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The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of photoperiod on sexual activity of three breeds of boars: Swedish Landrace (n=34), Large White (n=38), and Duroc (n=32). Boar sexual activity was analysed based on the libido index and intensity of ejaculation. The libido index was calculated as the ratio between the duration of ejaculation and time of preparation until ejaculation. The intensity of ejaculation was the volume of ejaculate (mL) secreted in the unit of time (min). The effect of photoperiod was analysed as the effect of duration of daylight ( lt 12 h and >12 h) within photoperiod intervals (increasing and decreasing). Impact assessment was carried out by applying the General Linear Model procedure. Libido and intensity of ejaculation varied under the impact of photoperiod and the breed of boars. With the increase in age, the boar libido weakened, while the volume of ejaculate and intensity of ejaculation increased. Boars manifested better libido when the daylight lasted longer than 12 h in both photoperiod intervals. Different from libido, the volume of ejaculate and intensity of ejaculation were highest when the daylight was shorter than 12 h, but only in the decreasing photoperiod interval. Swedish Landrace boars manifested best libido, while in the production of sperm the Duroc boars were inferior compared with Swedish Landrace and Large White. The phenotypic relationship among libido, ejaculate volume, and ejaculation intensity ranges from very low to high; however, the coefficients were positive, which indicates the possibility of simultaneous improvement of these traits.

Avaliaram-se as características quantitativas e qualitativas do sêmen de coelhos alimentados com uma ração referência e outra ração formulada com 79,83% de subprodutos de mandioca. Utilizaram-se 20 reprodutores da raça Nova Zelândia Branco, com idade média inicial de sete meses, alojados individualmente em gaiolas e distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com duas dietas e dez repetições. Realizaram-se dez colheitas de sêmen por animal durante seis meses. Avaliaram-se o volume de sêmen sem gel e volume de gel, cor do sêmen, pH, motilidade espermática progressiva, vigor espermático, concentração espermática, número de espermatozoides no ejaculado, espermatozoides normais, anormais e anormalidades primárias e secundárias. O volume de sêmen sem gel, o índice de normalidade, as anormalidades primárias e secundárias foram iguais (P>0,05) para os animais alimentados com a ração referência e a com subprodutos de mandioca. Os demais parâmetros do sêmen foram melhores (P0.05) to the animals fed with cassava by-products diet and reference diet. Other semen parameters were better (P

O objetivo geral deste trabalho foi analisar o efeito da radiação vermelha de baixa intensidade sobre alguns parâmetros cinéticos do espermatozoide canino criopreservado. Ejaculados de oito cães adultos foram centrifugados, rediluídos em meio tris-gema de ovo com 6% de glicerol, e, posteriormente, fracionados em: T1: incidência de radiação vermelha (660 NM) (Fisioled - Mmoptics - 100mW) por 60 segundos, antes do resfriamento e após a descongelação; T2: incidência somente antes do resfriamento; T3: incidência somente após a descongelação; e T4: sem incidência. Após a descongelação, as amostras foram submetidas ao TTR utilizando-se Sperm Class Analyzer(r). No TTR0, TTR60 e TTR90, não houve diferença entre as variáveis analisadas pelo CASA. Somente no TTR30 os efeitos da incidência da radiação vermelha foram evidentes e significativos em T1 e T2; T1 resultou em baixa MT (12,5 + 10,6%) e T2 determinou o melhor resultado de MT 40,3 + 26,1%. De forma similar T1 apresentou maior número de espermatozoides estáticos (77,5±28,9%) em relação ao T2 (50,6±28%). Concluiu-se que a dupla incidência de radiação vermelha de baixa intensidade antes do resfriamento e após a descongelação teve efeito deletério sobre a motilidade do espermatozoide canino, expressa principalmente aos 30 minutos após descongelação. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low intensity red light on some kinetic parameters of cryopreserved canine sperm. Ejaculates from 08 adult dogs were centrifuged, diluted in Tris-egg yolk with 6% glycerol, and subsequently separated into: T1: incidence of red light (660 nm) (Fisioled -MMOptics - 100mW) for 60 seconds before the cooling and after thawing, T2: just before cooling, T3: only after thawing, and T4: no incidence. After thawing the samples were subjected to TTR using Sperm analyzer(r). In TTR0, TTR60 and TTR90 there were no differences between the variables analyzed by CASA. Only in TTR30 the effects of the incidence of red light were visible and significant in T1 and T2. T1 resulted in low MT (12.5 ±10.6%) and T2 determined the best result of MT 26.1%±40.3. Similarly T1 showed a higher number of static spermatozoa (77.5±28.9%) compared to T2 (50.6±28%). We concluded that the double incidence of low intensity red light, before cooling and after thawing, had a deleterious effect on canine sperm motility expressed at 30 minutes after thawing.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of hot summer climatic conditions (compared to winter) on the libido, semen quality traits, level of serum testosterone hormone and some physiological and body measurements of Egyptian Suffolk rams. A parameter for the tolerance of the rams to adverse hot climatic conditions, designated as the tunica dartos index (TDI), was estimated as the multiplication of the percentage change in scrotal length and that of the percentage difference between rectal temperature and scrotal skin temperature. The relationships between the TDI and semen characteristics were also estimated. The results showed that in summer, the reaction time, pH, percentage dead and abnormal spermatozoa, acrosomal damage and temperatures of rectum, body skin and scrotal skin and scrotal length were significantly higher, while sperm motility, sperm concentration, scrotal circumference and testis length were significantly lower than in winter. The correlation coefficient (r) values estimated between the TDI and each of the semen pH, ejaculate volume, sperm motility and sperm cell concentration were positive, and those estimated between the TDI and each of the reaction time, dead and abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal damage were negative. The best values of libido (low reaction time), semen pH, semen motility percentage, sperm cell concentration and testosterone level were recorded with a high TDI level (7.5 and more), while those of percentage of dead spermatozoa, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage were recorded with a low TDI level (less than 4.5). It can be concluded that the TDI correlates well with the reproductive ability of the ram and can be a reliable parameter to indicate the tolerance of rams to hot subtropical conditions in Egypt.

The total sperm count (number of spermatozoa per ejaculate) rather than sperm concentration (number of spermatozoa per unit volume of semen) is the more important semen variable related to fertility. It reflects testicular volume (Handelsman et al, 1984; Andersen et al, 2000; Behre et al, 2000), and thus is a measure of total testicular sperm output (MacLeod and Wang, 1979), which is directly related to the chances of pregnancy after coitus. The concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, however, depends on the extent of dilution of epididymal spermatozoa by secretions of the prostate and seminal vesicles occurring at ejaculation and is therefore influenced by the secretory capacity of the accessory sex glands. This is an important distinction, for when comparing semen quality from older and younger men, sperm concentrations do not differ, yet semen volume is reduced in the older men, and so the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate is lower in the older men (Ng et al, 2004; Nieschlag et al, 1982). The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate is obtained by multiplying the concentration of spermatozoa by the semen volume. The latter is best measured by weighing (Eliasson, 2003), assuming a density of 1.0 g/mL (Auger et al, 1995; Jorgensen et al, 1997, 2001; Brazil et al, 2004), but alternative methods, such as collection into graduated cylinders (Behre et al, 2000), pipetting from the collection vessel (Mortimer 1994; Jorgensen et al, 1997), and pouring from the collection vessel into a graduated tube (Jorgensen et al, 1997), are in current practice. Two recent studies have found that pipetting semen from the collection vessel leads to an underestimation of about 0.5 mL (range 0.3–0.8 mL; Brazil et al, 2004; Iwamoto et al, 2006) compared with weighing, but no data are available about losses incurred when pouring semen into graduated cylinders. Because the area of contact with the sides of the collection vessel while decanting semen into a graduated cylinder is likely to be far larger than that during pipetting, retention within the vessel could be much larger, leading to a larger underestimation of volume with this method. In this study, new data are obtained on the loss of semen volume during decanting to a cylinder and previously published results on losses because of pipetting, and the density of semen is reanalyzed together with additional data.

Ejaculates from peripubertal bulls (n = 468) in 5 different populations were analyzed individually for the presence of fertility- associated antigen (FAA) using a lateral flow cassette. Bull age, scrotal circumference, ejaculate volume, sperm cells per milliliter of ejaculate, percentage of motile sperm, percentage of normal sperm, and number of sperm in the ejaculate were recorded at each collection. These data were compared in bulls with and without FAA in the ejaculate. The percentage of bulls that were FAA-positive (FAA present in the ejaculate) ranged from 65 to 86% among the 5 populations. The only variable that differed across all bulls at first semen collection was ejaculate volume with FAA-negative (FAA not detected in the ejaculate) bulls having a greater volume (P

A study was carried out at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Farm, Bauchi (February - May, 2002) to investigate the effect of frequency of ejaculation (once, twice and thrice per week) on semen traits in exotic and local turkeys. The results showed that ejaculate volume, live spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate were significantly (P

This study was conducted to evaluate reproductive parameters in Damascus bucks, as influenced by several factors. Scrotal circumference and semen characteristics were assessed in 38 bucks, 17 of which were mature and a 21 yearlings. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS) and scrotal circumference were recorded monthly for a period of 1 year, together with semen collection for evaluation. Mature bucks weighed significantly (P

The aim of the present study was to evaluate seasonal changes in semen characteristics of Persian Karakul rams. Six Karakul rams (3–4 years old) were trained to serve the artificial vagina. Semen collection was performed every 2 weeks, commencing in January (at onset of winter) to December (end of autumn) 1999. Semen ejaculates were evaluated for volume, total sperm output, mass motility and the percentage live sperm. Moreover, changes in the scrotal circumference, body weights, libido and plasma testosterone concentrations of the rams were also recorded at 2-week intervals. The semen was characterized by a mean (±S.D.) ejaculate volume of 1.2±0.3 ml, a mean (±S.D.) mass motility of 3.8±0.8, and a total number of 4442±1247 (×106) sperm per ejaculate for the observation period. The overall mean (±S.D.) scrotal circumference recorded was 32.0±1.2 cm. Seasonal variations (P

A 19 year old presented with a progressive decline in ejaculate volume over 2 weeks, followed by a complete absence of ejaculate emission. A post-ejaculatory urine specimen demonstrated spermatozoa confirming a diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation. Investigations revealed a raised blood glucose level of 24.5 mmol/L and HbA1c >15%, with positive tests for anti-GAD antibodies and anti-IA2 antibodies consistent with a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Retrograde ejaculation in diabetes is associated with autonomic neuropathy and is a late feature of the disease. This case is unique with retrograde ejaculation being the primary presenting symptom of Type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Total of 182 ejaculates were investigated in regard to the effect of season breed and age on the quality of boar sperm. The boars of Yorkshire Landrace, Duroc, Hempshire and Pietrain pure breeds and Fr crossbred pigs were divided according to age in four groups: 12, 13-18, 19-24 and 25 months. Ejaculates were examined in the following seasons: January-March April-June, July-September and October-December. Differences in ejaculate volume, total number, concentration and progressive motility (PM), as well as number of ejaculates with less then 65% PM, were estimated within seasons, breeds and age of boars. These results suggest that quality of every single ejaculate must be evaluated before using for AI.

This study was conducted to determine when semen can be collected and to characterize and evaluate the semen collected from growing Awassi ram lambs. Semen was collected regularly once a week for 20 months, starting at 11 months of age, from 14 Awassi ram lambs of milk and meat lines that accepted the artificial vagina. After each collection, the semen was evaluated in terms of its appearance, ejaculate volume, progressive motility, spermatozoa concentration and density. There were significant effects (p < 0.01) for the age and weight of the lambs on ejaculate volume, progressive motility and spermatozoal concentration, while the types of birth and production line had no significant effects on these characteristics. Ejaculate volume and spermatozoal concentration increased significantly (p < 0.01) with age, despite monthly variations. Progressive motility was similar throughout the year. Average values for ejaculate volume, progressive motility and sperm concentration were 1.2 +/- 0.5 ml, 75 +/- 10% and (4.0 +/- 1.6) x 10(9) sperm/ml, respectively. The highest positive and significant correlations were found between the semen characteristics (r = 0.29-0.68). On the other hand, a negative and significant (p < 0.01) correlation (r = -0.66) was found between the spermiodensimeter readings and spermatozoal concentration, and the relationship could be represented by a linear equation Y = 7.85 - 0.07X +/- 0.37, where Y = expected concentration of sperm (units of 10(9) sperm/ml) and X = spermiodensimeter reading. However the modest correlation coefficient indicates that the accuracy and precision of the resulting predictions will not be high. It was concluded that semen can be collected with a good quality from growing Awassi ram lambs at 11 months of age.

The study was done to understand the preservation of Washed Spermatozoa of Mehsana Buck at Refrigeration temperature. The washed spermatozoa from 78 semen ejaculates, 26 each from 3 Mehsana bucks, were preserved at 4 ± 10C temperature in SM and TCFEY diluents up to 72 hours and the physical characteristics of spermatozoa were studied to assess the suitability of diluents. The individual sperm motility and live spermatozoa decreased significantly whereas abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly (P

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the breed and season effects on scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics of 28 mature hair sheep rams kept under tropical conditions. SCs, sperm concentration (SPC) and abnormal sperm were significantly affected by breed effect (p < 0.001). The season effect was significant in SPC (p < 0.0001) while ejaculate volume, mass motility and SPC were affected by breed × season interaction effect (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that the magnitude of the breed and season effects were not sufficient to affect the reproductive capacity of hair sheep rams throughout the year.

The sperm production of bulls from the autochthonous Rhodope Shorthorn cattle breed was studied. The breed is among the smallest in Europe, the average weight of the cows ranging from 200 to 250 kg, and of the bulls from 330 to 370 kg. It was found that during the first 6 months from the start of exploitation, at the age of the bulls from 18 to 24 months, AI bulls had high reproductive capacity. The ejaculate volume was 1,74±0,09 ml in average (LS), the percentage of motile spermatozoa was 74,3±3,48% and the concentration 1268±13,1 x 106/ml. It was established that the bull had a significant impact on the reproductive performance, but the individual differences in the main characteristics were not high – motility 71,8-77,0%, concentration – 1222-1324 х 106/ml. The season also had a significant effect on the percentage of motile spermatozoa. Within the period from January to June, the highest reproductive capacity of the bulls was observed from February to May and the lowest in June.

The main objective of this study was to assess the variability of ejaculate properties: volume of ejaculate (VOL, ml), sperm concentration (CON, spermatozoa/ml), total sperm count (NT) and the number of doses produced (NPD) per ejaculate under the influence of season, boar and the interval between two mounts. Reproductive efficiency of boars was analysed based on the farrowing rate (FR). The study included 341 ejaculates from seven Large White boars. Impact assessment was carried out by applying the GLM procedure of the statistical package SAS 9.1.3. The average values of VOL, CON, NT, NPD and FR were: 244.28 ml, 203.77x106 spermatozoa/ml, 43.48x109 spermatozoa, 17.39 doses and 67.58%. Ejaculate properties varied under the influence of season (P (lt) 0.01, P (lt) 0.001). The interval between two mounts did not affect only the variability of CON. The difference between the best and worst boars was 91.99x106 spermatozoa/ml of ejaculate (P (lt) 0.001). During summer VOL ejaculate was the lowest (191.36 ml). The highest NPD (19.04 doses) was produced during the autumn months, and during the same period the highest concentration of sperm was recorded (242.16x106 spermatozoa/ml). Regardless of the differences in the farrowing rate between boars not being statistically significant (P=0.0882), it is necessary to perform the ranking and promptly identify boars with farrowing rate below average. Osnovni cilj istraživanja bio je da se oceni varijabilnost osobina ejakulata: volumen ejakulata(VOL, ml), koncentracija sperme (CON, spermatozoida/ml), ukupan broj spermatozoida (NT) i broj proizvedenih doza (NPD) po ejakulatu pod uticajem nerasta, sezone i intervala izmedju dva skoka. Reproduktivna efikasnost nerasta analizirana je na osnovu procenta prašenja (FR). Istraživanjem je bio obuhvaćen 341 ejakulat sedam nerasta velikog jorkšira. Ocena uticaja je izvršena primenom GLM procedure u statističkom paketu SAS 9.1.3. Prosečne vrednosti VOL, CON, NT, NPD i FR bile su: 244,28 ml, 203,77x106 spermatozoida/ml, 43,48x109 spermatozoida, 17,39 doza i 67,58%. Osobine ejakulata varirale su pod uticajem sezone (P (lt) 0,01; P (lt) 0,001). Interval između dva skoka nije uticao jedino na varijabilnost CON. Razlika izmedju najboljeg i najlošijeg nerasta bila je 91,99x106 spermatozoida/ml ejakulata (P (lt) 0,001). Tokom letnjih meseci VOL ejakulata bio je najmanji (191,36 ml). Najveći NPD (19,04 doza) proizveden je tokom jesenjih meseci, a tokom istog perioda bila je i najveća koncentracija sperme (242,16x106 spermatozoida/ml). Bez obzira što razlike u procentu prašenja između nerasta nisu bile statistički značajne (P=0,0882), potrebno je vršiti rangiranje i pravovremeno identifikovati neraste sa procentom prašenja ispod proseka.

The objective of this study was to present productivity performances regarding semen production of eight Fleckvieh bulls maintained in S.C. Semtest Targu-Mures center and the manner in wich the season acts on the semen production and implicitly on the quality of semen material. In this way they were made researches on the quality of the semen material after collection and after dilution, at a number of 1946 ejaculates and which were analized and evaluated depending on the season and per calendar year. Thus, they were determined the following parameters: the volume of the ejaculate, sperm concentration, sperm mobility in raw semen material, sperm mobility in defrosted semen material, obtained and admited doses. Following the researches it was established that the semen material volume is influenced by the conditions of the collection year, the environment being a strong influence on the studied character; the mobility and the sperm concentration they are not influenced by the season in which the collection was done, and regarding the average number of obtained and admitted dosages per ejaculate, was the highest in the autumn season, when were obtained 485 doses, respectively 441 doses, and the most reduced values were obtained in the winter season 434 doses respectively 374 admitted doses.

This study was conducted to determine the effect on semen quality traits of supplementing the diets of Iraqi drakes with L-carnitine. Forty eight male Iraqi ducks, 30 weeks old, were randomly allocated to four treatments with 12 drakes per treatment group, replicated three times, with four drakes per replicate. The treatment groups consisted of birds fed a diet free of L-carnitine (T1, control group); birds fed a diet containing 50 mg L-carnitine/kg diet (T2); birds fed a diet containing 100 mg L-carnitine/kg diet (T3); and birds fed a diet containing 150 mg L-carnitine/kg diet. The drakes were fed the experimental diets only during the experimental period, which lasted three months. The semen quality traits that were investigated were ejaculate volume, mass and individual motility of spermatozoa, spermatocrit, spermatozoa concentration, percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities. Supplementing the diet of drakes with L-carnitine at the levels of 50 - 150 mg/kg diet significantly increased ejaculate volume, spermatocrit, mass and individual motility of spermatozoa, and concentration of spermatozoa, while percentages of dead and abnormal spermatozoa and acrosomal abnormalities were decreased. However, T4 (150 mg L-carnitine/kg diet) recorded the best results in relation to all semen quality traits included in this study. Dietary supplementation with L-carnitine improved the semen quality of local drakes; therefore L-carnitine can be used as an efficient feed additive to improve the reproductive performance of male ducks.Keywords: Carnitine, ducks, reproductive performance

Feeding starter mixed feed to piglets from age 7 to 60 days reduced the age of the first mating and number of unfertilized replacement gilts, increased the number of piglets born alive and piglet birth weight, increased the volume of ejaculate and sperm number of boars, and reduced the number of pathological and immature sperm.

Bu calismada, Karayaka irki toplam 10 kocun testislerinin morfometrik olculeri ile spermatolojik ozellikleri arastirildi. Testis olculerinden skrotum cevresi, skrotum hacmi, skrotum kalinligi, testis uzunlugu, testis capi degerleri sirasiyla ortalama 29.80 ± 1.08 cm, 573.70 ± 25.66 ml, 0.57 ± 0.01 cm, 12.31 ± 0.48 cm, 5.90 ± 0.18 cm olarak bulundu. Asim sezonu disinda her koctan haftada iki kez olmak uzere suni vajen yardimiyla 10’ar ejekulat alindi. Koclardan alinan sperma orneklerinin spermatolojik ozellikleri; ejekulat miktari 0.98 ± 0.08 ml, spermatozoa motilitesi % 79.35 ± 0.88, spermatozoa yogunlugu 3653.16 ± 179 x109/ml, anormal spermatozoa orani % 10.99 ± 0.58, olu spermatozoa orani % 13.35 ± 0.63, HOS test orani % 75.84 ± 1.16 ve spermatozoa pH degeri 6.92 ± 0.04 olarak bulundu. Bu calisma, Karayaka koclarda testis olculeri ve spermatolojik ozelliklerinin belirlenmesi icin yapilan ilk calismadir

Ejaculados de seis bodes Moxotó e seis ½ sangue Moxotó-Pardo Alpina, adultos, mantidos em confinamento, foram avaliados antes e após a insulação do saco escrotal com bolsa de plástico, de parede dupla, durante 6,5 dias. A degeneração seminal ocorreu em todos os animais na 4ª semana após o início da insulação, ressaltando-se a redução na concentração, o aumento dos defeitos espermáticos e a redução do vigor celular, culminando com a necrospermia. A motilidade individual progressiva (MIP) atingiu os valores mais baixos na 3ª semana após o início da insulação, retornando aos valores normais entre a 8ª e 9ª semanas. Os defeitos espermáticos começaram a aumentar aos sete dias após o início da insulação escrotal. O volume apresentou oscilações atípicas e o aumento da temperatura escrotal afetou os parâmetros físicos e morfológicos do ejaculado de maneira consistente evidenciando-se o efeito negativo sobre a qualidade do sêmen. Ejaculations of twelve adult bucks, six Moxotó breed and six crossbred ½ Moxotó-Alpine Brown, kept in confinement were evaluated prior to and after insulation of scrotal sac through a plastic bag with double wall for 6.5 days. There was seminal degeneration in all animals, showed by reduction of spermatic concentration and drop of the forward individual motility (MIP) associated to high level of sperm morphological abnormalities and hence necrospermy. The MIP reached lower values in three weeks after beginning of the scrotal insulation when sperm vigor was also reduced and sperm abnormalities increased. Seminal degeneration occurred on the 4th week post-insulation. However, within 56-63 days post-insulation the MIP returned to normality. The sperm abnormalities began to appear seven days after the initiation of insulation. The semen volume oscillated during all experimental period and the increasing heat in the scrotal sac caused a series of physical and morphological changes on seminal cells that altered the semen quality.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of certain factors on sperm loss during ram semen collection, using an artificial vagina (AV). The factors analyzed were the effect of the male (8 rams), length of the artificial vagina (short versus long), order of the ejaculate (first versus second ejaculate) and lubrication technique (with or without lube). An observational study from a data set containing 55 semen collections from the 8 rams of different breeds (Montadale, Suffolk, Hamphshire, Polypay) were evaluated during the breeding season using a multiple regression statistical analysis over a period of 10 weeks. The results did not show any differences between rams, order of the ejaculate or the use of lubrication on sperm loss. The two types of artificial vaginas however showed significant differences in the percentage sperm loss ( P 9 ) were similar when using the two types of artificial vaginas. The total ejaculate volume recorded for the short artificial vagina was 1.5 ± 0.4 ml and for the long artificial vagina was 1.3 ± 0.6 ml. The concentration of the ejaculate was 2.7 ± 0.6 × 10 9 sperm/ml for the short artificial vagina and 2.9 ± 0.7 × 10 9 sperm/ml for the long artificial vagina. The volume of semen in the collection tube using the short artificial vagina was 1.3 ± 0.4 ml, compared to the 0.7 ± 0.5 ml for the long artificial vagina ( P P

Reproductive variables from 1529 females and 168 males of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. 1758 were recorded individually during the 1995 spawning season at a salmon farm in the south of Chile. The spawning period occurred in autumn and lasted 43 days, with a peak occurring in the first week of May. Average mature female and male body weights were 6.4 +/- 0.9 kg and 7.0 +/- 1.0 kg respectively. Average total and relative fecundity of females were 5998 +/- 1404 eggs and 946 +/- 210 eggs kg-1 respectively. Female body weight showed a similar pattern of correlation with total and relative fecundity observed in other salmonids. Average total and relative volume of ejaculate of males were 47.7 +/- 32.8 cm3 kg-1 and 7.26 +/- 5.44 cm 3 kg-1, respectively, with the latter being lower than the values reported in the literature. Furthermore, male weight showed a negative correlation with these variables, in contrast to a positive value reported for these correlations in the northern hemisphere. Ejaculate volume showed a positive correlation with date of stripping. Average sperm density (5.83 +/- 3.75 sperm cm-3 10(-9)) was lower than the values found in the literature and could be explained by the higher ejaculate volumes.

Breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) of stallions is a routine component of stud farm practice. Guidelines for assessing satisfactory breeding potential have been developed using data derived from stallions of full-size breeds. In view of the increasing popularity of miniature stallions, knowledge of normal semen parameters of these stallions is important. Therefore, testicular measurements and semen parameters from 216 sexually rested miniature stallions were obtained. Semen was collected twice, 1.5 to 3 h apart, using an artificial vagina. Values were averaged over the 2 collections because of the sexual inexperience of the stallions. The smaller stallions (Group A, 72 to 86 cm; Group B, 87 to 96 cm) had smaller testicles (P

Sexual mediation of copulation duration is reviewed in arthropods. Copulation duration and ejaculate volume were recorded in cross mating Centrobolus to test species' mediation differences. Conspecific C. inscriptus copulation durations were long (170.0 ± 49.3 min, n = 46), C. annulatus copulation durations were short (39.4 ± 18.6 min, n = 8), while mating between heterospecifics (C. inscriptus X C. annulatus) had the shortest copulation durations (12.4 ± 10.6 min, n = 6); when re-mating interval, sexual size dimorphism, sex ratio and ejaculate volume were controlled. âo (the female sooner norm) suggests size-assortative mating without a size based preference in these mate-guarding millipedes.

Copulation duration, re-mating interval, and ejaculate volume (disintegrations per minute of H3+) was analyzed in the millipede Chersastus inscriptus. Re-mating interval negatively related to second duration (y = 36 + 0.01x) and relative ejaculate volume increased from 21% to 77% in favor of second males after 24h intervals.

Omeje, S.I. and Ude, I. 1998. Effect of feed restriction on body weight and semen characteristics of native and exotic (broiler) cocks. J.Appl. Anim. Res., 14: 81–86. Data from l2Anak broiler cocks aged 9 months and native cocks aged 8–10 months were used to determine the effect of feed restriction on body weight and semen characteristics of the two genetic groups of the domestic fowl. Treatments consisted of feed restriction based on the frequency of feeding to satiation once daily (control T1), once in two days (T2), once in three days (T3) and once in four days (T4) with ad libitum drinking water. Feed restriction caused a highly significant (P

Staff at Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo devised a training program for noninvasive semen collection from three male gorillas. Trained behaviors, shaped using food rewards and verbal praise, enabled the trainer to perform a cursory physical examination and collect >270 semen samples during the study period. Ejaculate volume, sperm motility, and progressive forward motion were recorded. Two of the gorillas regularly produced semen samples that were cryopreserved. Frozen semen from one gorilla was successfully used in an assisted reproductive procedure. The training program may be used as a guideline for other institutions to create similar programs. Zoo Biol 17:143–151, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

La utilización de semen enfriado en inseminación artificial (IA) porcina sigue siendo una limitante, ya que la respuesta frente a temperaturas menores a 16 °C es aleatoria entre cerdos, y aún entre eyaculados del mismo cerdo. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue jerarquizar la capacidad para la conservación de dosis refrigeradas durante 4 días de tres diluyentes comerciales (de larga o media duración) de semen porcino (Androstar Plus®, MRA® y MIII®), analizando: viabilidad, funcionalidad de membrana, integridad acrosomal y movilidad en 11 eyaculados procedentes de 3 verracos. No existieron diferencias (p>0,05) entre diluyentes por lo que sería similar su capacidad de conservación durante un período de 4 días.

Para determinar calidad seminal de toros de la raza Brahman (Br) y Mestizos Bos indicus x Bos taurus (Mst), durante la temporada de servicio (diciembre–mayo) en tres localidades del Estado Guárico, Venezuela, fueron evaluados 62 sementales con edad promedio de 5,6 ± 0,3 (rango = 2–12 años), manejados bajo condiciones de pastoreo y monta natural. Se evaluó, raza (R), edad (E), peso (P), condición corporal (CC) y circunferencia escrotal (CE), sobre el volumen del eyaculado (VE), aspecto, motilidad masal (MM) y motilidad individual (MI). Se realizó prueba de hipótesis para dos medias muestrales, basada en la distribución de “t” de Student, para muestras independientes. La edad promedio de los toros fue mayor (p0,05) en el peso promedio (Br=651,9 ± 4,3 kg; Mst=620,0 ± 11,8 Kg) ni la CC (Br=2,7 ± 0,1; Mst=2,9 ± 0,1). Los valores de CE no mostraron diferencia (p>0,05) entre los toros de raza Brahman (37,2 ± 0,8 cm) y Mestizos (37,1 ± 0,8 cm), al igual que para el VE en ambos (Br= 6,9 ± 0,8 mL; Mst= 6,3 ± 0,7 mL). El semen de toros Brahman presentó un mejor aspecto (Denso=76,5% y Denso medio=23,5%; p0,05) en toros Brahman (2,6 ± 0,2) y Mestizos (2,4 ± 0,2), donde MM: ++++=1; +++=2; ++=3; +=4; 0=5; mientras que la MI de toros Mestizos fue mayor (71,9%; p0.05) in average body weight (Br=651.9 ± 4.3 Kg; Cbr=620.0 ± 11.8 kg), nor BC (Br=2.7 ± 0.1; Cbr=2.9 ± 0.1). The SC (cm) did not show difference (p>0.05) between Brahman (37.2 ± 0.8 cm) and Crossbred bulls (37.1 ± 0.8 cm), as well as EV (Br= 6.9 ± 0.8 mL; Cbr= 6.3 ± 0.7 mL). Semen from Brahman bulls showed a better aspect (Dense=76.5%; Medium dense=23.5%) than Crossbred bulls (Dense=40.0%; Medium dense =35.6%; Rale=24.4%). Masal motility was similar (p>0.05) between Brahman (2.6 ± 0.2) and Crossbred bulls (2.4 ± 0.2), where: MM: ++++=1; +++=2; ++=3; +=4; 0=5; whereas, IM in Crossbred bulls (71.9 %) was greater (p

The main objective of this study was to assess the variability of libido (duration of preparing to jump, T), the duration of ejaculation (E) and the properties of ejaculate: ejaculate volume (VOL), evaluation of density of ejaculate (DEN), evaluation of native sperm motility (NAT), evaluation of diluted sperm motility (DIL), as well as the number of doses produced per ejaculate (NPD) of boars reared under production conditions. The study included 8127 ejaculates of boars of the three breeds. Ejaculates were analysed during four annual seasons. Evaluation of variance was performed using mixed model. Average values of T, E, VOL, DEN, NAT, DIL and NPD were: 3.56 min, 6.09 min, 235.82 ml, 2.03, 3.98, 3.95 and 9.90 doses. Libido, ejaculation duration and characteristics of ejaculates varied under the influence of season, year, breed. All studied traits depended on the age of the boar when taking the ejaculate (P (lt) 0.001) except T and DEN (P> 0.05). Differences in phenotypic property values were present between boars and between ejaculates and repeatability coefficient values for all studied traits ranged from 0.08± 0.01 to 0.32± 0.05. The association of the investigated boar traits was weak to strong (from -0.14 to 0.81; P (lt) 0.01 and P (lt) 0.001), with the exception of the association between T and NPD (P> 0.05). © 2014, Agricultural Research Communication Centre. All rights reserved.

Reproductive performance of six imported Saanen bucks was studied under tropical climatic conditions. The reaction time, measured from the moment the buck was presented to the female until ejaculation was accomplished, averaged 61.9 ± 7.3 s. It was higher in autumn and winter than summer. Average ejaculate volume was 0.77 ml. Pooled seminal volume when repeated collections were performed was higher in autumn than other seasons. Average spermatozoa concentration was 2.77 × 109 ml−1. Average mass activity was 3.19; 68.57% of the spermatozoa were active, 15.5% were dead and 8.7% abnormal. The best semen quality was obtained in autumn and the poorest in summer. The percentage of spermatozoa that survived freezing-thawing was highest in autumn and winter than in summer.

Objective : To determine the ability of supervised neuronal networks at making the appropriate classification of fertile and infertile men using conventional seminal parameters. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study assembled on the database of the Universidad de Antioquia Reproduction Group, with a selection of men experiencing reproductive problems within the previous 12 months, and men with a history of having had children. Convenience sampling. The data considered were age, time of sexual abstinence, ejaculate volume, pH, percentage of sperm motility, viability and concentration. Using a supervised neuronal network, a training model and a validation model were created. Results : Overall, 204 men were included, 129 for the training model, 35 for validation, 40 for testing the model and 25 for external validation. The neuronal network model made the correct classification of 90% of the subjects with reproductive problems, and 91% of the fertile subjects. In the validation model, the neuronal network made the correct classification of 40% of the subjects with reproductive problems, and 100% of the fertile subjects. Conclusion : Neuronal networks emerge as a technology that may prove to be valuable for the study of male infertility. More rigorous evaluations are required in order to determine their true usefulness in the study of infertile couples.

Soluções hiposmóticas com diferentes concentrações (0, 50, 100, 150, 200mOsm/L) foram testadas para a avaliação funcional da membrana espermática de catetos (n=13). Foi verificado que o número de espermatozoides reagidos diminuía (P

A total of 114 semen ejaculates were obtained twice a week from 38 weeks old Gramapriya hybrid cocks were studied for Hypo- osmotic swelling test (HOST) to assess membrane integrity and other physical characteristics during the period of 4 months from November, 2008 to February, 2009. The mean value of physical attributes; ejaculate volume (ml), colour/appearance score, pH, mass motility (%), individual motility (%), sperm concentration (X 109/ml), total spermatozoa count (X 109/ejaculate), live spermatozoa count (%) and abnormal sperm count (%) averaged to 0.39±0.02, 3.98±0.03, 7.42±0.01, 3.95±0.03, 84.01±0.04, 2.49±0.03, 0.98±0.04, 91.01±0.29 and 6.58±0.22, respectively followed by mean value of HOST reactive spermatozoa was 92.98±0.26 percent. A significant negative correlation of HOST reactive spermatozoa was observed with abnormal spermatozoa and ejaculate volume whereas; it correlated positively with sperm concentration and initial motility. The study elicited application of HOST to evaluate the Gramapriya hybrid cock semen by characteristic features of twisting and swelling of head of the spermatozoa along with the normal coiling of tail in

We examined the sexual development and insemination capability of boars representing five breeds used at Polish sow insemination stations. The speed of attaining full breeding maturity by the boars and their insemination usefulness was assessed based on the results of experiments analysing age-related changes in the physical characteristics of the ejaculates. Directly after sampling, the ejaculates were analysed for the following physical parameters: ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and the percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa per ejaculate. The total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculates and the number of insemination doses obtained from one ejaculate were calculated using SYSTEM SUL v. 6.1 software. The sexual development of boars continues during insemination use, leading to improved ejaculatory performance. The physical parameters of the ejaculate change along with the age of the boar. The Duroc and Hampshire boars represent a pattern of sexual development that is different from that of the PLW, PL and Pietrain males, with an evident earlier termination of growth. The American boars (Duroc and Hampshire) acquire top ejaculatory performance approximately 6 months earlier.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age (A) and the intensity of the boars' utilization (s) on the phenotypic variability of ejaculate volume (VOL) and sperm motility (MO). The study included 274 ejaculates of Large White boars (LW). Boars were divided into six classes according the age when the ejaculate was taken (10-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-25, 26-29 and ≥30 months). Semen samples were analyzed during four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The intensity of the use of boars was seen as the impact of the group (class) of intervals between two successful collections (I; ≤ 5 , 6, 7 , 8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-21 days). Data processing was performed using the GLM procedure using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Average values of VOL, MO, I, A, were: 178.94 ml, 90.35%, 9.37 days and 655.93 days. The effect of boars on both studied sperm traits was highly significant (p lt 0.001). The volume of ejaculate varied under the influence of boar age (p lt 0.001) and season (p lt 0.01). The effect of I on VOL and MO was not significant (p>0.05). Traits VOL and MO varied (p lt 0.001) between boars which indicated the need for individual control of each of boars used for artificial insemination. The highest VOL was determined in boars at the age of 26 to 29 months, and the difference to the boars aged 10-13 months was 62.70 ml (p lt 0.001). No statistically significant differences in regard toVOL between boars older than 17 months (from class 3 to 6) were recorded. The highest differences between winter and spring period were determined in mean values of VOL (32.15 ml; p lt 0.01). In the winter period, boar ejaculate volume was lower than in the autumn (-26.57 ml) and the difference determined was statistically significant (p lt 0.05). Osnovni cilj istraživanja bio je da se oceni uticaj starosti (A) i intenziteta korišćenja nerasta (I) na fenotipsku varijabilnost volumena ejakulata (VOL) i pokretljivosti spermatozoida (MO). Istraživanjem je bilo obuhvaćeno 274 ejakulata nerasta rase veliki jorkšir (LW). Nerasti su prema starosti kada je uzet ejakulat podeljeni u šest klasa (10-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-25, 26-29 i ≥30 meseci). Ejakulati su analizirani tokom četiri godišnje sezone (proleće, leto, jesen, zima). Intenzitet korišćenja nerasta posmatran je kao uticaj grupe (klase) intervala između dva uspešna skoka (I; ≤5, 6, 7, 8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-21 dan). Obrada podataka izvršena primenom GLM procedure uz pomoć statističkog paketa SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Prosečne vrednosti VOL, MO, I, A bile su: 178,94 ml, 90,35%, 9,37 dana i 655,93 dana. Uticaj nerasta na obe ispitivane osobine sperme bio je vrlo visoko značajan (p lt 0,001). Volumen ejakulata varirao je pod uticajem starosti nerasta (p lt 0,001) i sezone (p lt 0,01). Uticaj I na VOL i MO nije bio značajan (p>0,05). Osobine VOL i MO varirale su (p lt 0,001) između nerasta što ukazuju na potrebu individualne kontrole svakog nerasta koji se koristi za veštačko osemenjavanje. Najveći VOL utvrđen je kod nerasta pri uzrastu od 26 do 29 meseci, a razlika u odnosu na neraste uzrasta 10-13 meseci bila je 62,70 ml (p lt 0,001). Nisu ustanovljene statistički značajne razlike VOL izmedju nerasta starijih od 17 meseci (od klase 3 do 6). Izmedju zimskog i letnjeg perioda godine utvrdjena je najveća razlika srednjih vrednosti VOL (32,15 ml; p lt 0,01). U zimskom periodu volumen ejakulata nerasta bio je manji nego u toku jeseni (-26,57 ml) i utvrdjena razlika je bila statistički značajna (p lt 0,05).

The purpose of this study was to estimate environmental effects on semen production of artificial insemination (AI) Holstein bulls managed under Moroccan conditions. A total of 4046 ejaculates collected from 34 Holstein bulls in the years 2009–2013 were analysed. Studied variables were volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa, mass motility, individual motility and post-thawing motility. Data were analysed by REML method using the mixed model including the random effect of bull and the fixed effects of age at collection, season of collection, year of collection, interval between two collections and ejaculate order. The effect of age of bulls was significant for all studied variables, except for mass motility. Spring and winter were the best seasons for sperm production and quality. Bulls’ ejaculates collected once a day at one day interval produced monthly 30%, 86%, 156%, 183% and 185% more motile spermatozoa than those collected once a day at 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days interval, respectively. Moreover, bulls’ sperm collected twice a day at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 days interval produced monthly (sum of motile spermatozoa obtained at 1st and 2nd ejaculates) 77%, 70%, 65%, 68%, 84% and 91% more than those collected once a day at the same interval, respectively. Repeatability estimates for semen traits were medium to high. They varied from 0.157 for mass motility to 0.411 for ejaculate volume. It was concluded that environmental factors clearly contribute to semen production in Holstein bulls and short intervals between collections and two collections per day are maximising sperm production.

The present chapter overviews some aspects of the anatomy, histology and physiology of the female genital tract, focusing especially on the uterus, through which sperm are transported. Moreover, some aspects of sperm interaction with uterinic epithelial cells are referred to in line with recent studies. This chapter also deals with other relevant aspects, such as the functional role of ejaculate volume on sperm transport, and the effects of placing sperm at different parts of the sows’ tract in fertility and prolificacy rates. Finally, it ends with the role of reproductive immunology in response to spermatozoa, seminal plasma and short- and long-term extenders within the intrauterine environment.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of age (A) and the intensity of the boars' utilization (s) on the phenotypic variability of ejaculate volume (VOL) and sperm motility (MO). The study included 274 ejaculates of Large White boars (LW). Boars were divided into six classes according the age when the ejaculate was taken (10-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-25, 26-29 and ≥30 months). Semen samples were analyzed during four seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The intensity of the use of boars was seen as the impact of the group (class) of intervals between two successful collections (I; ≤ 5 , 6, 7 , 8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-21 days). Data processing was performed using the GLM procedure using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Average values of VOL, MO, I, A, were: 178.94 ml, 90.35%, 9.37 days and 655.93 days. The effect of boars on both studied sperm traits was highly significant (p (lt) 0.001). The volume of ejaculate varied under the influence of boar age (p (lt) 0.001) and season (p (lt) 0.01). The effect of I on VOL and MO was not significant (p>0.05). Traits VOL and MO varied (p (lt) 0.001) between boars which indicated the need for individual control of each of boars used for artificial insemination. The highest VOL was determined in boars at the age of 26 to 29 months, and the difference to the boars aged 10-13 months was 62.70 ml (p (lt) 0.001). No statistically significant differences in regard toVOL between boars older than 17 months (from class 3 to 6) were recorded. The highest differences between winter and spring period were determined in mean values of VOL (32.15 ml; p (lt) 0.01). In the winter period, boar ejaculate volume was lower than in the autumn (-26.57 ml) and the difference determined was statistically significant (p (lt) 0.05). Osnovni cilj istraživanja bio je da se oceni uticaj starosti (A) i intenziteta korišćenja nerasta (I) na fenotipsku varijabilnost volumena ejakulata (VOL) i pokretljivosti spermatozoida (MO). Istraživanjem je bilo obuhvaćeno 274 ejakulata nerasta rase veliki jorkšir (LW). Nerasti su prema starosti kada je uzet ejakulat podeljeni u šest klasa (10-13, 14-17, 18-21, 22-25, 26-29 i ≥30 meseci). Ejakulati su analizirani tokom četiri godišnje sezone (proleće, leto, jesen, zima). Intenzitet korišćenja nerasta posmatran je kao uticaj grupe (klase) intervala između dva uspešna skoka (I; ≤5, 6, 7, 8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-21 dan). Obrada podataka izvršena primenom GLM procedure uz pomoć statističkog paketa SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Prosečne vrednosti VOL, MO, I, A bile su: 178,94 ml, 90,35%, 9,37 dana i 655,93 dana. Uticaj nerasta na obe ispitivane osobine sperme bio je vrlo visoko značajan (p (lt) 0,001). Volumen ejakulata varirao je pod uticajem starosti nerasta (p (lt) 0,001) i sezone (p (lt) 0,01). Uticaj I na VOL i MO nije bio značajan (p>0,05). Osobine VOL i MO varirale su (p (lt) 0,001) između nerasta što ukazuju na potrebu individualne kontrole svakog nerasta koji se koristi za veštačko osemenjavanje. Najveći VOL utvrđen je kod nerasta pri uzrastu od 26 do 29 meseci, a razlika u odnosu na neraste uzrasta 10-13 meseci bila je 62,70 ml (p (lt) 0,001). Nisu ustanovljene statistički značajne razlike VOL izmedju nerasta starijih od 17 meseci (od klase 3 do 6). Izmedju zimskog i letnjeg perioda godine utvrdjena je najveća razlika srednjih vrednosti VOL (32,15 ml; p (lt) 0,01). U zimskom periodu volumen ejakulata nerasta bio je manji nego u toku jeseni (-26,57 ml) i utvrdjena razlika je bila statistički značajna (p (lt) 0,05).

The main objective of this study was to assess the phenotypic variability of the ejaculate volume (VOL) and progressive sperm motility (MO) under the influence of breed, boar within breed and season. The study included 555 ejaculates of Danish Landrace (DL), Danish Large White (DLW) and Danish Duroc (DD) boars. The effect of boar was analyzed within the investigated breeds. The impact of the season was investigated as the influence of the month in which the ejaculate was taken. The model included a linear regression effect of boar age when the semen was taken. Data analysis was performed using the statistical package SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc.., 2002-2003). Impact assessment was carried out using the GLM procedure. The impact of all factors analyzed in both sperm traits was significant to highly significant, and the observed factors largely explain the phenotypic variability VOL compared to MO. The highest values were found in VOL of DL boar (3:58 ± 164.96 ml), and the MO of boar breed DLW (85.45 ± 0.94%). Boars DD had VOL and MO below the averages of all analyzed breeds. Between boars within studied genotypes differences were established (p lt 0.05, p lt 0.05, p lt 0.01 p lt 0.001) and a boar of DLW breed compared to all tested boars had the highest volume of ejaculate sperm with progressive motility of 90.47%. Volume, or mobility varied (p lt 0.01 or p lt 0.05) influenced by season, and in September and October boars had ejaculates with the VOL values above average and the lowest MO. Since most VOL and MO above the annual average in June, it was possible to get the highest number of doses per ejaculate with optimal reproductive/fertile ability. Osnovni cilj rada bio je da se oceni fenotipska varijabilnost volumena ejakulata (VOL) i progresivne pokretljivosti spermatozoida (MO) pod uticajem rase, nerasta unutar rase i sezone. Istraživanjem je bilo obuhvaćeno 555 ejakulata nerasta rase danski landras (DL), danski jorkšir (DLW) i danski durok (DD). Uticaj nerasta analiziran je unutar ispitivanih rasa. Uticaj sezone ispitivan je kao uticaj meseca u kojem je uzet ejakulat. U model je uključen i linearni regresijski uticaj starosti nerasta prilikom uzimanja ejakulata. Obrada podataka izvršena je pomoću statističkog paketa SAS 9.1.3 (SAS Inst. Inc., 2002-2003). Ocena uticaja je izvršena primenom GLM procedure. Uticaj svih analiziranih faktora na obe osobine sperme bio je značajan do vrlo visoko značajan, a posmatrani faktori u većoj meri objašnjavaju fenotipsku varijabilnost VOL u odnosu na MO. Najveće vrednosti VOL utvrđene su kod nerasta rase DL (164.96±3.58 ml), a MO kod nerasta rase DLW (85.45±0.94%). Nerasti DD imali su VOL i MO ispod proseka svih analiziranih rasa. Između nerasta unutar ispitivanih genotipova utvrđene su razlike (p>0.05, p lt 0.05, p lt 0.01, p lt 0.001), a nerast rase DLW u odnosu na sve ispitivane neraste imao je najveći volumen ejakulata sa progresivnom pokretljivošću spermatozoida od 90.47%. Volumen, odnosno pokretljivost su varirali (p lt 0.01, odnosno p lt 0.05) pod uticajem sezone, a u periodu septembar-oktobar nerasti su imali ejakulate sa vrednostima VOL iznad proseka i najnižom MO. S obzirom na najveći VOL i MO iznad godišnjeg proseka, u junu mesecu je bilo moguće dobiti najveći broj doza po ejakulatu sa optimalnom fertilnom sposobnošću.

Semen from Large White and Pietrain boars was collected at 3 and 4 day intervals. Volume, percentages of live, immature and motile spermatozoa and tail abnormalities were evaluated in order to assess ejaculate quality. The number of insemination doses per ejaculate was calculated for each breed and collection frequency. Reducing the interval between collections doesn’t modify ejaculate volume and spermatozoa motility but it increases the percentage of gametes that are immature or have an abnormal tail. A collection frequency of 3 days is better because the number of insemination doses per year is higher.

Four ejaculates were collected at 15 day intervals from six adult alpacas using an artificial vagina inside a dummy. Data were analyzed using factorial design. The mean citric acid concentration was 4.3 mg dl −1 and mean fructose concentration 5.0 mg dl −1 , with no differences ( P > 0.05) between age and interval of semen collection. Mean ejaculate volume was 1.4 ml, and sperm concentration was 150 354 spermatozoa ml −1 , with no differences ( P > 0.05) attributed to age and interval of semen collection. Alpaca seminal plasma appears to have low concentrations of citric acid, fructose and semen concentration compared with other livestock species.

We report three patients with midline prostatic cysts (simple, n=1; complex, n=2) that presented with low ejaculate volume and hematospermia. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) revealed a midline prostatic cystic structure that could represent either an ejaculatory duct cyst or a Müllerian duct cyst. In one patient, the ejaculatory duct cyst was confirmed by identification of spermatozoa at microscopic analysis of fluid obtained by TRUS-guided needle aspiration. The two other patients underwent transurethral incision of the cyst with complete resolution of symptoms.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da geleia real na qualidade seminal e na morfometria testicular de coelhos. Quatorze coelhos adultos da raça Nova Zelândia foram distribuídos em três grupos: com administração diária de 1mL de água, via oral (SG); administração diária de 0,5mg (0,5G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral; e administração diária de 1,0mL (1,0G) de geleia real diluída em 1mL de água, via oral. O fornecimento de geleia real foi iniciado 30 dias antes das coletas de sêmen, permanecendo durante todo o período de coleta, totalizando 90 dias. Utilizou-se o método da vagina artificial para coleta de sêmen. Foram avaliados os parâmetros físicos e morfológicos do sêmen e os parâmetros de morfometria testicular. Houve diferença no volume seminal do 0,5G (0,54±0,22) em relação ao SG (0,39±0,13) e ao 1,0G (0,30±0,09) (P0,05) para turbilhonamento espermático, concentração espermática, motilidade progressiva e vigor espermático. Os defeitos maiores no grupo 0,5G (8,52±3,26) foram menores do que nos grupos SG (14,09±4,26) e 1,0G (16,1±3,95) (P0,05). Os pesos corporal, testicular, epididimário e o índice gonadossomático não diferiram entre os grupos (P>0,05). A ingestão diária de 0,5mg de geleia real apresentou efeitos positivos na morfologia espermática de coelhos. A trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of royal jelly on the seminal quality and testicular morphometry of rabbits. Fourteen mature rabbits of New Zealand breed were distributed between three groups. The first group was supplied with 1mL of water only (SG), the second group was supplied with 0.5mg of royal jelly diluted in 1mL of water (0.5G), and the third group was supplied with 1mg of royal jelly also diluted in 1mL of water (1.0G). The royal jelly supply started 30 days before semen collection and lasted the entire experimental period. An artificial vagina was used to collect the rabbits' semen. Physical and morphological parameters in the semen and the testicular morphometry were evaluated. Differences were found on the seminal volume in group 0.5G(0,54±0,22) in relation to SG (0,39±0,13) and 1.0G (0,30±0,09) groups (P0.05) were found in sperm concentration, gross motility, individual motility and vigor. The total of primary defects in group 0.5G (8,52±3,26) was lower than in groups SG (14,09±4,2) and 1.0G (16,1±3,95) (P0.05). Body, testicular and epididymal weights did not differ between groups, as well to the gonadosomatic index (P>0.05). The ingestion of royal jelly produced positive results on the seminal production of males.

Duas porções do ejaculado suíno - primeiros 15mL da fração espermática rica (P1) e o restante do ejaculado (P2) - foram coletadas semanalmente de cinco varrões e submetidas a dois protocolos de resfriamento, diluição no diluidor MR-A® e conservação a 17°C (T1) ou no diluidor glicina-gema de ovo e conservação a 5°C (T2). As doses foram avaliadas no que se refere à motilidade, ao vigor e à morfologia espermáticas no sêmen a fresco e em diferentes tempos de estocagem. Todos os tratamentos mantiveram uma motilidade aceitável, superior a 50%, nas primeiras 24 horas de armazenamento. O grupo P2T2 manteve uma motilidade similar (P>0,05) ao longo de todo o período de resfriamento (72 horas), sendo inclusive superior aos demais neste período, enquanto os outros tratamentos apresentaram uma redução da motilidade no decorrer do tempo de armazenamento. Com relação às características morfológicas do sêmen, não se observaram diferenças (P>0,05) quanto às porcentagens de espermatozoides normais entre as duas frações do ejaculado fresco. Ainda, todos os tratamentos mantiveram-se dentro dos limites aceitáveis, independentemente do tempo de armazenamento. A P1 parece ser mais adequada à produção de doses para o transporte em virtude de seu pequeno volume e alta concentração, enquanto o restante do ejaculado (P2) pode ser utilizado com eficiência dentro da própria granja. Two portions of boar ejaculate - first 15mL of the sperm rich fraction (P1) and the rest of the ejaculate (P2) - were collected weekly from 5 mature boars and submitted to two cooling methods, extended in MR-A® and cooled at 17°C (T1) or extended in glycine-egg yolk and cooled at 5°C (T2). Spermatozoa motility, vigor, and morphological characteristics were evaluated immediately after collection and in different storage times. All treatments kept an acceptable motility, higher than 50%, in the first 24h of storage. The P2T2 maintained a similar motility (P>0.05) throughout the cooling storage (72h) and was superior in that period, while the other treatments presented a decrease in motility related to time. There was no difference between the two portions regarding the total number of normal spermatozoa in the fresh semen (P>0.05). All treatments showed morphological abnormalities within the acceptable thresholds, irrespectively of the storage time. Thus, due to low volume and high concentration, P1 seems to be more adequate for sperm dose transportation. Furthermore, this methodology will allow the development of new proposals concerning the transportation of swine semen, while the rest of the ejaculate could be used in farm routines to produce conventional liquid semen doses.