Effects of Seminal Plasma on the Number of Accessory Sperm Cells and Fertilization in Gilts

Abstract

Contents: T h e effects o f preappkcation o f seminat plasma before artificial insemination on sperm transport and fertilization rate were examined. T w o sperm concentrations ( A , B: 2 x l o 9 ; C, D: 5 x 10') were compared afterpreinstallation o f seminal plasma ( A , C ) or commercial B S A diluter (B, D). T h e efficiency o f sperm transport was estimated b y the number o f accessory sperms, released f r o m the zona pellucida after Pronasem digestion, t h e percentage o f intact embryos and fertilization rates. I n the presence o f seminal plasma different sperm concentrations per dose did n o t influence the number ofspermatozoa in the zona. However, the preinstallation o f commercial diluter instead o f seminal plasma reduced the number o f accessory sperm cells significantly (more than 120 sperm cells per zona: A : 26% us. B: 5%, C: 2 5 % us. D: 0%). T h e percentage of intact embryos revealed a similar pattern ( A : 92.5 %, B: 75.8 %, C: 84.2 %, D: 82.1 %). Fertilization rates were similar amonggroups. I t is concluded that seminal plasma influences passive sperm transport and subsequent e m b r y o quality. An adequate volume o f seminal plasma in t h e insemination dose allows a reduced number o f spermatozoa per insemination dose without reducing fertilization and e m b r y o quality.

Influence of Boar and Semen Parameters on Motility and Acrosome Integrity in Liquid Boar Semen Stored for Five Days

“…In the female, seminal plasma has a regulatory function on the time of ovulation [23]. It has been demonstrated that intrauterine infusion of seminal plasma prior to AI increases fertilization rate [16,22], probably by enhancing passive sperm transport [16,24]. …”

BOAR SEMINAL PLASMA and FERTILITY

“…The inhsion of seminal plasma at the time of insemination is suggested to promote passive sperm transport either by enhancement of uterine contractions (Claus 1989) and/or by relaxation of the tubal isthmus (Viring and Einarsson 1980). In addition, other mechanisms aimed directly at the spermatozoa which increase their fertilizing competence, as mentioned above, could be responsible for the higher numbers of spermatozoa in the zona pellucida of day 3 to 5-embryos observed in gilts treated with 100 ml seminal plasma compared to control animals (Rath et al 1989).…”