A new, non-destructive, objective technique for measuring collective motility of highly-concentrated ram and bull semen is described. The principle is based on changes in the reflected light scattered by motile spermatozoa. These changes can be recorded as a continuous analog wave pattern (Reflectospermiogram-RSG) and are correlated to the intensity of the turbulent motility as evaluated subjectively with an ordinary light microscope. Ram spermatozoa have, after ejaculation, a typical motility pattern, i.e., high, stable activity for about 20 min, then a period during which the motility decreases at a constant rate, and finally, a period with a low but rather constant activity. The usefulness of the technique has been demonstrated in various types of experiments.

A new multi-channel optical system for objective evaluation of sperm motility is described. The principle of the technique is based on the measurement of changes in the intensity of light scattered from semen samples thermoregulated at 38 degrees C. These changes were recorded continuously as analog waves (Reflectospermiogram--RSG). Changes in the intensity of sperm motility as a function of time from ejaculation were simultaneously measured in 8 equal semen samples from single ejaculate. By analyzing the variations in results, the sensitivity of the technique was defined. In order to demonstrate the use of the technique, the effect of various concentrations of ethanol on sperm motility has been described. The exposure of sperm cells to 366 nm light used in the system did not alter their ultrastructure, as was observed by electron microscopy. This objective, relatively easy to perform and highly informative technique can be of great value in research studies.

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Ram sperm cells treated with 0.02 M 2-deoxy-D-glucose exhibit collective motility which is driven only by mitochondrial respiration. This motility was measured, by means of multichannel optical objective technique, under various [H+] concentrations (pH range 5.6-7.2) buffered by 0.125 M phosphate buffers. Semen was divided into 8 aliquots and motility was monitored simultaneously for intensity and duration within 10 min of ejaculation until its complete cessation. The optimal pH range found for the two above-mentioned parameters was in the range of 6.0-6.5. A certain characteristic of the pattern of sperm motility intensity (an oscillations phenomenon) was similarly related to pH. It is suggested that the mechanisms underlying the relationship between pH and motility are rather metabolic. Concerning the results, some practical implications are introduced.

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