1
|
Riedel A, Pieper L, Lautner M, Leiding C, Jung M, Schulze M. Comparison of deep-litter bedding materials and analysis of semen traits in Piétrain boars: A randomized controlled field study. Anim Reprod Sci 2023; 259:107379. [PMID: 37995520 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2023.107379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
External factors can affect reproductive traits of breeding boars and especially the sensitive process of spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate probable influences of bedding materials (chipsy wood shavings (CWS), hemp straw (HS), linen straw (LS), spelt husks (SH), and regional wood shavings (RWS)) on semen traits of 40 randomly selected Piétrain boars (8 boars per group, age: 2.35 ± 1.23 years). After a six-week adaptation period, 40 fresh semen samples were collected weekly for four weeks and diluted in BTS (4 consecutive ejaculates per boar, 32 samples per group, 160 samples in total). Semen samples were analyzed using an extended range of spermatological methods (e.g., computer-assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry). Generalized linear mixed models for each sperm parameter as well as the area under the curve for total sperm motility and thermo-resistance test were calculated. Materials LS and SH exceeded the standard maximum level for pesticide residues (VO (EG) No. 396/2005). Materials HS and LS presented the highest water-binding capacity of 413 % and 357 %, respectively, while SH showed the lowest value of 250 %. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences between groups in any sperm characteristic, therefore indicating that bedding material had no influence on sperm quality. For most semen traits, however, we found significant (P ≤ 0.001) differences between sampling weeks. Based on pesticide results, we suggest CWS, RWS, or HS as possible bedding materials for pig production farms in the future. Furthermore, we strongly recommend a quality analysis of any new bedding material before use in swine husbandry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anine Riedel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Laura Pieper
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Matthias Lautner
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.-d. Aisch, Karl-Eibl-Straße 23, D-91413 Neustadt a.-d. Aisch, Germany
| | - Claus Leiding
- Besamungsverein Neustadt a.-d. Aisch, Karl-Eibl-Straße 23, D-91413 Neustadt a.-d. Aisch, Germany
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321 Bernau, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hürland M, Kuhlgatz DA, Kuhlgatz C, Osmers JH, Jung M, Schulze M. The use of machine learning methods to predict sperm quality in Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2023; 197:16-25. [PMID: 36462332 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to develop prediction models for total sperm motility, morphological abnormalities and sperm output based on 1,551 ejaculate records of 58 Holstein bulls. The data was collected from September 2019 to November 2020 in a single artificial insemination (AI) center located in Eastern Germany. Factors considered for the prediction models include barn climate conditions, semen collector, number of false mounts, libido, semen collection frequency, breed and age (10-74 months). In this study, the prediction models Lasso, Group Lasso and Gradient Boosting were evaluated. The best model for each sperm quality parameter was chosen using cross validation. The models were estimated with five algorithms for sperm motility and sperm morphology and three algorithms for the number of total sperm per ejaculate (sperm output). For sperm motility and morphology a binary classification algorithm was applied, reaching an accuracy of over 80% for all models. For sperm output, no such classification was used and the only variable selected by all three algorithms was age. Furthermore, for sperm morphology, climate variables were frequently selected. Additionally, network diagrams from Group Lasso show the interdependencies between the major variable groups influencing sperm motility and morphology. In conclusion, the implementation of such prediction tools could help AI centers to optimize management factors and stabilize bull semen production in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Hürland
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany; Rinderproduktion Berlin - Brandenburg, Besamungsstation Schmergow, Ketziner Siedlung 12, D-14550, Germany
| | - D A Kuhlgatz
- Federal Office for Agriculture, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Kuhlgatz
- Federal Office for Agriculture, Schwarzenburgstrasse 165, CH-3003, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J H Osmers
- Rinderproduktion Berlin - Brandenburg, Besamungsstation Schmergow, Ketziner Siedlung 12, D-14550, Germany
| | - M Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany
| | - M Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernauer Allee 10, D-16321, Bernau, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Assessment of sperm motility in livestock: Perspectives based on sperm swimming conditions in vivo. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 246:106849. [PMID: 34556397 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2021.106849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Evaluation of sperm motility is well-established in farm animals for quickly selecting ejaculates for semen processing into insemination doses and for evaluating the quality of preserved semen. Likewise, sperm motility is a fundamental parameter used by spermatologists in basic and applied science. Motility is commonly assessed using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA). Recent increases in computational power, as well as utilization of mobile CASA systems and open-source CASA programs, broaden the possibilities for motility evaluation. Despite this technological progress, the potential of computer-generated motility data to assess male fertility remains challenging and may be limited. Relevance for fertility assessment could be improved if measurement conditions would more closely mimic the in vivo situation. Hence, this review is focused on the current trends of automated semen assessment in livestock and explores perspectives for future use with respect to the physiological and physical conditions encountered by sperm in the female reproductive tract. Validation of current CASA systems with more complex, microfluidic-based devices mimicking the female reproductive tract environment could improve the value of sperm kinematic data for assessing the fertilizing capacity of semen samples, not only for application in livestock but also for use in conducting assisted reproduction techniques in other species.
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonzalez-Castro RA, Peña FJ, Herickhoff LA. Validation of a new multiparametric protocol to assess viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen thawed boar spermatozoa. CYTOMETRY. PART B, CLINICAL CYTOMETRY 2022; 102:400-408. [PMID: 35099118 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.b.22058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Motility, morphology, membrane integrity and DNA fragmentation are sperm characteristics routinely used to assess quality of boar spermatozoa. However, the evaluation of individual parameters has intrinsic restrictions in the estimation of potential fertility. Therefore, we aimed to validate a new multiparametric protocol to assess fertility potential through the evaluation of viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity within the same sperm population for cooled and frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. METHOD Three multicolor protocols to assess viability, acrosome integrity and/or mitochondrial activity were compared for agreement containing two dyes (HM-panel; Hoechst 33342, MitoTracker™ Deep Red), three dyes (3-panel; SYBR®14, propidium iodide and lectin PNA-Alexa™ 647) or four dyes (4-panel; Hoechst 33342, lectin PNA-Alexa™ 488, propidium iodide and MitoTracker™ Deep Red). Cooled (n = 132) and frozen-thawed (n = 254) samples of boar spermatozoa were assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS 4-Panel enabled the detection of several sperm subpopulations based on plasma membrane integrity, acrosome status and mitochondrial activity in cooled and frozen-thawed spermatozoa. No significant differences were observed between 3-panel and 4-panel for the percentage of live, live-acrosome intact, and dead-acrosome reacted spermatozoa. However, the percentage of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was significantly higher in cooled samples when stained by 3-panel than 4-panel. Percentages of sperm parameters between protocols were strongly correlated, and agreement analysis demonstrated that both assays resulted in similar values for both sperm sample type. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that a four-color protocol is a practical, simple and reliable procedure to simultaneously evaluate boar sperm viability, acrosome integrity and mitochondrial activity under clinical conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Deparment of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gonzalez‐Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Effect of season, genetic line and temperature during transport on sperm motility of commercial insemination doses of pooled boar semen: a retrospective study. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1363-1374. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez‐Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gonzalez-Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Retrospective analysis of commercial heterospermic and homospermic cooled boar semen: effect of the season, sample type and shipping temperature on sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:357-367. [PMID: 34958700 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We retrospectively analyzed data from heterospermic and homospermic boar semen for motility and morphology during a 2-year period. Homospermic doses were also evaluated for viability, acrosome integrity, DNA fragmentation, osmolality and pH. Additionally, we investigated the effect of temperature upon arrival and the agreement between viability and motility as evaluating tool. We observed lower (p < 0.05) total motility (TM) and normal sperm morphology within summer and fall. Conversely, lower (p < 0.05) progressive motility (PM) was found at the beginning and end of each year. Viability and acrosome integrity were reduced (p < 0.05) in summer months but not exclusively, suggesting that samples could be compromised by transport temperature. Sperm DNA fragmentation was <6% with a small variation. Medium osmolality and pH slightly changed (p < 0.05). Sperm count was not source of variation on sperm parameters. Sample temperature upon arrival correlated to PM and VSL (p < 0.05). While motility was reduced <12°C (p < 0.05). Homospermic doses were less affected by season and arrival temperature, having better parameters (p < 0.05) than contemporaneous heterospermic samples but influenced by genetic line (p < 0.05). We found a high agreement between viable acrosome-intact sperm and TM, especially when TM was ≥80%. Our data verify the improvement of sperm quality during time as sperm count/dose does not affected quality, but season effect persists regardless of ejaculate selection at the stud. Homospermic exhibited better parameters than heterospermic doses, seemingly being more resilient to temperature variations, suggesting that selection for sperm quality within boars selected by growth traits can improve product quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez-Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.,Colorado State University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Caamaño JN, Tamargo C, Parrilla I, Martínez-Pastor F, Padilla L, Salman A, Fueyo C, Fernández Á, Merino MJ, Iglesias T, Hidalgo CO. Post-Thaw Sperm Quality and Functionality in the Autochthonous Pig Breed Gochu Asturcelta. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11071885. [PMID: 34202862 PMCID: PMC8300257 DOI: 10.3390/ani11071885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Genetic resource banks were created to preserve the genetic material of endangered, rare, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Sperm cryopreservation is a practical and widespread strategy to preserve these genetic materials. This study aimed to characterize the frozen-thawed sperm of the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta, considering the effects of boar age and season of semen collection on post-thaw sperm quality. We found that the boar age did not have a significant effect on the sperm parameters assessed. However, the season significantly affected many of these parameters (motility, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity). In general, sperm samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. Our findings demonstrated that the post-thawing sperm quality of Gochu Asturcelta was in the range of results for commercial breeds, bringing a good prospect for the use of assisted reproductive technologies in this local breed. Abstract Genetic resource banks (GRB) preserve the genetic material of endangered, valuable individuals or genetically relevant breeds. Semen cryopreservation is a crucial technique to reach these goals. Thus, we aimed to assess the sperm parameters of semen doses from the native pig breed Gochu Asturcelta stored at the GRB of Principado de Asturias (GRB-PA, Gijón, Spain), focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic (boar, season) factors. Two straws per boar (n = 18, 8–71 months of age) were thawed, pooled, and assessed after 30 and 150 min at 37 °C by CASA (computer-assisted sperm analysis system; motility and kinematic parameters) and flow cytometry (viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species, and chromatin status). The effects of age, incubation, and season on post-thawing quality were determined using linear mixed-effects models. Parameters were on the range for commercial boar breeds, with chromatin status (SCSA: fragmentation and immaturity) being excellent. Incubation decreased sperm quality and functionality. The boar age did not have a significant effect (p > 0.05), but the between-boar variability was significant (p < 0.001). The season significantly affected many parameters (motility, kinematics, viability, acrosomal status, mitochondrial activity), especially after 150 min of incubation. In general, samples collected in spring and summer showed higher quality post-thawing, the lowest in winter. In conclusion, the sperm doses from the Gochu Asturcelta breed stored at the GRB-PA showed excellent chromatin status and acceptable characteristics after thawing. Therefore, boar and seasonal variability in this autochthonous breed could be relevant for cryobank management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Néstor Caamaño
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-98-450-2010
| | - Carolina Tamargo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (I.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (F.M.-P.); (A.S.)
- Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Lorena Padilla
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Murcia, 30071 Murcia, Spain; (I.P.); (L.P.)
| | - Amer Salman
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (F.M.-P.); (A.S.)
| | - Carmen Fueyo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Ángel Fernández
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - María José Merino
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| | - Tania Iglesias
- Unidad de Consultoría Estadística, Universidad de Oviedo, 33203 Gijón, Spain;
| | - Carlos Olegario Hidalgo
- Department of Animal Selection and Reproduction, Regional Service for Agrifood Research and Development (SERIDA), 33394 Gijon, Spain; (C.T.); (C.F.); (Á.F.); (M.J.M.); (C.O.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Padilla L, Lucas X, Parrilla I, Perez-Patiño C, Rodriguez-Martinez H, Roca J, Barranco I. Period of Boar Ejaculate Collection Contributes to the Yearly Intra-Male Variability of Seminal Plasma Cytokines. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9050105. [PMID: 32443675 PMCID: PMC7285058 DOI: 10.3390/biology9050105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concentrations of cytokines in seminal plasma (SP) fluctuate over time in healthy males, weakening their practical usefulness as diagnostic tools. This study evaluated the relevance of intra-male variability in SP cytokines and to what extent the period of the year when ejaculate is collected contributes to such variability. Thirteen cytokines (GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNFα) were measured using the Luminex xMAP® technology for 180 SP samples of ejaculate collected over a year from nine healthy and fertile boars. The SP samples were grouped into two annual periods according to decreasing or increasing daylight and ambient temperature. Intra-male variability was higher than inter-male variability for all cytokines. All SP cytokines showed concentration differences between the two periods of the year, showing the highest concentration during the increasing daylength/temperature period, irrespective of the male. Similarly, some cytokines showed differences between daylength/temperature periods when focusing on their total amount in the ejaculate. No strong relationship (explaining more than 50% of the total variance) was found between annual fluctuations in SP-cytokine levels and semen parameters. In conclusion, the period of the year during which ejaculates were collected helps explain the intra-male variability of SP-cytokine levels in breeding boars.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Padilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Xiomara Lucas
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Parrilla
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cristina Perez-Patiño
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | | | - Jordi Roca
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- IMIB-Arrixaca, Regional Campus of International Excellence, Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-868-884-735
| | - Isabel Barranco
- Department of Medicine and Animal Surgery, Veterinary Science, University of Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain; (L.P.); (X.L.); (I.P.); (C.P.-P.); (I.B.)
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, 17003 Girona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|