Evaluation of sperm morphometry of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus f. domesticus)

Abstract

Contents Sperm morphology and morphometry are considered parameters in fertility diagnosis. They are especially important in the case of species for which there is no standard with respect to morphometric sperm parameters. It is then crucial to apply the staining technique that has the least influence on the sperm structure and provides the most detailed image, so as to enable measurements. The aim of the research was to assess the morphometric parameters of rabbit sperm using silver nitrate staining. The staining process revealed a detailed image of the spermatozoon head and tail, thus enabling precise measurements. From these basic morphometric parameters, four additional shape indices characterizing the sperm head were calculated: ellipticity, elongation, roughness and regularity. These parameters more precisely characterize the shape of the sperm head. Silver nitrate staining can be used as an independent technique in assessment of sperm structure or to supplement routine diagnostics.

Alginate Silver Nanoparticles and Their Effect on Sperm Parameters of the Domestic Rabbit

“…Due to the compactness of the cell nucleus and the highly condensed structure of nuclear chromatin in mammalian spermatozoa, including rabbits, it is difficult to determine changes in DNA integrity. The condensed structure of chromatin makes it impossible to adequately unwind the DNA strand to make it possible to visualize its breaks and, following electrophoresis, to measure them [18,68]. Therefore, the results obtained do not indicate a clear level of damage to nuclear chromatin generated by silver nanoparticles, or the additional effect of the used reductants.…”

“…Rabbit sperm is characterized by the small size of the cell nucleus and, thus, the head, which can cause difficulties in assessing its morphological structure. Morphological changes are an important factor affecting the assessment of fertility or the possibility of using semen for artificial insemination, which is often used in rabbits [18]. Before evaluating the effect of two silver nanoparticle solutions on sperm morphology, we analyzed the damage caused in the negative control after the storage period of the ejaculates (Table 3).…”

“…Another area of research focuses on the development of a diagnostic method to evaluate changes in the morphology and morphometry of preserved sperm and to clarify the difficulties associated with cryopreservation [18,70]. The semen parameters of all animal species, including rabbits, in addition to the semen collection technique itself, are affected by many factors, including those related to the breeding environment (such as the cage housing system), nutrition, health status, time of year, season or age of the males [71].…”

“…The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles allow for their use in many industries and, more recently, in animal breeding and artificial insemination methods [17]. One of the representatives of breeding animals also used as an animal model in laboratory research are rabbits [18]. These animals are characterized by high fertility and a relatively fast generation replacement [19,20].…”

“…Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in the production of rabbit meat for the consumer market. This high demand for rabbit meat has led to the introduction of the artificial insemination technique in the breeding of these animals to increase the number of litters [18]. This technique can generally use fresh semen, as well as frozen sperm [21].…”