Variations in quality of frozen–thawed semen from Swedish Red and White AI sires at 1 and 4 years of age

Abstract

The predictability of semen quality of mature sires from measurements at an early age is not well established. The aim of the present study was to determine age-dependent changes in the quality of bull semen for artificial insemination (AI). Semen was collected and frozen from each of six Swedish Red and White (SRB) dairy AI bulls when they were 1 and 4 years old. Three batches were randomly selected from each bull and age group. From each batch, semen was analysed immediately after thawing [post-thaw (PT), control] as well as after washing/resuspension (W) and after a swim-up procedure (SU). The analyses comprised subjective and computerized (computer-aided sperm analysis, CASA) measurements of motility as well as sperm concentration, morphology and membrane integrity. When semen was analysed, PT, overall sperm motility (CASA), concentration of motile spermatozoa and membrane integrity improved when sires were older. After SU, there was a similar improvement in membrane integrity and concentration of motile spermatozoa, but linear motility decreased. No significant differences between ages were recorded after W-treatment. The above findings indicate that SU is not only superior to W-treatment in differentiating semen quality among bulls but also reveals age-dependent changes. Improved motility and membrane integrity suggest increased viability of spermatozoa at 4 years of age in the SRB sires examined here.

Changes in Semen Quality in Estonian Holstein AI Bulls at 3, 5 and 7 years of Age

“…2000). In our previous study (Hallap et al. 2004a), the viability of spermatozoa (expressed as motility and membrane integrity) in Swedish Red and White dairy bulls increased with age (between 1 and 4 years).…”

Does exposure to di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate in pre‐pubertal boars affect semen quality post‐puberty?

“…In the present study, assessment of these variables was, however, done by experienced operators and using standardized methods (e.g. sperm morphology assessment was done in the laboratory serving as reference laboratory for semen evaluation of domestic animals in the country, with methods that have an intra‐assay coefficient of variation (CV) ranging from 2% to 4% and an inter‐assay CV ranging from 7% to 10% (Hallap et al. , 2004)).…”

Computer assisted sperm morphometry in mammals: A review

“…It has been proved useful to identify shape and size differences of spermatozoa, at least in species with a complex head morphology such as rodents (Sanchez et al, 2013). Sperm head shape is closely related with genetic DNA characteristics and spermiogenesis (Al-Makhzoomi et al, 2008), more than other seminal parameters like motility, being more constant along the life of the animal (Hallap et al, 1991).…”