of 70.56% from an I-optimal design and 73.75% from a Monte Carlo simulation. Individual bull variations were significant and interacted with extenders independently. 67% of bulls reliably preferred extender formulations to reach maximum motility. Multifactor analysis suggests that some antioxidants may offer superior protection over others. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) found the highest positive loadings for glutathione in the antioxidant class, glycerol in the CPA class, and fructose in the basic compounds class. The optimal ranges for milk, water, and ethylene glycol were extremely narrow. Egg yolk, cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin, and nerve growth factor had medium-loading impacts. PLS-PM showed that CPA, osmoregulators, and basic components were the most efficient contributors to motility, while the antioxidant and extracellular protectant classes had less efficiency. Thus, ingredients, concentrations, and interactions of extender compounds are critical to extender formulation, especially when using multiple compounds with the same function.
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Freitas ML, Viana JHM, Dode MAN, Maggiotto SR, Pivato I, Braga TRC, Lim AIPG, de Oliveira RA. Seasonality does not influence cortisol or testosterone production, or seminal quality of stallions located at low latitudes. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 250:107202. [PMID: 36913897 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
The effects of seasonality on the reproduction of stallions vary based on the latitude. Although previous studies have shown the influence of seasonality in raw semen quality in south-eastern Brazil, data regarding the influence of seasonality in cooled and frozen stored semen in Brazil is limited. Therefore, in this study, we have analysed if seasonality influences the hormone production (i.e., cortisol and testosterone), spermatogenesis, and quality of fresh, cooled, and frozen semen of stallions in central Brazil, and established the season most suitable for semen cryopreservation in a latitude of 15°S. Ten stallions were followed-up for one year, which was divided into two seasons, namely, drought, and rainy. Fresh, cooled, and frozen-thawed semen samples were assessed using CASA and flow cytometry. Additionally, the temperature and humidity index (THI) was calculated to determine the thermal stress. Although the THI varied between the two seasons, no thermal stress was observed throughout the year, nor were there differences in the physiological parameters of the stallions or plasma cortisol or testosterone levels. Furthermore, differences were not detected in total and progressive motility, sperm capacitation, and sperm membrane integrity, as well as in the number of live sperm with intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial membrane potential, between the two seasons in the fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Our data suggest that semen can be effectively collected and cryopreserved throughout the year within central regions of Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariane Leão Freitas
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Margot Alves Nunes Dode
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Selma Regina Maggiotto
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Ivo Pivato
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Alexandre In Piao Gomes Lim
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Brasília, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Arruda de Oliveira
- University of Brasília, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Laboratory of Animal Reproduction (FAV/UnB), Brasília, Brazil.
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Semen Quality of the First and Second Ejaculates Collected from Breeding Inactive Stallions after Cooling and Freezing. Vet Sci 2023; 10:vetsci10030173. [PMID: 36977212 PMCID: PMC10053074 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10030173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the semen quality after the cooling and freezing of the first and second ejaculates of the season, which were collected 1 h apart. After collection (n = 40 ejaculates), the gel-free semen volume, concentration, total number of sperm, and sperm morphology were determined. An aliquot of each ejaculate was extended and cooled for 48 h; a second aliquot was cushion-centrifuged and cooled for 48 h; and a third aliquot was processed and then frozen. The total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) were assessed pre-(0 h), 24 h, and 48 h post-cooling and before and after freezing. The second ejaculate had a lower gel-free semen volume (p = 0.026). The sperm concentration was greater in the first than in the second ejaculate (p < 0.001). The sperm morphology was similar between the ejaculates (p > 0.05). Cushion-centrifugation prevented a reduction in the TM, PM, and PMI over time (p < 0.05). The TM, PM, and PMI decreased after freezing but not between the ejaculates (p > 0.05). The first and second ejaculates of the season, which were collected 1 h apart, varied in quantity but not in quality after cooling and freezing.
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Sharafi M, Blondin P, Vincent P, Anzar M, Benson JD. Hydroxytyrosol and resveratrol improves kinetic and flow cytometric parameters of cryopreserved bull semen with low cryotolerance. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 245:107065. [PMID: 36115090 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in breeding programs to "rescue" semen with poor post-thaw fertility from bulls known as "bad freezers". We hypothesized that there may be an interaction between the post-thaw recovery of sperm and the efficacy of antioxidant addition to extenders. The current study assesses the effects of antioxidant additives hydroxytyrosol (HT) and resveratrol (RSV) on the post-thaw semen parameters in two groups of bulls classified as either high or low cryotolerant (i.e., "good" and "bad" freezers). Semen samples were collected from 40 bulls and processed in the extenders containing different concentrations of HT (experiment 1; 0, 25 and 50 µM) and RSV (experiment 2; 0.0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mM). In experiment 1, bulls in the low cryotolerance group had a significant improvement in post-thaw recovery at 25 µM and 50 µM (P < 0.05). These improvements were observed in motility and several cellular parameters. However, post-thaw semen quality in the high cryotolerance group was not significantly affected by the HT addition. In experiment 2, although RSV did not have any positive impact in high cryotolerance group, post-thaw recovery in the low cryotolerance bulls was significantly improved in 0.1 mM RSV. Oxidative stress markers in either high or low cryotolerance groups were not significantly changed by RSV addition (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that addition of optimized concentrations of HT and RSV to the extender could be a strategy for improving the post-thaw semen, especially in bulls with high genetic merit but low initial cryotolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohsen Sharafi
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Muhammad Anzar
- Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Saskatoon Research and Development Center, and Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - James D Benson
- Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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Gmel AI, Burger D, Neuditschko M. A Novel QTL and a Candidate Gene Are Associated with the Progressive Motility of Franches-Montagnes Stallion Spermatozoa after Thaw. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:1501. [PMID: 34680896 PMCID: PMC8536120 DOI: 10.3390/genes12101501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of frozen-thawed semen is an important reproduction tool to preserve the biodiversity of small, native horse breeds such as the Franches-Montagnes (FM). However, not all stallions produce cryotolerant semen with a progressive motility after thaw ≥ 35%. To improve our understanding of the genetic background of male fertility traits in both fresh and frozen-thawed semen, we performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gel-free volume, sperm cell concentration, total sperm count, and progressive motility in fresh and frozen-thawed semen from 109 FM stallions using 335,494 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We identified one significant (p < 1.69 × 10-7) quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ECA6 within the SCN8A gene for progressive motility after thaw, which was previously associated with progressive motility in boars. Homozygous stallions showed a substantial drop in progressive motility after thaw. This QTL could be used to identify cryointolerant stallions, avoiding the costly cryopreservation process. Further studies are needed to confirm whether this QTL is also present in other horse breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annik Imogen Gmel
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
- Equine Department, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine ISME, Agroscope and University of Bern, Les Longs Prés, 1580 Avenches, Switzerland;
| | - Markus Neuditschko
- Animal GenoPhenomics, Agroscope, Route de la Tioleyre 4, 1725 Posieux, Switzerland;
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Gautier C, Scarlet D, Ertl R, Walter I, Wulf M, Nagel C, Aurich J, Aurich C. Expression of enzymes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis in the stallion testis and epididymis. Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:851-861. [PMID: 32527375 DOI: 10.1071/rd19342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to characterise key enzymes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) synthesis in the testis and epididymis collected from 2-year-old healthy warmblood stallions (n=10). The mRNA expression of fatty acid synthase, the Δ9-, Δ6-, Δ5- and Δ4-desaturases and elongases 6, 5 and 2 (encoded by the fatty acid synthase (FASN), the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2), the fatty acid desaturase 1 (FADS1), the delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1 (DEGS1), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 6(ELOVL6), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 5 (ELOVL5), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 2 (ELOVL2) genes respectively) was determined in equine testis and epididymis. All enzymes were present in testicular tissue and along the epididymis, but mRNA expression differed among localisations. The protein localisation of FADS1, FADS2 and ELOVL5 was determined by immunohistochemistry. In the testes, FADS1 was expressed in the germinal cells and ELOVL5 was expressed in germinal and Leydig cells; FADS2 was not detected. In the epididymis, FADS1 and FADS2 were expressed in the principal and basal cells, whereas ELOVL5 was found only in the principal cells of the caput. All three enzymes were present in epididymal vesicles secreted by an apocrine mechanism. These results suggest active PUFA metabolism during spermatogenesis and epididymal sperm maturation in stallions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Gautier
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Dragos Scarlet
- Gynecology, Obstetrics and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard Ertl
- Vetcore Facility for Research, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ingrid Walter
- Institute of Pathology, Department of Pathobiology, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Manuela Wulf
- Graf Lehndorff Institute, Vetmeduni Vienna, Hauptgestüt 10, 16845 Neustadt (Dosse), Germany
| | - Christina Nagel
- Graf Lehndorff Institute, Vetmeduni Vienna, Hauptgestüt 10, 16845 Neustadt (Dosse), Germany
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Gynecology, Obstetrics and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; and Corresponding author.
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Bóveda P, Esteso MC, Velázquez R, Castaño C, Toledano-Díaz A, López-Sebastián A, Mejía O, Millán de la Blanca MG, Ungerfeld R, Santiago-Moreno J. Influence of circulating testosterone concentration on sperm cryoresistance: The ibex as an experimental model. Andrology 2021; 9:1242-1253. [PMID: 33686789 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have noted that the circulating testosterone concentration may affect the ability of spermatozoa to survive cryopreservation. However, few attempts to confirm such a relationship have been made. Wild ruminant species have very marked seasonal changes in their reproductive function and strong annual changes in their plasma testosterone concentration. OBJECTIVES The present work examines the influence of induced changes in testosterone secretion on sperm variables following conventional slow freezing and ultra-rapid freezing, using the Iberian ibex as an experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a first experiment, testosterone levels were reduced in the middle of the rutting season (December) using the antiandrogen cyproterone acetate (CA). In a second experiment, testosterone levels were increased at the end of the rutting season (January) via the use of the androgen testosterone propionate (TP). RESULTS During December, the testosterone concentration was found to be higher in the blood and seminal plasma of untreated males than in those of CA-treated males (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively). Compared with controls, the TP-treated animals had higher blood plasma testosterone concentrations but lower seminal plasma testosterone concentrations during January (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The seminal vesicles of the TP-treated males were larger than those of untreated males (p < 0.05). When CA was administered, sperm viability improved compared with controls (p < 0.05), irrespective of the freezing protocol followed. For the ultra-rapid freezing procedure, the cryoresistance ratio for motility decreased when TP was administered (p < 0.05). The values for fresh sperm morphometric variables decreased during the 50 days after the end of CA treatment (p < 0.001) and increased over the same time after the end of TP treatment (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The circulating testosterone concentration appears to influence sperm cryoresistance. This may explain the seasonal changes seen in sperm freezability in some species, independent of fresh sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Bóveda
- Department of Animal Reproduction, INIA, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Octavio Mejía
- Centro de Enseñanza, Investigación y Extensión en Producción Ovina, FMVZ-UNAM, Tres Marías, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Liu Q, Yu J, Li M, Zhang R, Gao P, Cong G, Cui D, Ji C, Zeng S. Multivariate models for estimating jackass semen production and quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 56:301-312. [PMID: 33068490 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of season, age, gonad and accessory sex glands on semen characteristics of jackass and to construct multivariate regression models to predict semen quality. In autumn, spring and summer, semen characteristics of 30 sexually mature donkeys (1,014 ejaculations) were analysed to investigate the effect of seasons on semen quality, and gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 12 jackasses were measured immediately after ejaculation by ultrasonography to investigate the effect of seasons on reproductive organ size. Semen (598 ejaculates), gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 40 jackasses aged between 3 and 7 years were analysed in autumn to investigate the effects of age and reproductive organ size on semen quality and to construct multivariate models. To verify the accuracy of the models, semen (476 ejaculates), gonad and accessory sex gland parameters of 20 jackasses were measured from March to June. Results revealed that semen, gonad and accessory sex gland parameters were not affected by season and age. Progressive motility (PM) was positively correlated with long axis of the spermatic cord (LASC) and negatively correlated with percentages of sperm abnormality (PSA). Total sperm count (TSC) was positively correlated with testis circumferences (TC) and cross-sectional area of cauda epididymis (CSACE). TC, CSACE, LASC and PSA were included into multivariate models to predict PM, TSC and functional sperm count (FSC) in 20 jackasses (PM = 72.332 + 0.428 LASC - 0.441 PSA; TSC = -169.929 + 8.728 TC + 0.253 CSACE; FSC = -206.645 + 8.788 TC + 0.258 CSACE). The predicted and observed values corresponded well. In conclusion, the tested models can be used for predicting semen quality of donkey.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Liu
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry University, Yangling, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Min Li
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Ruitao Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Peng Gao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglei Cong
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Daiyong Cui
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chuanliang Ji
- National Engineering Research Center for Gelatin-based Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dong-E-E-Jiao Co. Ltd., Liaocheng, China
| | - Shenming Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Animal Genetics, Breeding, Reproduction and Molecular Design, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,National Engineering Laboratory for Animal Breeding, Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding of the Ministry of Agriculture, College of Animal Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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Crespo F, Wilson R, Díaz-Jimenez M, Consuegra C, Dorado J, Barrado BG, Gosálvez J, Smit RL, Hidalgo M, Johnston S. Effect of season on individual stallion semen characteristics. Anim Reprod Sci 2020; 223:106641. [PMID: 33160762 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2020.106641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Horses are long-day seasonal breeding animals, however, with modern stallion reproductive management it is important for collection of semen during periods that are not part of the traditional breeding season. This study was conducted to examine variation in the seminal characteristics of individual stallions in Avila, Spain during 1 year with a particular emphasis on sperm DNA fragmentation. Semen was collected twice per season from a total of 20 stallions. There was a marked seasonal effect on all seminal characteristics, with the greatest on progressive motility, % membrane integrity and least for SDF in the spring months; there was also an interaction effect with respect to individual stallion, indicating that some stallions did not fit this generalised pattern for semen quality. Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed both immediately after semen collection (T0) and following incubation of extended semen for 24 h (T24) to broadly mimic changes in SDF that might occur in the female reproductive tract. While SDF evaluated at T0 was also generally less in spring, the proportion of stallions with the least SDF values in spring increased from 45% to 60% when assessed at T24, therefore, being consistent with the importance of dynamic SDF assessment in detecting DNA damage that was not detected at T0 or cryptic DNA damage. The results from this study indicate there is individual seasonal variation among stallions in all aspects of seminal characteristics; such variation needs to be considered when prioritising stallions that are to be used for breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Crespo
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Ávila, 05005, Spain
| | - R Wilson
- School of Mathematics and Physics, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, 4072, Australia
| | - M Díaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14071, Spain
| | - C Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14071, Spain
| | - J Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14071, Spain
| | - B García Barrado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14071, Spain
| | - J Gosálvez
- Department of Biology, Genetics Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) 20849. Madrid, Spain
| | - R Louis Smit
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia
| | - M Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, 14071, Spain
| | - S Johnston
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, 4343, Australia.
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11
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Ebel F, Vallejos A, Gajardo G, Ulloa O, Clavel E, Rodríguez-Gil JE, Ramírez-Reveco A. Semen quality and freezability analysis during breeding and non-breeding seasons in heavy draft stallions in southern Chile. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13797. [PMID: 32870570 DOI: 10.1111/and.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate seasonal changes in basic parameters of sperm quality and freezability behaviour of ejaculates from 10 fertile heavy draft stallions. A total of 140 ejaculates were collected, processed and evaluated during both the breeding (September-November) and non-breeding seasons (April-June). Fresh semen was evaluated for volume, concentration, total spermatozoa per ejaculate, plasma membrane integrity and total sperm motility. Cryopreserved samples were evaluated for plasma membrane integrity and sperm motility by the CASA system, and for the freezability index (FI), which was defined as the decreased ratio of viability after freezing-thawing. In fresh ejaculates, only viability showed significantly higher values in the breeding than in the non-breeding season (64.0% ± 15.0% vs. 58.6% ± 12.0%, respectively; p < .05). The sperm post-thawing analysis of viability and total motility parameters showed no significant changes linked to the season. However, the FI analysis showed that the ejaculates collected in the non-breeding season had higher cryoresistance characteristics than those collected in the breeding season. Results suggest that the presence of some cryoprotective factor/s in heavy draft horse ejaculates could be modulated by seasonality, with higher protective effects in the non-breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Ebel
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile.,Instituto de Biotecnología Ambiental y Salud, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC), Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Andrés Vallejos
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Gajardo
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Omar Ulloa
- Haras Militar Pupunahue, DGFER-Ejército de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Eduardo Clavel
- Haras Militar Pupunahue, DGFER-Ejército de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Alfredo Ramírez-Reveco
- Instituto de Ciencia Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias-Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
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Aurich J, Kuhl J, Tichy A, Aurich C. Efficiency of Semen Cryopreservation in Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10061033. [PMID: 32545785 PMCID: PMC7341245 DOI: 10.3390/ani10061033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Differences in the cryotolerance of spermatozoa exist among stallions, but it remains to be determined to what extent such differences are affected by breed. In this study, post-thaw semen quality in stallions presented for semen cryopreservation was analysed retrospectively (1012 ejaculates from 134 stallions of 5 breeds). The percentage of frozen-thawed ejaculates acceptable for artificial insemination (AI) and the number of insemination doses per cryopreserved ejaculate was calculated. Logistic regression analysis revealed sperm motility in raw semen as the most important explanatory variable for the percentage of cryopreserved ejaculates with a post-thaw quality acceptable for AI. Of the other variables included into the model, stallion age was the most important parameter with more acceptable ejaculates in younger than in older stallions. Logistic regression also showed more acceptable frozen-thawed ejaculates in Arab stallions versus Warmbloods, Quarter Horses and Icelandic horses. The analysis thus demonstrates differences in the percentage of acceptable cryopreserved ejaculates among horse breeds. Season was a less relevant explanatory variable for percentage of acceptable cryopreserved ejaculates. Logistic regression revealed total sperm count as the most important variable determining the number of cryopreserved semen doses obtained per acceptable ejaculate. In conclusion, logistic regression analysis revealed stallion age and breed as explanatory variables for the percentage of cryopreserved ejaculates acceptable for AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Aurich
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Andrology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Juliane Kuhl
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Alexander Tichy
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Department for Biomedical Science, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
- Correspondence:
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Mislei B, Bucci D, Malama E, Bollwein H, Mari G. Seasonal changes in ROS concentrations and sperm quality in unfrozen and frozen-thawed stallion semen. Theriogenology 2020; 144:89-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Ortiz I, Quiñones-Pérez C, Hidalgo M, Consuegra C, Diaz-Jimenez M, Dorado J, Vega-Pla JL, Crespo F. Comparison of different mathematical models to assess seasonal variations in the longevity of DNA integrity of cooled-stored stallion sperm. Andrologia 2020; 52:e13545. [PMID: 32109320 DOI: 10.1111/and.13545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has shown to give fuller understanding of stallion semen quality; however, there have been limited attempts to use this parameter to investigate seasonal changes in productive functions. The aims of this study were to: (a) establish a reliable mathematical model to describe the longevity of cooled-stored sperm DNA integrity; (b) to examine the effect of seasonal variations on SDF. Ejaculates were cooled to 5°C, and SDF was analysed after 0, 6 and 24 hr of storage. The coefficient of determination (R2 ) was calculated after fine-tuning linear (LIN), exponential (EXP) and second order polynomial (POL) models. R2 was significantly higher (p < .001) for POL than for LIN and EXP. The rate of DNA degradation was calculated using the slopes of POL equations. After assessing the rate of change of the POL functions, significant differences between the acceleration of DNA fragmentation were found (p < .01) among seasons, being higher for winter and summer than spring and autumn. In conclusion, DNA analysis of stallion sperm fits better to a second order polynomial mathematical model, being spring the best season to collect and process cooled stallion semen in order to maintain the DNA integrity of the stallion sperm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ortiz
- College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carlota Quiñones-Pérez
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Ávila, Spain.,Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Hidalgo
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Cesar Consuegra
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Maria Diaz-Jimenez
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jesus Dorado
- Veterinary Reproduction Group, Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Vega-Pla
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Francisco Crespo
- Centro Militar de Cría Caballar de Ávila, Cría Caballar de las Fuerzas Armadas, Ávila, Spain
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Johannisson A, Al-Essawe EM, Al-Saffar AK, Karkehabadi S, Lima-Verde I, Wulf M, Aurich C, Morrell JM. Season does not have a deleterious effect on proportions of stallion seminal plasma proteins. J Reprod Dev 2020; 66:215-221. [PMID: 32051351 PMCID: PMC7297632 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2019-072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanism by which the content of the major groups of seminal plasma proteins in stallion semen changes between the breeding and non-breeding seasons remains unknown. Here, we
investigated the proportions of non-heparin-binding, phosphorylcholine-binding, and heparin-binding proteins in seminal plasma with the aim of relating them to sperm quality and testosterone
levels in good and bad freezer stallions. Only minor variations in the major protein groups were found between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. In the non-breeding season, a higher
content of a subset of non-heparin binding proteins as well as of heparin-binding proteins was found. Analysis of semen characteristics revealed a somewhat contrasting picture. While only
minor variations in sperm kinematics and sperm morphology were found between seasons, the flow-cytometric measurements of mitochondrial membrane potential and also, to some extent, reactive
oxygen species production indicated lower sperm quality in the breeding season. Chromatin integrity and testosterone levels were unchanged between seasons. The results suggest that stallion
ejaculates could be used year-round for freezing, since only minor differences in protein composition exist between the breeding and non-breeding seasons, as well as between good and bad
freezers. In addition, sperm quality is not impaired during the non-breeding season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Johannisson
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Essraa M Al-Essawe
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden.,Al-Nahrain University-High Institute of Infertility Diagnosis and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, Clinical Reproductive Physiology, Baghdad 10007, Iraq
| | - Anas Kh Al-Saffar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala 75185, Sweden.,Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Medicine, Baghdad University, Baghdad 10081, Iraq
| | - Saeid Karkehabadi
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Molecular Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Isabel Lima-Verde
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Manuela Wulf
- Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Sciences, Vetmeduni, Vienna, Austria, and Neustadt (Dosse) 16845, Germany
| | - Christine Aurich
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna 1210, Austria
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Uppsala 75007, Sweden
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16
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Greiser T, Sieme H, Martinsson G, Distl O. Breed and stallion effects on frozen-thawed semen in warmblood, light and quarter horses. Theriogenology 2019; 142:8-14. [PMID: 31561132 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to analyze systematic effects on semen quality traits from fresh and frozen-thawed semen collected in and outside season. A total of 4,681 reports on semen traits of 121 stallions representing Arabian, Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse and four warmblood breeds used for artificial insemination at the Lower Saxon National stud Celle were edited for analysis of gel-free volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm and total number of motile sperm in fresh semen and in frozen-thawed semen progressive motility, DNA fragmentation index and non-viable sperm. Month, year, age, breed and stallions effects were analyzed with a linear mixed model procedure. Breed differences were significant for sperm concentration, total number of sperm, total motile sperm number and DNA fragmentation index. Hanoverian stallions showed significant higher least squares means for sperm concentration, total number of sperm and total motile sperm number in fresh semen, whereas Thoroughbred had significant higher least squares means for DNA fragmentation index. Stallions with an age of 2-6 years had significant lower least squares means in sperm concentration, total number of sperm and total motile sperm number and progressively motile sperm post-thawing than the other age groups. Month was significant for all semen traits but progressively motile sperm post-thawing. Month by age class interaction showed a significant influence. Inter-stallion variance accounted for 27-71% and the two-way stallion by month interaction for 2-7% of the total variance of semen quality traits. The largest proportion of inter-individual variance among stallions was obtained for the DNA fragmentation index.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Greiser
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17p, 30559, Hannover, Germany; Unit of Reproductive Medicine-Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Harald Sieme
- Unit of Reproductive Medicine-Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 15, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ottmar Distl
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17p, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
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17
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Almadaly EA, Farrag FA, Nasr NE. Protein and lipid species in seminal plasma of fertile Holstein-Friesian bulls. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein and lipid molecules in seminal plasma (SP) collected from fertile bulls were investigated. Semen was collected from 10 bulls (2 ejaculates each) and examined for standard semen analysis. Raw SP was recovered by centrifugation and total protein (TP) concentration was determined using a refractometer. Raw SP was desalted using a Sephadex G-25 desalting column then both raw and desalted SP was subjected to SDS-PAGE. Neutral lipids and phospholipids of raw and desalted SP were separated by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The results revealed that, all bulls had normal semen characteristics and TP concentration in SP ranged from 7.0 to 10.4 g/dL except bull No. 6 had a relatively low concentration of 4.9 to 6.8 g/dL. Neither proteins nor lipids species were different between raw and desalted SP. Seventeen proteins were detected ranging from 8.5 to 185.8 kDa, and those of 12, 13.5, 15, 21, 23 and 38 kDa were predominant. Notably, proteins of 10, 17.5, 19, 21, 80 and 185.8 kDa might be new candidates of SP proteins (SPPs). The detected neutral lipid spots corresponded to cholesterol, 1,2-dimyristoyl glycerol, 1,2-dioleoyloglycerol, 1,3-dimyristoyl glycerol and 1,3-dioleoyloglycerol. The detected phospholipids spots corresponded to non-migrating phospholipids, sphingomyelin (SM), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), cerebroside and polyglycerol phosphatide. Cholesterol represents the major molecule of neutral lipids, whereas SM, PC, PI and PE represent the major phospholipids. Noteworthy, there were 2 species of diacylglycerol (DAG) and 3 species of PI in bovine SP. In conclusion, this study gave a general picture of SP protein and lipid species in fertile bull semen, which might serve as fundamental knowledge for either semen analysis or prediction of male fertility.
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18
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Martínez-Fresneda L, O'Brien E, Velázquez R, Toledano-Díaz A, Martínez-Cáceres CM, Tesfaye D, Schellander K, García-Vázquez FA, Santiago-Moreno J. Seasonal variation in sperm freezability associated with changes in testicular germinal epithelium in domestic (Ovis aries) and wild (Ovis musimon) sheep. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:1545-1557. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine ovine sperm cryoresistance during the rutting season (RS) and its association with sperm head area and seminiferous epithelium proliferation. Small ruminants show fluctuating testosterone levels throughout the year, which could interfere with spermatogenesis and sperm cryopreservation. Ejaculates, testicular biopsies and blood were collected during the middle and at the end of the RS (Middle-RS vs End-RS) during periods of high and low testosterone levels in Merino and Mouflon rams. Fresh and frozen–thawed sperm quality, sperm morphometry, seminiferous tubule morphometry and testicular proliferation markers (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, proliferation marker protein Ki-67 and transcription factor GATA-4) were evaluated. Post-thaw sperm viability was higher in the End-RS group in both Merino (69.9±8.2 vs 41.6±7.3%; P=0.020) and Mouflon rams (40.9±3.3 vs 24.2±5.0%; P=0.008). Mouflons had larger sperm head area at the End-RS (38.3±0.2 vs 34.3±0.1µm2; P=0.029), whereas there was no difference between Merino groups (35.7±0.5 vs 34.8±1.0µm2). Seminiferous tubule morphometry and proliferation markers showed higher levels of germinal epithelium proliferation in the Middle-RS of both species. In conclusion, sperm freezability is affected during the RS in domestic and wild rams, which could be correlated with changes that occur during spermatogenesis, since there is an effect of season on cell proliferation in the testis.
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19
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Seasonal changes of DNA fragmentation and quality of raw and cold-stored stallion spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2017; 99:98-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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20
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Effects of environmental temperature and season on hair coat characteristics, physiologic and reproductive parameters in Shetland pony stallions. Theriogenology 2017; 97:170-178. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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21
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Waddington B, Penitente-Filho JM, Neves JGS, Pinho RO, Chaya AY, Maitan PP, Silveira CO, Neves MG, Guimarães SEF, de Carvalho GR, Guimarães JD. Testosterone serum profile, semen characteristics and testicular biometry of Mangalarga Marchador stallions in a tropical environment. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:335-343. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B Waddington
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - JM Penitente-Filho
- Department of Animal Science; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - JGS Neves
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - RO Pinho
- Department of Animal Science; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - AY Chaya
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - PP Maitan
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - CO Silveira
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - MG Neves
- Department of Animal Science; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - SEF Guimarães
- Department of Animal Science; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - GR de Carvalho
- Department of Animal Science; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
| | - JD Guimarães
- Department of Veterinary; Universidade Federal de Viçosa; Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
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22
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23
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Aurich C. Reprint of: Seasonal Influences on Cooled-Shipped and Frozen-Thawed Stallion Semen. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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24
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Gottschalk M, Sieme H, Martinsson G, Distl O. Analysis of breed effects on semen traits in light horse, warmblood, and draught horse breeds. Theriogenology 2016; 85:1375-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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25
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Orsztynowicz M, Pawlak P, Podstawski Z, Nizanski W, Partyka A, Gotowiecka M, Kosiniak-Kamysz K, Lechniak D. Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number in Spermatozoa of Fertile Stallions. Reprod Domest Anim 2016; 51:378-85. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M Orsztynowicz
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
| | - P Pawlak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
| | - Z Podstawski
- Department of Horse Breeding; University of Agriculture in Krakow; Krakow Poland
| | - W Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals; Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences; Wroclaw Poland
| | - A Partyka
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals; Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences; Wroclaw Poland
| | - M Gotowiecka
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals; Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences; Wroclaw Poland
| | - K Kosiniak-Kamysz
- Department of Horse Breeding; University of Agriculture in Krakow; Krakow Poland
| | - D Lechniak
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding; Poznan University of Life Sciences; Poznan Poland
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26
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A long-day light program accelerates seasonal coat changes but is without effect on semen and metabolic parameters in Shetland pony stallions. Theriogenology 2016; 85:946-953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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27
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Deichsel K, Schrammel N, Aurich J, Aurich C. Effects of a long-day light programme on the motility and membrane integrity of cooled-stored and cyropreserved semen in Shetland pony stallions. Anim Reprod Sci 2016; 167:68-73. [PMID: 26898392 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing day length in spring stimulates reproductive functions in horses. In this study, we have analysed the effect of artificial long days on the quality of cooled-stored and cryopreserved semen in Shetland stallions. Stallions of the treatment group (AL, n = 8) were exposed to 16 h light and 8h darkness from 15th December to 20th March while control stallions (CON, n = 7) were kept under natural photoperiod. Semen was collected once weekly and processed for cooled-storage and cryopreservation once per month. Total and progressive motility and percentage of membrane intact spermatozoa were analysed at 24, 48 and 72 h of cooled-storage and after freezing-thawing, respectively. Total and progressive motility and membrane integrity decreased during cooled-storage for 72 h in each month and both groups (p < 0.001). All these parameters were lower in CON versus AL stallions (p < 0.05) and the decrease was more pronounced in group CON (storage time x group p < 0.05). Differences between groups decreased throughout the observation period from January (p < 0.05 between groups) to July (e.g. total motility after 72 h of cooled-storage in January for group AL 80 ± 3 and group CON 49 ± 12%, respective values in July, 83 ± 2 and 72 ± 6%). Neither total and progressive motility nor percentage of membrane-intact and morphologically defect spermatozoa in frozen-thawed semen differed between groups and months. In conclusion, motility of cooled-stored semen was reduced in January and increased in stallions kept under a long day light programme for at least 30 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Deichsel
- Division for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Nadine Schrammel
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jörg Aurich
- Division for Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christine Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
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Burger D, Dolivo G, Wedekind C. Ejaculate Characteristics Depend on Social Environment in the Horse (Equus caballus). PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143185. [PMID: 26599821 PMCID: PMC4658062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm competition theory predicts semen characteristics to be affected by the social environment. We used the polygamous horse (Equus caballus) to experimentally study within-subject plasticity in response to different social environments. Stallions were sequentially exposed, over a period of 8 weeks each, to other stallions and then singly to mares, or vice versa (in adjacent boxes separated by grills). Ejaculates were collected to determine semen characteristics. Highest sperm numbers were found in stallions that were first exposed to other stallions and then to mares, while lowest sperm numbers were observed in stallions that had been exposed to mares but not yet to other stallions. One of three sperm velocity measures (curvilinear velocity) was consistently elevated in stallions that were first exposed to stallions and then to mares. Sperm number after exposure to mares and curvilinear sperm velocity after exposure to stallions were both positively correlated to average blood testosterone levels during the corresponding period of exposure. We conclude that ejaculate characteristics are plastic traits affected by the social environment in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Burger
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Guillaume Dolivo
- Swiss Institute of Equine Medicine, Agroscope and University of Berne, Avenches, Switzerland
| | - Claus Wedekind
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, Biophore, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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29
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Yeste M. Sperm cryopreservation update: Cryodamage, markers, and factors affecting the sperm freezability in pigs. Theriogenology 2015; 85:47-64. [PMID: 26506124 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 225] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation is the most efficient method for long-term preservation of mammalian sperm. However, freeze-thawing procedures may strongly impair the sperm function and survival and thus decrease the reproductive performance. In addition, the sperm resilience to withstand cryopreservation, also known as freezability, presents a high individual variability. The present work summarizes the principles of cryoinjury and the relevance of permeating and nonpermeating cryoprotective agents. Descriptions about sperm cryodamage are mainly focused on boar sperm, but reference to other mammalian species is also made when relevant. Main cryoinjuries not only regard to sperm motility and membrane integrity, but also to the degradation effect exerted by freeze-thawing on other important components for sperm fertilizing ability, such as mRNAs. After delving into the main differences between good and poor freezability boar ejaculates, those protein markers predicting the sperm ability to sustain cryopreservation are also mentioned. Moreover, factors that may influence sperm freezability, such as season, diet, breed, or ejaculate fractions are discussed, together with the effects of different additives, like seminal plasma and antioxidants. After briefly referring to the effects of long-term sperm preservation in frozen state and the reproductive performance of frozen-thawed boar sperm, this work speculates with new research horizons on the preservation of boar sperm, such as vitrification and freeze-drying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Yeste
- Nuffield Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oxford, Level 3, Women's Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.
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Aurich C, Budik S. Season Does Not Influence Embryo Recovery Rate and Conceptus Size Until Day 14 After Ovulation in the Horse. Reprod Domest Anim 2015; 50:299-303. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer; Vetmeduni Vienna Austria
| | - S Budik
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer; Vetmeduni Vienna Austria
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Dorado J, Acha D, Ortiz I, Gálvez M, Carrasco J, Gómez-Arrones V, Calero-Carretero R, Hidalgo M. Effect of extender and amino acid supplementation on sperm quality of cooled-preserved Andalusian donkey (Equus asinus) spermatozoa. Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 146:79-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2013] [Revised: 02/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Schmid-Lausigk Y, Aurich C. Influences of a diet supplemented with linseed oil and antioxidants on quality of equine semen after cooling and cryopreservation during winter. Theriogenology 2014; 81:966-73. [PMID: 24576708 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 01/16/2014] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in the reproductive physiology of stallions contribute to a decrease in the quality of frozen-thawed semen during late winter. Changes in the lipid composition of the sperm plasma membrane may contribute to this phenomenon. In the present study, we have, therefore, investigated the effects of adding linseed oil (LO) in combination with antioxidants to the diet of breeding stallions on the motility and membrane integrity of cooled-stored and cryopreserved semen. Starting in November, the diet of LO stallions (n = 6) but not control (C) stallions (n = 5) was supplemented with LO (100 mL once daily) plus an antioxidant (Myostem Protect; Audevard, Clichy, France) for a total of 84 days. Before (November) and at the end of this period (February), ejaculates were processed for cryopreservation (n = 3 ejaculates per stallion) and cooled shipping at 5 °C. Frozen-thawed and cooled-shipped semen was sent to the laboratory for computer-assisted semen analysis of total motility, progressive motility, and velocity parameters (average path velocity [VAP], curved line velocity [VCL], and straight-line velocity [VSL]) and evaluation of membrane integrity. The quality of frozen-thawed semen decreased (P < 0.05) from November (e.g., total motility LO 69 ± 3% and C 67 ± 3%) to February (total motility: LO 55 ± 4% and C 59 ± 3%) independent of treatment (P > 0.05). A decrease in the velocity parameters VAP, VCL, and VSL was more pronounced in LO stallions than in C stallions (e.g., VSL: November LO 67 ± 1 μm/s, C 64 ± 2 μm/s; February LO 59 ± 2 μm/s, C 63 ± 2 μm/s; interaction month by treatment, P < 0.05). In cooled-stored semen, total motility, progressive motility, and membrane integrity were lower in February than in November (P < 0.001 for all parameters). Supplementation of the diet with LO and antioxidants attenuated this decrease (e.g., Day 1 of cooled storage = 24 hours after semen collection: total motility in November LO 88 ± 1% and C 87 ± 3%; in February LO 83 ± 2% and C 73 ± 11%; interaction month by treatment: P < 0.05). Velocity parameters VAP, VCL, and VSL were significantly lower in February than in November (P < 0.001), but this decrease was not affected by treatment. In summary, dietary supplementation of stallions with LO plus antioxidants attenuated a decline in motility and membrane integrity of cooled-stored stallion semen during winter. This may improve the fertility of cooled-shipped semen. In contrast, the treatment did not counteract the decrease in quality of frozen-thawed semen that occurs in late winter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christine Aurich
- Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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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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Aramli MS, Kalbassi MR, Nazari RM. Study of Sperm Concentration, Seminal Plasma Composition and their Physiological Correlation in the Persian Sturgeon,Acipenser persicus. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:1013-8. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2013] [Accepted: 06/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MS Aramli
- Aquaculture Department; Tarbiat Modares University; Noor Iran
| | - MR Kalbassi
- Aquaculture Department; Tarbiat Modares University; Noor Iran
| | - RM Nazari
- Rajaee Sturgeon Hatchery Center; Sari Iran
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Reactive oxygen species in stallion semen can be affected by season and colloid centrifugation. Anim Reprod Sci 2013; 140:62-9. [PMID: 23778304 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2013.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Revised: 05/04/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There are anecdotal reports that equine fertility may decline towards the end of the breeding season. Previous studies have examined differences in sperm quality between the breeding season and non-breeding season but few studies have investigated the proportions of superoxide or peroxide containing spermatozoa at different times during the breeding season. The purpose of this study was to measure the content of these reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the beginning and end of the Swedish breeding season, using flow cytometric analysis of the fluorescence produced after staining with hydroethidium and dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate. In addition, the effects of a new method of selecting good quality spermatozoa by colloid centrifugation, known as Single Layer Centrifugation (SLC), on ROS-content were investigated. Superoxide production by stallion spermatozoa was found to be higher at the start than at the end of the breeding season in Sweden (22±16% versus 9±6%, P<0.05), whereas sperm motility was lower (total motility 80±9% versus 90±6%, P<0.01; progressive motility 55±12% versus 60±8%, P<0.05, at the beginning and end of the breeding season respectively). The mean values of the other parameters of sperm quality measured did not differ with time within the breeding season although differences did occur for individual stallions. SLC was found to select motile spermatozoa that contained less superoxide (16±14% versus 23±18%, P<0.01) and less peroxide (0.3±0.8 versus 1±2%, P<0.01) than uncentrifuged controls, although they were capable of producing ROS when stimulated with menadione. This reduced peroxide production may contribute to the enhanced sperm survival (retention of motility) seen in the SLC samples during storage.
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Krakowski L, Obara J, Wąchocka A, Piech T, Bartoszek P, Kostro K, Tatara MR. Assessment of Extent of Apoptosis and DNA Defragmentation in Chilled Semen of Stallions During the Breeding Season. Reprod Domest Anim 2013; 48:826-32. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L Krakowski
- Department of Andrology and Biotechnology of Reproduction; Chair of Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - J Obara
- Department of Andrology and Biotechnology of Reproduction; Chair of Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - A Wąchocka
- Department of Andrology and Biotechnology of Reproduction; Chair of Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - T Piech
- Department of Andrology and Biotechnology of Reproduction; Chair of Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - P Bartoszek
- Department of Andrology and Biotechnology of Reproduction; Chair of Animal Reproduction; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - K Kostro
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic Infectious Diseases; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
| | - MR Tatara
- Department of Animal Physiology; University of Life Sciences in Lublin; Lublin; Poland
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37
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Effect of season on fresh and cryopreserved stallion semen. Anim Reprod Sci 2010; 119:219-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2009] [Revised: 02/02/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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38
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Seasonal functional relevance of sperm characteristics in equine spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2010; 73:950-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2009] [Revised: 11/03/2009] [Accepted: 11/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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39
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Desantis S, Ventriglia G, Zizza S, Nicassio M, Valentini L, Di Summa A, Lacalandra GM. Lectin-binding sites on ejaculated stallion sperm during breeding and non-breeding periods. Theriogenology 2010; 73:1146-53. [PMID: 20172596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stallion sperm from semen collected in Southern Italy during the breeding (June-July) and non-breeding (December-January) periods were analyzed by means of twelve lectins to evaluate the glycoconjugate pattern and to verify whether there are any seasonal differences in the glycosylation pattern of the sperm glycocalyx. The acrosomal cap showed reactivity for Maackia amurensis (MAL II), Sambucus nigra (SNA), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Glycine max (SBA), Helix pomatia (HPA), Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) Triticum vulgaris (WGA), and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin II (GSA II) in breeding and non-breeding ejaculated sperm, suggesting the presence of oligosaccharides terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc, with Gal beta 1,3GalNAc, alpha/beta GalNAc and glycans with terminal/internal alpha Man and GlcNAc. During the non-breeding period, the acrosomal cap expressed oligosaccharides terminating with Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc (Ricinus communis(120) affinity) (RCA(120)) and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (Ulex europaeus affinity) (UEA I). The equatorial segment placed between the acrosomal cap and post-acrosomal region did not display glycans terminating with GalNAc, GlcNAc, and alpha L-Fuc. The post-acrosomal region of sperm collected in the breeding and non-breeding periods bound Con A, MAL II, SNA, and SBA, thus showing the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides from high-Man content, terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc and GalNAc. In winter, the post-acrosomal region also expressed oligosaccharides terminating with alpha GalNAc, GlcNAc, and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (HPA, GSA II, and UEA I staining). The tail of sperm from semen collected during the breeding and non-breeding periods showed a lectin binding pattern similar to the post-acrosomal region, except for the absence of HPA staining in sperm collected during the winter season. These results indicate that the surface of stallion sperm contains different glycocalyx domains and that the glycosylation pattern undergoes changes during the breeding and non-breeding periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Animal Health and Well-being, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
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40
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Beer-Ljubić B, Aladrović J, Marenjak T, Laškaj R, Majić-Balić I, Milinković-Tur S. Cholesterol concentration in seminal plasma as a predictive tool for quality semen evaluation. Theriogenology 2009; 72:1132-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2008] [Revised: 07/10/2009] [Accepted: 07/12/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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41
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Flores E, Fernández-Novell J, Peña A, Rodríguez-Gil J. The degree of resistance to freezing-thawing is related to specific changes in the structures of motile sperm subpopulations and mitochondrial activity in boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2009; 72:784-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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42
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Muiño-Blanco T, Pérez-Pé R, Cebrián-Pérez JA. Seminal Plasma Proteins and Sperm Resistance to Stress. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 43 Suppl 4:18-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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43
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Morte MI, Rodrigues AM, Soares D, Rodrigues AS, Gamboa S, Ramalho-Santos J. The quantification of lipid and protein oxidation in stallion spermatozoa and seminal plasma: Seasonal distinctions and correlations with DNA strand breaks, classical seminal parameters and stallion fertility. Anim Reprod Sci 2008; 106:36-47. [PMID: 17451892 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2007.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2006] [Revised: 03/06/2007] [Accepted: 03/23/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this work was to correlate oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage with classic semen parameters in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of fertile and subfertile stallions. Oxidation was measured in both lipids and proteins, using the thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) assay and the DNPH carbonyl groups assay, respectively. Sperm DNA damage was monitored using the TUNEL assay. These parameters were monitored in samples obtained during the breeding and the non-breeding seasons. In general, fertile stallions showed better classical semen parameters, and those parameters improved from the non-breeding to the breeding season, although an increase in sperm production was accompanied by a decrease in the semen quality from subfertile stallions in the breeding season. In terms of oxidation levels we found that there were clear differences whether lipids or proteins were considered. In the breeding season there seemed to be a tendency towards normalizing lipid oxidation in spermatozoa and seminal plasma, and protein oxidation in the seminal plasma, of both fertile and subfertile animals. Thus, differences monitored in the non-breeding season were no longer visible. Interestingly, a higher level of protein oxidation was found in the sperm of fertile animals in the breeding season. Considering that there were positive correlations between sperm protein oxidation and sperm motility and vitality, these results suggests that the oxidation of semen proteins may be important for sperm function. On the other hand, lipid oxidation in the seminal plasma seemed to be a general indicator for sperm damage. In the non-breeding season positive correlations between lipid and protein oxidation levels in both sperm and seminal plasma and several defects in sperm function were found, but only for subfertile animals, thus suggesting that lipid and protein oxidation may aid in the identification of subfertile stallions during the non-breeding season. Levels of ROS production never seemed to result in compromised sperm DNA integrity, indicating that measurements were within physiological levels and/or that there is an efficient antioxidant activity in stallion sperm cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Inês Morte
- Department of Zoology, Center for Neurocience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-517 Coimbra, Portugal
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AGIL MUHAMMAD, SUPRIATNA IMAN, PURWANTARA BAMBANG, CANDRA DEDI. Assessment of Fertility Status in the Male Sumatran Rhino at the Sumateran Rhino Sanctuary, Way Kambas National Park, Lampung. HAYATI JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES 2008. [DOI: 10.4308/hjb.15.1.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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45
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Koonjaenak S, Johannisson A, Pongpeng P, Wirojwuthikul S, Kunavongkrit A, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Seasonal variation in nuclear DNA integrity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa from Thai AI swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 54:377-83. [PMID: 17718812 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0442.2007.00946.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the susceptibility of frozen-thawed swamp buffalo sperm nuclear DNA to undergo controlled acid-induced denaturation in situ, as analysed by flow cytometry, and aimed to correlate the results with sperm head morphology over three seasons in tropical Thailand. Artificial insemination (AI) doses (n = 218) from 18 AI buffalo sires, prepared between 1980 and 1989 and 2003 and 2005, were tested and compared among three seasons, the rainy season, July-October; winter, November-February; and summer, March-June. The overall mean of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) (+/- SD) was 1.84 +/- 1.68%, range from 0.19 to 7.92%, with 0.221 +/- 0.021 of the x-DFI ranging from 0.190 to 0.350 and 0.023 +/- 0.009 of the SD-DFI ranging from 0.010 to 0.070. The DFI was consistently low (range 1.40 +/- 0.21% to 2.16 +/- 0.21%; LSM +/- SEM), with x-DFI ranging from 0.216 +/- 0.003 to 0.225 +/- 0.003 and SD-DFI ranging from 0.022 +/- 0.001 to 0.024 +/- 0.001 across the seasons. The DFI was low enough to be related to high fertility potential. However, DFI values varied statistically among seasons, being lower in the rainy season (1.40 +/- 0.21%, P < 0.05) than in winter (2.16 +/- 0.21%) or summer (2.00 +/- 0.20%), and were also affected by the year of semen collection and processing (P < 0.001). The proportion of morphologically abnormal sperm head shapes was low, with no significant differences between seasons. However, DFI was significantly related to the proportion of loose abnormal sperm heads (r = 0.27, P < 0.01). In conclusion, frozen-thawed swamp buffalo sperm chromatin integrity is not seriously damaged by cryopreservation or affected by the seasonal variations in temperature and humidity seen in tropical Thailand.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Koonjaenak
- Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75 007, Uppsala, Sweden
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46
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Hernández M, Roca J, Gil MA, Vázquez JM, Martínez EA. Adjustments on the cryopreservation conditions reduce the incidence of boar ejaculates with poor sperm freezability. Theriogenology 2007; 67:1436-45. [PMID: 17434207 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Revised: 02/22/2007] [Accepted: 02/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different cryopreservation conditions (CCs) for freezing and thawing boar ejaculates, focusing on those having sub-optimal sperm freezability. Using a split-ejaculate technique, single ejaculates from 53 boars were diluted in lactose-egg yolk extender, containing a final glycerol concentration (GLY) of 2 or 3%, packaged in 0.5 mL straws and were cooled at rates of -10, -40 or -60 degrees C/min (cooling rate: CR). Thereafter, the frozen sperm samples were thawed by warming them at rates of approximately 1200 or approximately 1800 degrees C/min (warming rate: WR). Frozen-thawed sperm samples were assessed for the sperm motility (CASA system) and flow cytometric analysis of plasma and acrosomal membranes integrity. Cooling rate had no influence (P>0.05) on sperm quality parameters, however GLY and WR independently affected (P<0.05) all assessed sperm parameters. Evaluating the combined effect of GLY and WR (four different CCs resulting of a 2 x 2 factorial design), the best post-thaw quality results were achieved for sperm samples frozen with 3% glycerol and thawed at 1800 degrees C/min (CC4). However, there was a significant interaction (P<0.001) between CC and ejaculate for all post-thaw sperm quality assessments. Therefore, ejaculates were classified in three different populations according to the post-thaw sperm quality achieved using control CC (CC1: 2% of glycerol and approximately 1200 degrees C/min of warming). The effectiveness of CCs was different (P<0.05) in the three ejaculate populations. Spermatozoa from ejaculates considered as "good" freezers were relatively unaffected (P>0.05) by the modifications in the CCs, whereas those from "moderate" and, mainly, "bad" freezers were very sensitive (P<0.05). In conclusion, optimization of the CCs - GLY and WR - can improve the cryosurvival of spermatozoa in some ejaculates, particularly in those having poor sperm freezing ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Hernández
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, E-30.071 Murcia, Spain
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47
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Koonjaenak S, Pongpeng P, Wirojwuthikul S, Johannisson A, Kunavongkrit A, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Seasonality affects post-thaw plasma membrane intactness and sperm velocities in spermatozoa from Thai AI swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 2007; 67:1424-35. [PMID: 17442385 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2006] [Revised: 02/20/2007] [Accepted: 02/25/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Altogether 218 frozen semen AI doses, prepared between 1980 and 1989 and also between 2003 and 2005 from 18 AI Thai swamp buffalo sires, were examined to determine whether seasonality affects post-thaw viability, as plasma membrane integrity (PMI, using SYBR-14/PI), plasma membrane stability (PMS, using Annexin-V/PI), or motility (Mot, using CASA). A thermoresistance test (38 degrees C for 60 min) was used to further analyze sperm survivability in vitro. All variables were compared over 3 seasons of the year (rainy: July-October; winter: November-February; and summer: March-June), with distinct ambient temperature and humidity. PMI (% of alive spermatozoa) was higher in winter (54.6%, P<0.001) than in the rainy (43.5%) or summer (46.7%) seasons. Outcomes of PMS (Annexin-V/PI assay) confirmed those of PMI, the highest PMS in spermatozoa processed in winter (55.7%, P<0.001). Spermatozoa depicting linear Mot post-thaw ranged from 48.2% to 48.8% across seasons (ns), proportions that decreased during incubation (33.5-37.9%), albeit without seasonal differences. The mean percentages of straight linear velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), or curvilinear velocity (VCL) were higher (P<0.05-0.001) in the rainy season than in winter or summer, while average lateral head displacement (ALH) was higher (P<0.05) in summer, differences maintained after incubation. In conclusion, post-thaw PMS and PMI, assessed by flow cytometry, were significantly better in sperm samples processed during winter than in samples processed during the other seasons of the year, a seasonal difference not picked up by CASA, probably due to the larger number of spermatozoa assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Koonjaenak
- Division of Comparative Reproduction, Obstetrics and Udder Health, Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75 007 Uppsala, Sweden
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48
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Roca J, Hernández M, Carvajal G, Vázquez JM, Martínez EA. Factors influencing boar sperm cryosurvival1. J Anim Sci 2006; 84:2692-9. [PMID: 16971570 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2006-094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal sperm cryopreservation is a prerequisite for the sustainable commercial application of frozen-thawed boar semen for AI. Three experiments were performed to identify factors influencing variability of postthaw sperm survival among 464 boar ejaculates. Sperm-rich ejaculate fractions were cryopre-served using a standard freezing-thawing procedure for 0.5-mL plastic straws and computer-controlled freezing equipment. Postthaw sperm motility (assessed with a computer-assisted semen analysis system) and viability (simultaneously probed by flow cytometry analysis after triple-fluorescent stain), evaluated 30 and 150 min postthaw, were used to estimate the success of cryopreservation. In the first experiment, 168 unselected ejaculates (1 ejaculate/boar), from boars of 6 breeds with a wide age range (8 to 48 mo), were cryopreserved over a 12-mo period to evaluate the predictive value of boar (breed and age), semen collection, transport variables (season of ejaculate collection, interval between collections, and ejaculate temperature exposure), initial semen traits, and sperm quality before freezing on sperm survival after freezing-thawing. In Exp. 2, 4 ejaculates from each of 29 boars, preselected according to their initial semen traits and sperm quality before freezing, were collected and frozen over a 6-mo period to evaluate the influence of interboar and intraboar ejaculate variability in the survival of sperm after cryopreservation. In Exp. 3, 12 ejaculates preselected as for Exp. 2, from each of 15 boars with known good sperm cryosurvival, were collected and frozen over a 12-mo period to estimate the sustainability of sperm cryosurvival between ejaculates over time. Boar and semen collection and transport variables were not predictive of sperm cryosurvival among ejaculates. Initial semen traits and sperm quality variables observed before freezing explained 23.2 and 10.9%, respectively, of the variation in postthaw sperm motility and viability. However, more that 70% of total variance observed in postthaw sperm quality variables among ejaculates was explained by boar. This indicates that boar is the most important (P < 0.001) factor explaining the variability among ejaculates in sperm cryosurvival, with most (14 of the 15 boars in Exp. 3) showing consistent (P > 0.05) sperm cryosurvival over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Campus de Espinardo, University of Murcia, E-30071 Murcia, Spain.
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Janett F, Burkhardt C, Burger D, Imboden I, Hässig M, Thun R. Influence of repeated treadmill exercise on quality and freezability of stallion semen. Theriogenology 2006; 65:1737-49. [PMID: 16246408 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2005.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2005] [Revised: 09/19/2005] [Accepted: 09/24/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate changes of quality and freezability of stallion semen in response to repeated acute treadmill exercise. Ejaculates from 11 stallions were collected, evaluated and frozen weekly during four periods of 4 weeks each defined as before (period 1), during (period 2) and after (periods 3 and 4) intense exercise. In fresh semen the gel-free volume, sperm concentration, motility, normal sperm and sperm with major defects (acrosome defects, nuclear vacuoles, abnormal heads, midpiece defects and proximal droplets) were evaluated. In frozen-thawed semen, motility as well as viability (SYBR-14/PI) were examined. In period 2, all stallions were exercised on an indoor high speed treadmill twice a week (total of eight sessions) using an incremental workload test. Heart rate was monitored telemetrically during exercise and blood samples were taken for determination of cortisol, testosterone and lactate. Results of our investigation demonstrate that heart rate and the plasma concentrations of cortisol, testosterone and lactate significantly (P < 0.05) increased during each exercise session. Furthermore, significantly more major sperm defects were present in periods 3 (69.5+/-2.1%) and 4 (66.8+/-2.1%) than in periods 1 (62.2+/-2.4%) and 2 (62.5+/-2.2%). Acrosome defects increased towards the end of exercise but improved 3 weeks later to values observed before exercise. In frozen-thawed semen, motility was significantly lower in period 2 (45.4+/-2.3%) compared to period 4 (51.6+/-1.7%) and viability was significantly lower in period 2 (49.2+/-2.0%) than in periods 1 (53.8+/-2.1%) and 4 (53.7+/-1.6%). Our results clearly demonstrate that in the stallion repeated strenuous treadmill exercise can negatively influence semen quality and freezability.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Janett
- Clinic of Reproduction, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 260, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland.
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