1
|
Dos Santos RP, Silva AR. Sperm Cooling as an Assisted Reproduction Tool for Wildlife: An Underrated Technology. Biopreserv Biobank 2023; 21:388-396. [PMID: 35856795 DOI: 10.1089/bio.2022.0025] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The search for assisted reproduction techniques applied to the conservation and even the genetic improvement of wild species is becoming increasingly common. Regarding conservation of male gametes from wild animals, although current advances are focused on cryopreservation, the development of protocols for sperm refrigeration seems to be underrated, despite its various advantages and applications. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the importance of short-term conservation of sperm from wild mammals, report the development of state-of-the-art refrigeration protocols for both ejaculated and epididymal sperm, and evaluate the challenges and prospects of their application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romário Parente Dos Santos
- Laboratory for Animal Germplasm Conservation, Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of the Semiarid Region, Mossoró, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Rodrigues Silva
- Laboratory for Animal Germplasm Conservation, Department of Animal Sciences, Federal University of the Semiarid Region, Mossoró, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Luther I, Maree L, Kotze A, Hildebrandt T, Göritz F, Hermes R, van der Horst G. Sperm motility, kinematics, morphometry and morphology over two seasons in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana). Reprod Fertil Dev 2021; 32:425-438. [PMID: 31972123 DOI: 10.1071/rd19182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to address the lack of information on quantitative semen and sperm characteristics of free-ranging African elephants. Nineteen ejaculates were collected from 12 elephant bulls by means of electroejaculation in spring (Season 1, end of dry season, n=7) and in autumn (Season 2, end of rainy season, n=12). While most elephant cows are in oestrus in the rainy season, it is not evident whether sperm quality also improves during this period. Semen samples were assessed using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), brightfield microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Seasonal differences and individual variation in sperm quality of bulls were apparent, with ejaculates collected during Season 2 revealing higher percentages for total motility, progressive motility, rapid-swimming spermatozoa and kinematic parameters compared with Season 1 (P<0.05). Although normal sperm morphology percentage was similar over the two seasons, more sperm tail defects were found in Season 2 (P<0.05). The baseline reference data and multivariate sperm parameter associations reported in this study can be used to predict elephant bull sperm quality and potential to fertilise. It is clear that CASA can detect subtle differences in sperm quality of African elephant ejaculates and should be the approach for future investigations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilse Luther
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; and National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, PO Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; and GEOsperm, Wildlife Reproduction and Biotechnology, PO Box 3300, Brits, 0250, South Africa
| | - Liana Maree
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; and National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, PO Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Antoinette Kotze
- National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, PO Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; and Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein, 9300, South Africa
| | - Thomas Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Göritz
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Hermes
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerhard van der Horst
- Department of Medical Bioscience, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville, 7535, South Africa; and National Zoological Garden, South African National Biodiversity Institute, PO Box 754, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Van den Berghe F, Paris MCJ, Sarnyai Z, Briggs MB, Millar RP, Ganswindt A, Paris DBBP. Social rank does not affect sperm quality in male African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus). Reprod Fertil Dev 2020; 31:875-887. [PMID: 30694739 DOI: 10.1071/rd18205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sperm banking and AI could benefit endangered African wild dog conservation. However, it is unclear whether their dominance hierarchy causes a decrease in reproductive and sperm quality parameters in subordinate males that typically do not breed. In this study, we investigated the effect of social rank on male reproductive parameters, including faecal androgen and glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations, prostate and testes volume, preputial gland size, semen collection success and sperm quality. Samples were obtained from captive males (prebreeding season: n=12 from four packs; breeding season: n=24 from seven packs) that were classified as alpha (dominant), beta or gamma (subordinates) based on the frequency of dominant versus submissive behaviours. In the prebreeding season, semen was successfully collected from all alpha but only half the subordinate males, with urine contamination (associated with lower rank) significantly reducing total and progressive motility, sperm motility index, normal sperm morphology and acrosome integrity. The breeding season was associated with a significant increase in faecal androgens, prostate and testis volume, as well as progressive motility and the total number of spermatozoa ejaculated. However, with the exception of prostate volume (mean±s.e.m: 12.5±4.5, 7.1±1.0 and 7.3±1.0cm3 in alpha, beta and gamma males respectively; P=0.035), all other reproductive and sperm quality parameters did not differ between males of each social rank. In conclusion, reproductive suppression of subordinate males appears to be behaviourally mediated, because males of all social ranks produce semen of similar quality, making them suitable candidates for sperm banking, particularly during the breeding season when sperm quality improves.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Femke Van den Berghe
- Gamete and Embryology (GAME) Laboratory, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia; and Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), 9 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6AT, Scotland
| | - Monique C J Paris
- Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), 9 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6AT, Scotland; and Wageningen Livestock Research, De Elst 1, 6708 WD Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Zoltan Sarnyai
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) and College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Solander Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia
| | - Michael B Briggs
- African Predator Conservation Research Organisation (APCRO), 848 Rainbow Boulevard #A3, Las Vegas, NV 89107, USA
| | - Robert P Millar
- Institute for Breeding Rare and Endangered African Mammals (IBREAM), 9 Ainslie Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6AT, Scotland; and Centre for Neuroendocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
| | - Andre Ganswindt
- Mammal Research Institute, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Pretoria, Hatfield 0028, South Africa; and Endocrine Research Laboratory, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort 0110, South Africa
| | - Damien B B P Paris
- Gamete and Embryology (GAME) Laboratory, College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia; and Centre for Tropical Environmental and Sustainability Science, James Cook University, James Cook Drive, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Charlton SJ, Nielsen MB, Pedersen CR, Thomsen L, Kristjansen MP, Sørensen TB, Pertoldi C, Strand J. Strong Heterogeneity in Advances in Cryopreservation Techniques in the Mammalian Orders. Zoolog Sci 2019; 35:1-22. [PMID: 29417894 DOI: 10.2108/zs170037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Between 1970 and 2012, vertebrate abundance has declined by 58% with an average annual decline of 2%, calling for serious action to prevent a mass extinction and an irreversible loss of biodiversity. Cryobanks and cryopreservation have the potential to assist and improve ex situ and in situ conservation strategies by storing valuable genetic material. A great deal of studies concerning cryopreservation have been performed within the class Mammalia, although no systematic overview has previously been presented. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the status, pattern and future of cryopreservation within Mammalia. A strong disproportional distribution of studies in examined orders is displayed. For the majority of examined orders less than 10% of species has been examined. However, the cryopreservation of germplasm has in several cases been successful and resulted in successful applications of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Various obstacles are associated with the development of cryopreservation protocols, and among them the most prominent is interspecific differences in cryotolerance. Extrapolation of protocols in closely related species is considered the most applicable procedure, and a future supplement to overcome this problem is the examination and comparison of cryobiological traits. Successful protocols have been developed for the vast majority of domesticated mammals, which gives incentive for the further extrapolation of protocols in threatened species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J Charlton
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mikkel B Nielsen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Carina R Pedersen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lisette Thomsen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mads P Kristjansen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Thomas B Sørensen
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- 1 Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark.,2 Aalborg Zoo, Aalborg, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Julie Strand
- 3 Randers Regnskov, Randers, Tørvebryggen 11, 8900 Randers, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Satitmanwiwat S, Promthep K, Buranaamnuay K, Mahasawangkul S, Saikhun K. Lipid and protein oxidation levels in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) and their relationship with semen parameters. Reprod Domest Anim 2017; 52:283-288. [PMID: 28058745 DOI: 10.1111/rda.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Peroxidation damage to spermatozoa and seminal plasma has an important role in sperm quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the levels of lipid and protein oxidation in spermatozoa and seminal plasma of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) with varying percentage of progressive motility. Lipid and protein oxidation was measured by the thiobarbituric acid-reactive species (TBARS) assay and the 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) carbonyl groups assay, respectively. Fresh semen samples were collected from Asian elephants and classified according to the percentage of motile spermatozoa into good (>60%) and poor (≤20%) motility. Results revealed that seminal plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and seminal plasma protein carbonyls (PCs) were significantly higher in poor motility than in good motility (p < .05). The MDA and PC levels in seminal plasma were negatively correlated with the percentages of progressive motility (p < .05). In addition, the negative correlation between sperm concentration and seminal plasma MDA level was investigated (p < .05). The sperm viability was also negatively correlated with sperm PC level (p < .05). This study indicated that lipid and protein oxidation has deleterious effect on semen quality of Asian elephants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Satitmanwiwat
- Reproductive Biology Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.,Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Science, King Mongkut's University of Technology of North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - K Promthep
- Reproductive Biology Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - K Buranaamnuay
- Reproductive Biology Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - S Mahasawangkul
- The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, National Elephant Institute of Thailand, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang, Thailand
| | - K Saikhun
- Reproductive Biology Research Group, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pinyopummin A, Mahasawangkul S, Kornkaewrat K, Rattanapirom S, Leartsang W, Kitkha S. The presence of seminal plasma, especially derived from stallion semen, helps preserve chilled Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) sperm motility. Andrologia 2016; 49. [PMID: 27785817 DOI: 10.1111/and.12690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of seminal plasma (SP), derived from autologous, homologous and heterologous species (stallion, boar and dog) on chilled Asian elephant sperm quality, were determined. Semen was collected from eight males and samples with ≥30% motile spermatozoa were used in the study. Semen was diluted with Tris-glucose-egg yolk extender, supplemented with different SP types and preserved at 4°C for 48 hr. Experiment 1 (n = 31), showed that the presence of SP (autologous) helped to preserve sperm quality in terms of sperm motility and acrosome integrity (p < .05). Homologous SP did not result in better sperm quality than autologous SP. Heterologous SP from stallion provided higher sperm motility and velocities compared to autologous SP (p < .05). Experiment 2 (n = 14) determined the effect of different SP from four stallions. All stallion SP gave higher (p < .05) results for motile spermatozoa and sperm velocities than autologous SP. In conclusion, the presence of SP helps preserve Asian elephant sperm quality and stallion SP supports the motility of Asian elephant spermatozoa during cold storage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Pinyopummin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - S Mahasawangkul
- The National Elephant Institute, The Forest Industry Organization, Lampang, Thailand
| | - K Kornkaewrat
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - S Rattanapirom
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - W Leartsang
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - S Kitkha
- Center for Agricultural Biotechnology, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jarosz Ł, Grądzki Z, Kalinowski M, Laskowska E. Quality of fresh and chilled-stored raccoon dog semen and its impact on artificial insemination efficiency. BMC Vet Res 2016; 12:224. [PMID: 27724853 PMCID: PMC5057461 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-016-0858-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of fresh raccoon dog semen and raccoon dog semen stored at 4 °C. The qualitative evaluation was based on apoptosis in the sperm cells, which was tested by the Annexin V/Pi assay, the TUNEL method and JC-1. In addition, the suitability of the semen for insemination and its effect on reproduction in females were determined in relation to the time of storage. Results During cold storage of the semen, in the samples from all groups a gradual decrease was noted in the percentage of live cells, and an increase in the percentage of cells with abnormal morphology, exhibiting changes typical of late-stage apoptosis (V+/PI+), and of necrotic cells (V−/PI+). There was a significant increase in the percentage of ApoBrDu + sperm cells, while the mitochondrial membrane potential of the sperm decreased significantly after 12 h of storage at 4 °C in the case of lower-quality semen and after 48 h in the case of semen of good quality. As the percentage of sperm with DNA and cell membrane damage increased and the mitochondrial membrane potential decreased, there was an increase in AspAT and acrosin activity. The increase in the percentage of apoptotic sperm in the raccoon dog semen stored at 4 °C resulted in a decrease in the number of females with cubs. Conclusions Identification of apoptotic changes in sperm by flow cytometry using the annexin assay, the TUNEL assay and evaluation of mitochondrial membrane potential can be recommended for determination of the suitability of raccoon dog semen for artificial insemination. The study shows that fresh raccoon dog semen should not be used for insemination more than 48 h after collection in the case of semen of very high quality, or after more than 24 h in the case of semen of poorer quality. Cytometric methods of semen analysis should also be used to evaluate various extenders of raccoon dog semen and methods of cryopreservation in terms of ensuring sperm viability, fertilization capacity, and suitability for insemination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Jarosz
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Zbigniew Grądzki
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Kalinowski
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of Epizootiology and Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Głęboka 30, 20-612, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Protein profile and functionality of spermatozoa from two semen collection methods in Bali bulls. Livest Sci 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
9
|
Sperm sex-sorting and preservation for managing the sex ratio and genetic diversity of the southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum). Anim Reprod Sci 2014; 152:137-53. [PMID: 25497423 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Revised: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
White rhinoceros ejaculates (n=9) collected by electroejaculation from four males were shipped (10°C, 12h) to develop procedures for the production of chilled and frozen-thawed sex-sorted spermatozoa of adequate quality for artificial insemination (AI). Of all electroejaculate fractions, 39.7% (31/78) exhibited high quality post-collection (≥70% total motility and membrane integrity) and of those, 54.8% (17/31) presented reduced in vitro quality after transport and were retrospectively determined to exhibit urine-contamination (≥21.0μg creatinine/ml). Of fractions analyzed for creatinine concentration, 69% (44/64) were classified as urine-contaminated. For high quality non-contaminated fractions, in vitro parameters (motility, velocity, membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity) of chilled non-sorted and sorted spermatozoa were well-maintained at 5°C up to 54h post-collection, whereby >70% of post-transport (non-sorted) or post-sort (sorted) values were retained. By 54h post-collection, some motility parameters were higher (P<0.05) for non-sorted spermatozoa (total motility, rapid velocity, average path velocity) whereas all remaining motion parameters as well as membrane, acrosome and DNA integrity were similar between sperm types. In comparison with a straw method, directional freezing resulted in enhanced (P<0.05) motility and velocity of non-sorted and sorted spermatozoa, with comparable overall post-thaw quality between sperm types. High purity enrichment of X-bearing (89±6%) or Y-bearing (86±3%) spermatozoa was achieved using moderate sorting rates (2540±498X-spermatozoa/s; 1800±557Y-spermatozoa/s). Collective in vitro characteristics of sorted-chilled or sorted-frozen-thawed spermatozoa derived from high quality electroejaculates indicate acceptable fertility potential for use in AI.
Collapse
|
10
|
Comparative reproductive biology of elephants. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2014; 753:135-69. [PMID: 25091910 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The ability to serially collect blood samples and conduct ultrasound examinations in Asian and African elephants has provided unique opportunities to study the biology of these endangered species. As a result, many unique aspects of elephant reproduction have been identified. For females, there are interesting differences in luteal steroidogenic activity, follicular maturation, pituitary gonadotropin secretion, fetal development and reproductive tract anatomy, while males exhibit the unique phenomenon of musth and an unusual reproductive anatomy (internal testes, ampullary semen storage). However, problems associated with uterine and ovarian pathologies hamper captive propagation efforts. Older, nulliparous cows are particularly susceptible, leading to speculation that continuous ovarian cyclicity of non-bred females in zoos is having a negative and cumulative effect on reproductive health. There are notable species differences in reproductive mechanisms as well (e.g., ovarian acyclicity, prolactin secretion, sperm cryosensitivity), implying that species-specific approaches to management and application of assisted reproductive techniques are needed for maximal reproductive efficiency and enhancement of genetic management.
Collapse
|