Mass Sperm Motility Is Correlated to Sperm Motility as Measured by Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA) Technology in Farmed Ostriches

Abstract

Semen analyses have gained momentum in various livestock industries. However, in farmed ostriches, semen analysis is still in its experimental stage, and males are not screened for sperm quality before breeding. This study investigated the correlations between computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) technology and the traditional, yet affordable, mass sperm motility score. Semen was collected from nine South African Black ostrich males (mean age ± SD: 5.25 ± 1.21 years), using the dummy female method for 5 consecutive days monthly, for 8 months. Mass sperm motility scores were recorded on a scale of 1–5 (1: little to no sperm movement; 5: rapid sperm movement). The CASA traits recorded were: total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), curve–linear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), linearity (LIN), straightness (STR), wobble (WOB), and beat-cross frequency (BCF). The results revealed positive correlations between mass sperm motility and PMOT, MOT, VCL, and VAP ranging from 0.34 to 0.59 (p < 0.0001). In contrast, negative correlations were recorded between mass sperm motility and LIN, STR, and BCF, with correlations ranging from −0.20 to −0.39 (p < 0.0001). VSL, ALH, and WOB were not correlated to mass sperm motility (p > 0.05). Ostrich farmers may thus be able to evaluate sperm motility reliably and potentially select breeding males by using the affordable mass sperm motility scoring method. Determining the correlation between these methods and fertility after artificial insemination or natural mating is however needed.

Development of assays for the characterization of sperm motility parameters, viability, and membrane integrity in the epididymis and vas deferens of the greater rhea (Rhea americana)

“…Our findings regarding sperm kinetic parameters differed from those reported for other ratites such as ostrich ( Muvhali et al, 2022 ). However, it is worth mentioning that the evaluation may vary from one laboratory to another, factors such as sample dilution and preparation, the type of slide used, different versions of the computerized analysis system, can contribute to different results.…”

“…However, it is worth mentioning that the evaluation may vary from one laboratory to another, factors such as sample dilution and preparation, the type of slide used, different versions of the computerized analysis system, can contribute to different results. For example, in ostriches, Muvhali et al (2022) used the Sperm Class Analyzer ® (SCA) version 5.3 (Microptic S.L., Barcelona, Spain) with a Basler A312fc digital camera (Basler AG, Ahrensburg, Germany), mounted on an Olympus BX41microscope (Olympus Optical Co., Tokyo, Japan), different from the system used in our work. In addition, we also attribute the differences in results to the different origin of the samples, since our samples came from the ducts and epididymis and the ostrich samples were ejaculated.…”

“…Computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) is a suitable method for obtaining individual sperm motion and kinematic data, thereby enhancing the accuracy of evaluation ( Amann and Waberski, 2014 ). The application of CASA has previously been documented in the examination of sperm from ratites such as emu ( Sood et al, 2012 ) and ostrich ( Muvhali et al, 2022 ). However, in the case of rheas, only subjective assessment of motility has been carried out ( Góes et al, 2010 ; Bezerra et al, 2023a ).…”

Evaluation of the effect of the addition of an olive oil-derived antioxidant (Pectoliv-80A) in the extender for cryopreservation of rooster sperm through the use of a discriminant statistical tool

“…Increasing knowledge about TM is interesting since this parameter is readily identifiable and reflects several essential aspects of sperm metabolism ( Katila, 2001 ). Moreover, TM is one of the main parameters most closely related to fertilization ability as only those spermatozoa with an adequate degree of motility will be able to ascend through the hen's vagina to reach the fertilization zone ( Leão et al, 2021 ; Muvhali et al, 2022 ). In any case, some factors influence TM, such as the thawing rate, which must be adequate to maintain sperm quality, with recent studies suggesting that the use of high temperatures could be beneficial ( Salih et al, 2021 ).…”

Diluent and Storage Time Effect on Sperm Abnormality and MDA Level in Muscovy Duck Semen at 27oC

“…Santoso et al (2021) stated that the quality of semen is good when compared to the mass motility of semen which has (++) good value and (+) is not good. Muvhali et al (2022) stated that mass movements are scored (+++) if large, dark, thick, and active waves are seen. A score (++) is given if there are small, thin, infrequent, slow-moving, and indistinct waves.…”