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Introduction. According to Russian Association of Urology a number of infertile couples ranges from 8 to 17.2 % in various regions of Russia. One of the causes of which is the male factor. Raising the age of the father reduces the chance of conception, increases the risk of early termination of pregnancy and the risk of certain diseases of the child. In this regard the existing knowledge of age-related changes in ejaculate parameters needs to be de veloped. This is particularly true for men of infertile couples.The study objective – to investigate the age patterns of change in the spermological status of infertile men and identify the most age-related variations.Materials and methods. Research design – observation, retrospective, crossection. Analysis of the medical records of 517 Novosibirsk male residents from couples with infertility in marriage was made. The sampling is divided into 5 age groups: 1st group (n = 108) – men of ≤29.9 years old; 2nd group (n = 171) – 30.0–34.9 years old; 3rd group (n = 130) – 35.0–39.9 years old; 4th group (n = 68) – 40.0–44.9 years old; 5th group (n = 40) – ≥45.0 years old.Results. Median of male age in total sample – 34 years, frequency of persons over 40 years – 21 %. Overall sample shows a decline in reference values of proportion of morphologically normal forms – 3.0 (1.5–5.0) % and increase in sperm DNA fragmentation index (SDFI) – 16.0 (11.0–22.2) %. In groups from 1st to 5th there is an age-specific decrease in ejaculate volume (3.5 (2.5–4.8) ml; 3.3 (2.4–4.2) ml; 3.2 (2.4–4.5) ml; 3.0 (1.7–4.9) ml; 2.7 (1.9–3.5) ml, р1–5 1–5, 2–5 1–4 Conclusion. It was first time shown for the male population of Novosibirsk of Siberian Federal District that a reduction in the proportion of morphologically normal sperm below the reference values observed in the total sample and it did not depend on the age of the men examined. Only three of the examined indicators of sperm status studied infertile males had a significant age dependency: ejaculate volume decrease, reduction of total sperm, increased DNA fragmentation of sperm. The lack of a reliable influence of age on HBA-test indicators was first shown. However the trends identified require further study. The results show that age-associated increase in DNA fragmentation of sperm starts with young men under 30, and underscores the need to define SDFI in actual clinical practice. And negative processes of age influence on the quantitative, morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of sperm occur most frequently in men after 40 years.

Using agricultural by-products in livestock feeds can help farmers reduce feed costs and help food waste generators reduce disposal costs while minimizing the environmental problems associated with this waste.Forty-two New Zealand White rabbit bucks aged 8 months were randomly divided into 7 groups. First group served as control group was fed on the basal diet. Second, 3rd and 4th groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 1, 2 and 3 % dried lettuce (LT) by-product. The 5th, 6th and 7th groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1, 2 and 3% dried cabbage (CB) by-product. Two experiments were performed. The 1st experiment investigated the effect of dietary supplementation with LT and CB on fresh semen quality parameters, including volume, motility %, viability, abnormalities, acrosomal damage, and sperm concentration. The 2nd experiment examined the effect of LT and CB supplementation as well as the storage time on the previous semen quality parameters of cooled semen during storage at 5ᴼ C up to 72 hours. Enzymes activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were measured. In 1st expriment, results showed that sperm concentration increased (P

Se ha evaluado el comportamiento sexual de machos cabríos de raza Murciano Granadina de diferentes edades para comprobar los tiempos de reacción y la capacidad de monta, y compararlos con la calidad seminal de cada macho, el momento de aparición de la libido y el primer eyaculado válido. Se utilizaron 18 machos con edades entre los 3 meses y los 7 años. Semanalmente se midió el tiempo que tardaban en montar y el número de servicios en una mañana. Se midió volumen y concentración espermática total y al primer eyaculado de la mañana se le evaluó su calidad seminal, valorando calidad de movimiento individual y porcentaje de espermatozoides móviles. Los resultados muestran que machos jóvenes presentaron menor tiempo de reacción y mayor capacidad de monta en una mañana que machos mayores de 1 año, con menor volumen de eyaculado y concentración espermática. Los machos mostraron un aumento del tiempo de reacción conforme aumenta el número de montas, mayor a partir del tercer servicio. El volumen de eyaculado y la concentración espermática tienden a disminuir en cada salto. La calidad seminal de los machos jóvenes fue aumentando a lo largo de las semanas, y la motilidad individual y porcentaje de espermatozoides móviles no se vieron afectados por los sucesivos eyaculados en una misma mañana. En definitiva, la edad presenta gran variabilidad en los parámetros medidos.

Various factors are believed to influence quality of semen in breeding bulls. The main objective of this study was to evaluate how breed, age and time of semen production are relevant in the production of good quality semen used for Artificial Insemination. A total of 16,827 ejaculates from 187 bulls (Holstein Frisian = 114, Jersey = 35, Borena = 12, 50%HF × 50%Borena = 5, 75%HF × 25%Borena = 15 and Fogera = 6) were collected and examined at the National Animal Genetic Improvement Institute (NAGII). All these factors (breed, age and period of production) had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on semen volume, colour, concentration, mass activity, individual motility and production doses/ejaculate. All these semen quality measures were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) minimal in 50%HF × 50%Borena crosses and all of them except concentration were observed superior in HF. Excluding ejaculate volume and production doses, all the semen quality measures were recorded better in the first two age classes (less than 2 and 2 to 4 years of age classes). Significance differences in ejaculate volume, concentration, mass activity, and individual motility were observed among production periods; these disparities could be due to the variation in managemental practice and efficiency of implementing the protocol in selecting candidate bulls for the time period. In conclusion, breed, age and period of semen production have significant effect on bovine semen characteristics. Key words: Borena, cross breeds, Fogera, Holstein Frisian, Jersey, semen characteristics.

Para evaluar si el nivel nutricional modifica la calidad seminal y el comportamiento sexual de los machos cabríos tratados con días largos artificiales. Diez y seis machos cabríos fueron divididos en dos tratamientos difiriendo en su nivel alimenticio. Un grupo de machos recibió el 75 % de sus requerimientos nutricionales de mantenimiento y reproducción (G-75), mientras que otro grupo recibió el 120 % (G-120). La circunferencia escrotal fue menor en el grupo G-75 que la registrada en el grupo G-120 (P < 0.01). Similarmente, el volumen de eyaculado y el número total de espermatozoides por eyaculado fueron menores en el grupo G-75 (0.5 ± 0.05 mL y 1.9 x 109, respectivamente) que en el grupo G-120 (0.7 ± 0.1 mL y 3.0 x 109, respectivamente; P < 0.001). La motilidad espermática fue menor en el grupo G-75 (2.6 ± 0.1), que en el grupo G-120 (3.2± 0.1; P < 0.001). La latencia a la eyaculación fue mayor en los machos del grupo G-75, que la registrada en el grupo G-75 (P < 0.001). Los resultados del presente estudio indican que, en los machos cabríos tratados con días largos artificiales, la reducción de un 25% de sus requerimientos nutricionales afecto la calidad seminal y el comportamiento sexual.

The article presents data on the influence of the breed of linear affiliation, country of origin on the quality indicators of sperm production of sire bulls. The research was carried out on bulls of Holstein, Black Pied, Brown Swiss and Hereford bulls at the age of 2-6 years in OOO Nizhegorodskoie for Stock Breeding. In our studies, bulls of different breeds differed from each other in qualitative and quantitative indicators. Holstein bulls had the largest volume of ejaculate, 7.57 ± 0.19 ml, in the context of the lineages the fluctuations were insignificant. The highest concentration of sperm was found in the ejaculate of Hereford beef bulls, 0.789 ± 0.105 billion/ml. The best sperm activity was found in Holstein and Brown Swiss bulls (6.42 and 6.47 points, respectively). The influence of the breed on the volume of ejaculate was 34.4%, on the concentration of sperm in the ejaculate - 18.8%, on the activity of sperm - 25.6%. The average volume of ejaculate is a rather variable sign. The coefficient of variability ranges from 10.7 to 32.1%. The sperm concentration has slightly less variability, the coefficient of variability is 11.8-24.8%. The variability in sperm activity was the lowest of the three studied parameters. The lowest value of the coefficient of variation of sperm activity was found in the Laird lineage of Brown Swiss bulls, 0.1%; the highest in Hereford bulls, 10.6%. The number of sperm doses stored in the storage depends to a greater extent on the activity of sperm cells (r = 0.421), to a lesser extent on their concentration in the ejaculate (r = 0.375). Holstein bulls from Canada are of full age (5-6 years), which is why they exceeded domestic stud bulls in terms of ejaculate volume and sperm activity with statistical significance. The difference in sperm concentration between stud bulls has not been established., Volga Region Farmland, Выпуск 1 (9) 2021, Pages 51-56

Організація збалансованої годівлі, що задовольняє потреби плідників в поживних речовинах і вітамінах, за певного фізіологічного стану і рівня продуктивності - один з головних чинників процесу забезпечення повноцінного сперматогенезу та якісних показників сперми. У зв'язку з тим, що з багатьох причин спостерігається дефіцит білку в кормових раціонах (ціноутворення, якість кормових засобів, конкуренція), то забезпечення достатньої кількості протеїну в ньому є однією з головних умов отримання якісної спермопродукції. Наведено результати досліджень впливу кормової добавки «Бефіто» органічного походження на відтворювальну здатність і якість спермопродукції баранів-плідників породи овець - придніпровська м’ясна. Встановлено, що використання кормової добавки «Бефіто» в раціонах забезпечує покращення процесу сперматогенезу та впливає на підвищення кількісних і поліпшення якісних показників спермопродукції. Рівень часу на отримання одного еякуляту у плідників 9,1-10,8 с, що вказує на їх високу статеву активність та потенцію. Об’єм отриманого еякуляту баранів дослідної групи на 11,7 %, активність сперміїв на 3,7 %, концентрація сперміїв в еякуляті на 13,9 % більше в порівнянні з однолітками контрольної. Перевага плідників дослідної групи спостерігається за загальною кількістю сперміїв в еякулятіі становить + 27,3 %. При цьому не спостерігається тератогенності статевих клітин. Рівень патологічних спермальних форм в еякулятах в межах фізіологічної норми (< 14 %). Враховуючи середній об’єм еякуляту від баранів-плідників дослідної групи, було отримано15,8 спермодоз в розрахунку на 1 голову проти 14,2 в контролі, що на 11,3 % більше. Отримані результати дозволяють вважати доцільним застосування кормової добавки «Бефіто» для поліпшення процесу сперматогенезу та якості сперми і рекомендувати як найбільш ефективної

The study objective is to investigate the effects of exogenic and endogenic factors on the main morphological and functional characteristics of the sperm. Materials and methods . In total, 107 men were under observation, 77 of which sought medical help due to infertility in marriage; 30 men with proven normalfertility constituted the control group. The effect of somatotype, activity type, profession, lifestyle, harmful habits, as well as age and physiological characteristics on morphological and functional characteristics of the sperm were studied. Results. In men with excessive body weight, the ejaculate volume is lower than the normal value (

Introduction. Due to insufficient efficacy of medical therapy of idiopathic secretory male infertility there is a need to develop and apply more resultative methods of treatment. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in red spectrum on sperm parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDNAF) and MAR-test rate in men with idiopathic infertility. Patients and methods. 85 men with idiopathic infertility were examined, 50 of them (first group) were treated with LLLT and 35 (second group) didnt have course of LLLT. Average age of patients of the first and second groups was 31.4 1.3 and 32.3 1.4 years. LLLT was performed in red spectrum on a Rubin-C device (Russia). 10 laser therapy procedures were carried out every two days with active luminescence for 10 minutes of both testicles. Male hormone panel, semen analysis, MAR-test, SDNAF were assessed before and after the treatment. Results. LLLT in patients of the first group resulted in significant increase in ejaculate volume, sperm viability, number of morphologically normal sperm forms (by an average of 11, 9 and 23% respectively), and active mobile sperm forms by an average of 14 and 19% one and two months after the therapy respectively. In 12 patients of the first group with initially increased SDNAF its level became normal after the treatment. Significant decrease of MAR-test we searched out in patients of the first group with its initial level less than 30%. As a result of the treatment, pregnancies developed in 10 (20%) out of 50 couples in the first group. Conclusions. LLLT in red spectrum leads to significant improvement of sperm quality in patients with idiopathic infertility, normalizes sperm DNA-fragmentation level and decreases MAR-test level.

Objective:A comparative analysis of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin concentration in blood serum and seminal plasma of healthy men and men with reduced concentration of sperm cells.Methods: 73 fertile men were examined. The experimental group included 36 patients with a reduced fertility; the comparison group (control) included 37 men with normal indicators of ejaculate composition. The concentrations of CRP and procalcitonin were determined by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: Differences in level of CRP between blood serum and seminal plasma in experimental and control groups occurred to be statistically significant in both groups. There was no correlation between these parameters. The concentration of procalcitonin was almost ten times higher in the seminal plasma than in the blood serum. In the experimen‑ tal group, it was significantly higher in ejaculate than in the comparison group. The concentration of CRP and procalcitonin did not correlate neither with the ejaculate volume nor with concentration or amount of sperm cells in it.Conclusions: The levels of CRP and procalcitonin in seminal plasma can indicate the fertility status of the ejaculate.

Methodology. The sperm production of nine Aberdeen-Angus bull sires aged 4–9 years (55–91 months) has been studied depending on the animal age, the animal color, and the season at the Head Center for Reproduction of Farm Animals, Public Corporation. Methodology and results. It is ascertained that age appears to affect the ejaculate volume, the sperm concentration in the ejaculate and the total sperm count in the ejaculate. The best values for sperm count per ejaculate were calculated for the black-color bulls at the age of 5–6 years, for the red-color bulls at the age of 7 years. Defects in native sperm comprised 78–79%. It has been revealed that the sperm parameters for the ejaculate volume ( P < 0.01), the sperm concentration and the total sperm count ( P < 0.001) tend to vary depending on the color of an animal. The values for sperm quality determined by the post-thaw sperm motility after 5 hours of incubation at 38 ° C are in the range of 8.4–9.5%. However, despite the analyzed ejaculates taken from the black-color bulls of ( n = 309) and the red-color bulls ( n = 107), it is required to carry out a survey with the higher number of qualitative ejaculates. It is necessary to find out both the cause for a high abnormal sperm count and the ways to solve the problem.

Issues related to the reproduction of animals have been and remain one of the most complex and relevant problems of biology and are constantly finding a direct and effective way out into livestock farming practice. The rational use of breeding sheep as producers is limited by the lack of standard, objective methods and methods for the timely assessment of their reproductive ability. The article presents the results of evaluating the sperm production of rams-producers. For the first time, the freshly obtained sperm of rams of Moldavian type producers of the Karakul breed was evaluated using the macroscopic method - ejaculate volume, color and smell, as well as the microscopic method - motility, sperm concentration in the ejaculate, total sperm count in the ejaculate sperm movements (VAP; VSL and VCL) as well as the percentage of abnormal forms of sperm. The experiments were carried out on sheep producers grown on a pedigree farm of the experimental farm of the Moldavian Scientific and Practical Institute of Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine. As a result of the studies, it was found that the ejaculate volume on average was 0.99 ± 0.04 ml, motility was 0.95 ± 0.02 and sperm concentration 1.51 ± 0.14 billion/ml. The percentage of pathological forms in sperm averaged 13.72 ± 0.61, an indicator that characterizes the high quality of sperm. The average quality indicator of ejaculates obtained from ram-producers of the Moldavian type of the Karakul breed corresponds to physiological standards for the Karakul breed. The average percentage of pathological forms of sperm found in ejaculates indicates that the rams were in good conditions of feeding and keeping. According to research, we can say that the Moldovan type of Karakul rams can be successfully used to obtain high quality ejaculates suitable for freezing sperm at 196°C.

Semen quality assessment is a prime prerequisite for any breeding programme. Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer (CASA) can measure the semen quality very accurately and sharply. The research was conducted at American Dairy Limited (ADL) at Vangnahati, Sreepur, Gazipur. A total of 120 ejaculates were collected from three genetic groups of bucks namely Black Bengal (BB), Boer and Jamunapari (JP) with a view to characterize and compare the semen motility and velocity parameters using Computer- Assisted Sperm Analyser. Significantly (p0.05), respectively. The scrotal circumference had positive correlations with semen volume and curvilinear velocity for all the genotypes. It was concluded that semen of Boer bucks found consistently better than other two genetic groups of bucks. Further, competitive studies with large sample may be performed to evaluate the breed specific differences in available goat breeds. I think this study also disclosed the some rare parameters of semen quality by using Computer-Assisted Sperm Analyzer which was impossible in manually. These results of the present study could be an authentic guideline in future performance tests of different genetic groups of bucks. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2019. 48 (2): 67-74

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do ácido docosa-hexaenoico (DHA), associado ou não ao Trolox®, na refrigeração de sêmen de garanhões da raça Mangalarga Marchador. Foram refrigerados 10 ejaculados nos diluidores: D1) BotuSêmen® (BS; controle); D2) BS + 30ngmL-1 de DHA (BS30DHA); D3) BS30DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS30DHA40T); D4) BS + 50ngmL-1 de DHA (BS50DHA); D5) BS50DHA + 40µM de Trolox® (BS50DHA40T). Após 48 horas de refrigeração, foram avaliados os parâmetros de movimento espermático, a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana plasmática e a longevidade espermática. Todos os diluidores testados preservaram, de forma semelhante, a motilidade, a linearidade, a retilinearidade, a amplitude do deslocamento lateral da cabeça, a frequência do batimento flagelar cruzado, o percentual de hiperativos e a integridade estrutural e funcional da membrana espermática (P>0,05). O diluidor BS50DHA foi superior ao BS30DHA40T em preservar a VCL e a VSL e foi superior ao BS30DHA40T e ao BS50DHA40T em preservar a VAP e o índice de oscilação (P

A total number of 18 New Zealand White buck rabbits with (2671± 185g average initial body weight and 24 weeks of age were used in this study to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of different levels of Moringa oleiferahay (leaves+ twigs) as a partial substitute for alfalfa hay on their reproductive and productive performance. The animals were randomly allotted to three experimental groups (6 bucks in each). The 1st group was served as a control and fed basal pelleted diet (Diet A) contained 18% alfalfa hay, represents about 14.7 % of the total crude protein of the diet. The 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the same basal diet, but 50 and 75% of alfalfa hay (B and C Diets, respectively) were replaced by moringa hay (leaves+ twigs) on the basis of its contents of protein. Buck rabbits fed Diet B and C had improving semen quality.Mean valuesof physical semen characteristicswere significantly higher (P < 0.01) for buck rabbits fed Diet B and C as compared to those fed Diet A (control). The correlation coefficients (r) between testosterone and each of ejaculate volume, wave motion, sperm motility, live spermatozoa, sperm concentration and total sperm output were significantly (P < 0.05 and 0.01) positive and ranged between 0.57 to 0.91. However, negative (P < 0.01) correlation coefficients were detected between testosterone concentration and abnormal spermatozoa (- 0.85). The coefficients of determination (r2) between testosterone and each of ejaculate volume, wave motion, sperm motility, live spermatozoa, sperm concentration, abnormal spermatozoa and total sperm output were significant (P < 0.05 and 0.01) and ranged between 0.33 to 0.83 . The results of the present study demonstrate that Moringa oleifera hay (leaves+ twigs) is good unconventional source of protein for feeding buck rabbits and could be added in the diet at levels up to 13.5% to replace about 75% of alfalfa hay without any adverse effects on their reproductive traits.

This study aimed to differentiate among rams of different field fertility by using traditional (semen characteristics, sexual traits and testosterone level) and non-traditional [seminal plasma (SP) proteins profile, and ultrasound imaging of the testes and the accessory genital glands (AGGs)] methods. Also, the relationship between sexual traits and semen characteristics in these rams was investigated. A total of 300 ejaculates from 30 Ossimi rams [19 fertile (F), 8 subfertile (SF), and 3 infertile (IF)] were collected by electroejaculation and examined for sperm motility, viability, morphology and plasma membrane integrity. As well, sperm cell concentration and seminal index of these ejaculates were calculated. Ovine SP was recovered by centrifugation and its total protein concentration was determined by hand-held Refractometer; then SP proteins were separated on 15% (w/v) polyacrylamide gel. Horn length, horn diameter (HD), poll distance, face length, scrotal circumference (SC) and body weight of all rams were determined. All semen characteristics rather than the ejaculate volume (EV) of F rams were greater (P

Because of few available data on semen parameters in small breed dogs, the study aimed to analyse semen and measure testes of dogs < 10.0 kg bodyweight. Semen was collected from 41 fertile stud dogs which were divided based on bodyweight: group 1 < 5.0 kg, and group 2 between 5.1 and 10.0 kg. Median values for ejaculate volume (group 1: x 1.2 mL; group 2: x 2.2 mL), total sperm output (group 1: x 110.7 x 106; group 2: x 215.1 x 106) and testicular volume (group 1: left testicle x 2.8 mL, right testicle x 2.7 mL ; group 2: left testicle x 5.5 mL, right testicle x 5.0 mL) were lower in group 1 compared to dogs of group 2 (P = 0.001; P = 0.001; both testes: P < 0.001). There was no difference in sperm concentration (P = 0.985). Based on these results introduction of an additional weight group to the commonly used reference values is recommended, since values for ejaculate volume, total sperm output and testicular dimensions for dogs < 5.0 kg bodyweight differed significantly from values of dogs with a bodyweight from 5.1 to 10.0 kg

Amaç: Bu çalışmada sezon dışı dönemde, koç spermasının kısa süreli saklanmasında sulandırıcıya farklı oranlarda ilave edilen Galik asitin etkilerinin ortaya konması amaçlandı. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmada Burdur Çallıca kasabasında bulunan özel bir koyun işletmedeki 4 baş Merinos koç (2-3 yaş) kullanıldı. Çalışma süresince koçlardan sperma elektro-ejekülatör yardımıyla haftada iki kez olmak üzere elde edildi. Toplanan ejkülatlardan spermatozoa motilitesi %80>, yoğunluğu 0 mM (kontrol) ile 1.5x10⁹ spermatozoa/ml üzerinde olanlar pooling yapıldı ve deney grupları oluşturuldu. Deney grupları sırasıyla antioksidan içermeyen (kontrol), 2 mM, 5 mM ve 10 mM dozlarında gallik asit içeren sulandırıcı grupları olacak şekilde belirlendi ve +4 C⁰’de saklandı. Grupların oluşturulmasında sonra 24 saat aralıklar ile 96 saat süresince subjektif motilite (%), morfolojik (%) ve membran bütünlüğü (HOS test, %) bakımından değerlendirildi. Bulgular: Çalışmada 48. saatin sonunda kontrol grubuna (%51.0±2.7) göre en yüksek motilite Gallik asit 2 mM (%72.7±5.3) ve 5 mM (%69.4±4.8) içeren sulandırıcı gruplarından elde edildi (P0.05). Ancak, saklama zamanına bağlı olarak anormal spermatozoa oranında artış istatistiksel olarak önemli bulundu (P, Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different rate of gallic acid on ram semen liquid storage in non-breeding season. Materials and Methods: In this study, four Merino rams (2-3 ages) were used and belonging to the special sheep farm in Callica, Burdur/ Turkey. Ejaculates were collected from the rams using a electroejaculator, the ejaculates containing spermatozoa with >80% motility and concentrations higher than 1.5x10⁹ spermatozoa/ml were mixed and used in the study. The mixed ejaculates were divided into four equal aliquots and samples were extended with tris containing 0 mM (control), 2 mM, 5 mM, 10 mM gallic acid and they were stored at 4°C. After the groups were created, sperm motility (%), morphologic integrity (%), membrane integrity subjective (Hipo Osmotic Swelling Test, HOS test, %) were examined 24 hour intervals until 96 hour. Results: The highest motility at 48. hour was seen gallic acid 2 mM (72.7±5.3%) and 5 mM (69.4±4.8%) groups compared the control (51.0±2.7%) group (P 0.05) but, there was a statistically significant increase in abnormal spermatozoa rate at the depending on storage time (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In conclusion, gallic acid 2 mM and gallic acid 5 mM should be supplement to ram semen extender at short term storage period on non-breeding season for improvement of sperm motility.

The experiment was carried out to compare the semen characteristics of indigenous and Amo strains of cockerel at poultry unit of teaching and research farm of Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State, Nigeria. Semen samples were collected from nine indigenous and nine Amo breeds of cockerel at three days interval for two weeks using abdominal massage technique. Semen samples were examined macroscopically for semen colour, pH and ejaculation volume. Then, microscopic observation was carried for sperm concentration, mass motility, progressive motility, live and dead sperms percentage, normal and abnormal sperm, all for semen characteristics. The results showed a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between mass motility, progressive motility, sperm concentration and head defects of 4.85 ± 0.27 to 4.37 ± 0.19, 95.13 ± 0.43 to 81.63 ± 1.15%, 4.93 ± 1.84 to 3.40 ± 1.07×109/ml and 2.96 ± 0.17 to 3.44 ± 0.12% for indigenous and Amo breeds of cockerel, respectively. There were no significant differences observed as semen colour, ejaculate volume, semen pH, live / dead normal sperm neck (mid-piece), tail defects and sperm total abnormalities were found to be 2.85 ± 0.07 to 2.00 ± 0.090.21 ± 0.17 to 0.20 ± 0.02 /ml, 88.85 ± 0.58 to 72.70 ± 0.54% /ml, 11.14 ± 0.58 to 27.29 ± 0.54%, 81.00 ± 0.78 to 66.22 ± 0.61%,9.03 ± 0.42 to 13.96 ± 0.47%, 9.70 ± to 13.00 ± 0.30 and 21.70 ± 0.59 to 30.40 ± 0.53% for the indigenous and Amo breed groups of cockerel, respectively. It was concluded that semen quality characteristics could be differed between genetically improved (Amo strain) and indigenous breed of cockerels.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of semen production management in 25 European boar studs on thermo-resistance (TRT) of boar spermatozoa. TRT is an important semen characteristic, easy to determine, and is used to explain variations in pig fertility. During a study period from 2013 to 2018, 905 ejaculates were analyzed for TRT on day 7 of semen storage. Statistical models showed that around 40% of the total variability in TRT could be explained by production management factors. Significant selected predictors were year, month, boar stud, boar age, dilution steps, mitochondrial activity and membrane integrity of spermatozoa, bacterial contamination, arrival temperature of ejaculates in the analysis laboratory, sperm concentration, ejaculate volume, sperm output, dose/ejaculate, and electrical conductivity of pure water for extender preparation. TRT increased during the study period. No effects were observed for breed, dilution rate, morphologically intact spermatozoa, and refractive index of extender on TRT. A holistic view of the requirements in the field of boar semen production is of great importance for future developments of individualized Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point concepts, prognosis models for boar semen quality, and could help to improve the efficiency of AI organizations.

The aim of the study was to determine the relation between the semen quality, frequency of sperm defects, sperm dimensions and shape, and the ejaculate volume of Large White and Landrace boars. A total of 648 ejaculates collected from 31 Large White and 30 Landrace boars were divided into three groups according to the criterion of the ejaculate volume. In this study Landrace boars produced ejaculates with higher volume, sperm concentration, and total numbers of spermatozoa than Large White boars. Landrace boars also showed a lower frequency of sperm with morphological abnormalities (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had larger heads, which were by 0.15 μm longer, and by a larger perimeter and area (P < 0.05). Landrace boar spermatozoa also had a longer flagellum and were generally larger and by 2.07 μm longer than Large White boar sperm (P < 0.05). Significant differences were also found in the shape of sperm of the two breeds (P < 0.05). Landrace boars sperm had more elongated heads, and the ratio of head size to flagellum length was lower than in Large White boars sperm (P < 0.05). Sperm from ejaculates with low volume had a shorter flagellum and a greater head length/flagellum length ratio than sperm from medium- and high-volume ejaculates (P < 0.05).

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 24 h’ fasting prior to semen collection by electroejaculation on behavioral responses, volume of rectal fecal content, bladder size, penis protrusion, erection, ejaculation stimuli, and ejaculate parameters in young Simmental bulls. Twenty-two Simmental beef bulls with an age of 13.2 ± 1.2 mo (mean ± SD) were used in a prospective randomized blinded controlled cross-over design with two pens fasted for 24 h (n = 9; FAS group), and the other three pens were non-fasted (n = 13; CON group). The bulls were maintained under confined conditions without access to pasture. One week later, the pen treatments were inverted, and semen was collected again under the same conditions and by the same team. The behavioral responses, volume of fecal rectal content, bladder size, as well as the number of stimuli required to obtain penis protrusion, erection, and ejaculation to electroejaculation were measured. The following ejaculate parameters were measured: volume, concentration, spermatozoa motility, and morphology. The behavioral response of the bulls to electroejaculation was not different between the CON group and the FAS group (3.2 ± 0.5 and 3.0 ± 0.7, respectively; P = 0.36). Bladder size was significantly reduced in the FAS group compared with the CON group (2.3 ± 0.8 vs. 2.8 ± 0.9, respectively; P = 0.02). The volume of feces in the rectum was not different between the two groups (CON was 2.3 ± 1.7 and FAS was 3.0 ± 1.8; P = 0.23). Compared with the CON group, the FAS group showed a higher proportion of penis protrusion (100% versus 81.8%, P = 0.10), erection (100% versus 81.8%; P = 0.10), and ejaculation (100% versus 90.9%; P = 0.49). The combined efficiency of penis protrusion, erection, and ejaculation (CE-PPEE) in the FAS group was superior to that of the CON group (P = 0.001). The number of stimuli necessary for penis protrusion, erection, and ejaculation for the CON group were 13.5 ± 3.7, 14.9 ± 3.7, and 20.8 ± 5.8, and they were 15.0 ± 4.2, 16.6 ± 4.2, and 20.2 ± 8.1 for the FAS group. The number of stimuli for penis protrusion (P = 0.09), erection (P = 0.08), and ejaculation (P = 0.77) were no different between the two groups. Ejaculate volume was 4.0 ± 2.6 ml and 4.1 ± 2.3 ml for the CON and FAS groups, respectively (P = 0.90). The motility was 1.4 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.8 for the CON and FAS groups, respectively (P = 0.72). The concentration of spermatozoa was 336.2 ± 273.1 million and 421.1 ± 300.6 million for the CON and FAS groups, respectively (P = 0.31). The percentage of normal spermatozoa was 50.9 ± 18.8 and 45.6 ± 14.3 for the CON and FAS groups, respectively (P = 0.16). It was concluded that fasting for 24 h prior to semen collection by electroejaculation reduced the bladder size and increased the proportion of bulls with penis protrusion, erection, and ejaculation without any difference detected in behavioral responses, volume of rectal fecal content, and ejaculate parameters.

Understanding the flow of processes in swine production systems and how they work is fundamental to improving reproductive performance. We surveyed 32 boar studs in Brazil, representing 61.53% of the total in the country. Commercial lines were the most common breed (59.38%) used in the studs. Individual pens and stalls were the most commonly used as housing system (71.9%), and 81.25% of the studs reported having some form of thermal control system. For most of the studs (62.51%), average weekly sperm concentration was higher than 200 million cells per mL. Also, for most studs (71.88%) average weekly ejaculate volume was more than 250 mL. In 46.88% of the studs each ejaculate yielded 26 to 40 semen doses. In 6.25% of the studs, 3.5 billion sperm cells per dose were used for artificial, intracervical insemination. Sperm concentration in 46.88% of the studs was determined using a computer-assisted system analysis. The assessment of sperm quality was conducted using morphology, concentration, and microbiological testing. Employees working on semen collection had formal education of elementary/middle school (34.38%) and high school (37.5%). Most of the laboratory technicians had frequented high school (75%). The most time-consuming task was semen processing, taking 16 to 25 h a week (46.8%) and 6 to 10 h was allotted for the cleaning of stud facilities (46.8%). The data collected in the present study allow greater knowledge of this important part in the pig production chain in Brazil. RESUMO: O entendimento dos processos na suinocultura e como estes funcionam é fundamental para o incremento da performance reprodutiva. Por via eletrônica, foi realizada uma investigação com 32 centrais de coleta e processamento de sêmen no Brasil, representando 61,53% do total no país. O número médio de reprodutores por central foi de 122. Reprodutores da linhagem comercial foram os mais frequentemente (59,38%) utilizados nas centrais. As baias para alojamento individual dos reprodutores foram as mais comuns (71,9%) e 81,25% das centrais relataram possuir algum sistema de climatização. Na maioria das centrais (62,51%), a média da concentração espermática foi maior que 200 milhões de espermatozoides/mL. Da mesma forma, a maioria das centrais (71,88%) apresentaram um volume do ejaculado superior a 250 mL. Em 46,88% das centrais um ejaculado produziu de 26 a 40 doses inseminantes. Em 6,25% das centrais eram utilizadas uma concentração de 3,5 bilhões de espermatozoides por dose inseminante na inseminação intracervical. A concentração espermática em 46,88% das centrais era determinada através do sistema CASA. A avaliação da qualidade espermática era realizada através da análise de morfologia, concentração e exame microbiológico das doses inseminantes. Os colaboradores envolvidos com a coleta de sêmen tinham nível de instrução fundamental (43,38%) e médio (37,5%). A maioria dos técnicos no laboratório das centrais tinham ensino médio (75%). A atividade que mais consumia tempo foi o processamento do sêmen, com 16 a 25 horas/semana (46,8%) e 6 a 10 horas era utilizada na limpeza das instalações (46,8%). Os dados coletados no presente estudo permitem um maior conhecimento desse elo da cadeia produtiva da suinocultura no Brasil.

This work investigated the outcomes of dietary administration of Echinacea purpurea (EP) powder to breeder ducks on productive and reproductive performance during summer season. Sudani ducks (320 birds) of 32-weeks-old (240 females and 80 males) were randomly allocated into four collections (body weight; 1850 ± 15.2 g for females and 2960.0 ± 40.5 g for males). The primary collection consumed the basal diet without supplementation and was deliberated as control. The other three collections were fed the basal diet supplemented with 2.5, 5.00 and 7.5 g EP/kg diet, correspondingly. Egg number and mass, laying rate, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly changed by dietary EP levels. Drakes fed EP-supplemented diets had higher ejaculate volume, sperms concentration and live sperms (%) as well as lower dead sperms (%) than the control group. Eggs laid by ducks fed diet supplemented with 2.5 g/kg had the greatest fertility and hatchability percentages, followed by those fed 5.0 g EP/kg. Ducks fed different EP diets had higher values of haemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs and lymphocytes, lower values of heterophils percentage and lower H/L ratio than the control. All serum constituents were significantly changed by dietary EP supplementation, except of total protein and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme. Conclusively, dietary EP supplementation at 2.5 g/kg had beneficial effects on productive and reproductive performance as well as lipid profile and antioxidant status and economically valued in breeder ducks under summer conditions.

The goal of this study was to evaluate and compare the semen characteristics, and testosterone concentration for three breeds raised under hot, desert conditions in Saudi Arabia. A total of 150 rams (Najdi, Naemi, and Harri) were used, aged 12, 18, 24, 30 and 36 months (ten rams from each breed in each age group). Body weight and testicular parameters were measured. In addition, testosterone concentration (TC), ejaculate volume (EV), sperm concentration (SC), total sperm output per ejaculate (TSO), live sperm percentage (LSP), sperm progressive motility (SPM) and sperm mass motility (SMM). The results show that TC and EV differed significantly (P less than 0.01) between breeds. At 36 months, semen characteristics (TSO, SMM and SPM) differed significantly among breeds. Naemi rams were superior to Najdi and Harri in terms of the mean live sperm percentage (LSP) for all age groups. These results may assist in ram selection for breeding programs based on high reproductive performance.

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.