Abstract

The present study estimated, in vitro, the influence of two cleansing methods on sperm parameters post-thaw and their relation to the fertility of the frozen-thawed semen after Al. Frozen semen from six I-year-old Swedish Red and White dairy bulls with a range in fertility (as 56d-Non-Return Rates. i.e., 56d-NRR) of 62.2-70.7% among batches was tested, using three batches of semen per bull. From each batch, individual straws were analyzed immediately after thawing (PT, control) or pooled and subjected to a swim-up procedure (SU) or washing by centrifugation/re-suspension (W) prior to in vitro assessments. Subjective and computerized measurements of sperm motility and of concentration, morphology, and membrane integrity were recorded. SU provided spermatozoa with significantly better motility, acrosome-, midpiece- and tail morphology and membrane integrity compared to either control or W treatment. Significant, albeit low, correlations among single sperm parameters and NRR were found (after PT for tail abnormalities (r = 0.49) and average path velocity, VAP (r = 0.47), after SU for total sperm motility with CASA (r = 0.50) and after Wonly for non-linear motility (r = -0.69)). SU of frozen-thawed bull semen is a simple preparation procedure that selects for sperm motility and membrane integrity, essential parameters for fertilization. It helps in vitro assessment of the semen and provides a significant, although low, relationship to the fertility of the assayed semen. (c) 2004 Published by Elsevier Inc

Published in

Theriogenology
2004, Volume: 62, number: 3-4, pages: 702-713
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC

SLU Authors

• Rodriguez, Heriberto

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Veterinary Science
Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2003.11.017

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/3344