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Perry GA. Considerations for Using Natural Service with Estrous Synchronization Programs. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2024; 40:167-178. [PMID: 37684110 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.010] [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: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrous synchronization, coupled with natural service, provides the benefit of female cows conceiving early, but there are an increased number of females expressing estrus in a short period of time. Thus, considerations need to be made for the bull. Select a protocol that will distribute estrus over a longer period of time and ensure bulls pass a breeding soundness examination. Mature bulls (3 years old or older) have increased efficiency in getting cows pregnant compared with younger bulls; therefore, a ratio of 1 mature bull to 25 cows is a good recommendation within an estrous synchronized herd.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Perry
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 1710 FM 3053 N, Overton, TX 75684, USA.
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2
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Abah KO, Fontbonne A, Partyka A, Nizanski W. Effect of male age on semen quality in domestic animals: potential for advanced functional and translational research? Vet Res Commun 2023; 47:1125-1137. [PMID: 37433886 PMCID: PMC10485126 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-023-10159-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Age and other factors like season and breed are often associated with sperm quality and fertility in domestic animals. Even though many studies assessed the relationship between the age of the male and sperm parameters, the effects have not been comprehensively evaluated. Changes in semen quality from pubertal (young) to adult and old age were identified in the bull, ram, buck, boar, dog, and stallion, respectively. The review discusses the association between male age and semen volume, the total number of spermatozoa per ejaculate, sperm concentration, motility, morphology, sperm cell function, sperm DNA integrity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant activity in these species of animals. Generally, semen characteristics improve to a certain age, which declines as the animal ages. Only a few studies evaluated the impact of advanced age or employed advanced functional sperm assessment methods to assess age-related changes in sperm quality and male fertility. Such studies in the dog or stallion, for instance, may contribute to advancing knowledge in human-assisted reproductive techniques used in patients of advanced paternal and maternal age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Owoicho Abah
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Alain Fontbonne
- École Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort, 94704 Maisons-Alfort, Paris France
| | - Agnieszka Partyka
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Nizanski
- Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wroclaw, Poland
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Environmental Factors Affecting the Reproductive Efficiency of Italian Simmental Young Bulls. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12182476. [PMID: 36139335 PMCID: PMC9495061 DOI: 10.3390/ani12182476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of the study aimed to evaluate the effect of weather conditions and scrotal circumference (SC) on standard semen characteristics of Italian Simmental young bulls (n = 577), all raised in the same performance station and sampled by the artificial vagina (AV) method. Considering the increasing SC, the results showed a significant increase in quantitative semen parameters (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, for sperm concentration and total number of spermatozoa, respectively); for every extra centimeter of SC, 17.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL and 0.102 × 109 of total spermatozoa were produced. The age of the animal at semen collection (395 and 465 days) had similar positive effects. The effect of the average temperature humidity index (THI limits ≤ 40 and ≥70) in the previous 60, 30, and 10 days before the semen collection was also considered. Sixty days before the semen collection, the increasing THI increased both primary (p < 0.0001) and secondary (p < 0.0001) abnormalities while the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa decreased (p < 0.0001). Thirty and ten days before collection, the same effect on morphological traits was maintained, but total and progressive motility was also influenced (p < 0.01) with an unexpected increasing pattern. Thus, environmental conditions can influence semen quality during the entire spermatogenesis and results can guide future research on this breed.
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Bhave K, Koilpillai TPJ, Gaundare Y, Shirsath T, Potdar V, Swaminathan M, Khadse J, Ragothaman V. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting conception rate of frozen semen in small holder dairy farmer system of rural India. Trop Anim Health Prod 2021; 54:9. [PMID: 34893927 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-021-03009-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Fertility traits are as important as production traits in crossbred bovine population. Assessment of the fertility of bull in any frozen semen production program and evaluation of the conception rate under actual field conditions provide valuable information. The objective of this retrospective study was to estimate the effect of genetic and non-genetic influence on conception rate of frozen semen bulls maintained at Bharatiya Agro-Industries Foundation (BAIF) Pune based on the conception rate in cattle population of small holder dairy farmer system. The data comprising of 1,08,238 insemination records pertaining to 83 Holstein Friesian pure and crossbred bulls available at BAIF Pune were used to analyze conception rate. The fixed effect solutions and covariance components were estimated by linear mixed model using the restricted maximum likelihood method in WOMBAT software. The genetic correlations were estimated using bivariate analysis between post thaw motility and conception rate. The study was based on fertility related information from cows maintained in different villages of India and thus reflects the actual fertility of frozen semen used. The study was suggestive of influence of very small fraction of genetic effect and higher impact of management effect on conception rate. Fertility-related information available from this study is an invaluable asset in decision making process of breeding policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Bhave
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Vepery 600007, Chennai, India.
| | - Thilak Pon Jawahar Koilpillai
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Vepery 600007, Chennai, India
| | - Yuvraj Gaundare
- BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune, 411058, India
| | - Tejashree Shirsath
- BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune, 411058, India
| | - Vinod Potdar
- BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune, 411058, India
| | - Marimuthu Swaminathan
- BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune, 411058, India
| | - Jayant Khadse
- BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar Warje, Pune, 411058, India
| | - Venkataramanan Ragothaman
- Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), Vepery 600007, Chennai, India
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PERUMAL P. Effect of age and body weight on scrotal circumference and testicular growth in Nagaland swamp buffalo bulls. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2018. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v88i7.81429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the effect of age and body weight on the scrotal circumference (SC) and testicular growth rate of swamp buffalo bulls in Nagaland. These buffaloes utilized for the present study were maintained around the villages of Medziphema block, Dimapur district, Nagaland, India. In the present study, a total of 24 swamp buffalo bulls were identified, selected and utilized. These buffaloes were grouped into four different categories as per their age and each category comprised 8 buffalo bulls. The groups were Group I: 18-24 months (6), Group II: 25-36 months (6), Group III: 37-48 months (6) and Group IV: 49 months and above (6). SCand testicular growth parameters were estimated with vernier caliper and simple measurement tape and by using dental formula, the age of animals was estimated.The Shaeffer's formula was used to estimate the body weight of buffalo bulls. Statistical analysis revealed that the SC and testicular growth parameters had significant positive correlation with body weight than age of the bulls. As compared to cattle, testicular growth parameters and SC of the swamp buffaloes were lower. The study result indicated that testicular growth parameters and SC of swamp buffalo are the useful indicators to determine the testicular development to select the buffalo bull for breeding purpose.
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Hancock A, Younis P, Beggs D, Mansell P, Stevenson M, Pyman M. An assessment of dairy herd bulls in southern Australia: 1. Management practices and bull breeding soundness evaluations. J Dairy Sci 2016; 99:9983-9997. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Scrotal Circumference and Its Relationship with Testicular Growth, Age, and Body Weight in Tho Tho (Bos indicus) Bulls. INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARLY RESEARCH NOTICES 2014; 2014:249537. [PMID: 27351012 PMCID: PMC4897419 DOI: 10.1155/2014/249537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2014] [Revised: 07/26/2014] [Accepted: 08/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken to assess the relationship between the scrotal circumference and testicular parameters with body weight and age in Tho Tho bulls (Bos indicus), which were maintained at around the villages of National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR), Jharnapani, Nagaland, India. A total of 32 Tho Tho bulls were selected and divided into four groups according to their age and each group consisted of 8 bulls, namely, Group I: 18–24 months (n = 8), Group II: 25–36 months (n = 8), Group III: 37–48 months (n = 8), and Group IV: 49 months and above (n = 8). The scrotal circumference and testicular parameters were measured with caliper and tape and age of animals was calculated with dental formula. The body weight of bulls was estimated with Shaeffer's formula. Result revealed that the scrotal circumference was highly correlated with testicular parameters and body weight compared to age. Compared to exotic cattle (Bos taurus), Tho Tho bull's testicular parameters and scrotal circumference were lower. The results of the present study in Tho Tho bulls revealed that scrotal circumference is a useful indicator and is an important selection criterion to determine the testicular development and breeding soundness in young bulls as it is highly correlated with tesicular parameters.
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FOOTE ROBERTH. Cryopreservation of Spermatozoa and Artificial Insemination: Past, Present, and Future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.1982.tb00651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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9
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AMANN RUPERTP. A Critical Review of Methods for Evaluation of Spermatogenesis from Seminal Characteristics. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.1981.tb00595.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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10
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Impact of genomic selection of AI dairy sires on their likely utilization and methods to estimate fertility: A paradigm shift. Theriogenology 2012; 77:795-817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 08/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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11
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Lymberopoulos AG, Tsakmakidis IA, Khalifa TAA. Effect of Ram Age on Structural and Functional Competence of Frozen-Thawed Spermatozoa in Dairy Sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2008; 45:572-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01303.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Sperm morphology and fertility of progeny-tested AI dairy bulls in Sweden. Theriogenology 2008; 70:682-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2007] [Revised: 04/22/2008] [Accepted: 04/24/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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13
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Zavos PM, Kaskar K, Correa JR, Sikka SC. Seminal characteristics and sexual behavior in men of different age groups: is there an aging effect? Asian J Androl 2006; 8:337-41. [PMID: 16625284 DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7262.2006.00128.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the seminal characteristics as well as the sexual behavior of men of various age groups to establish the presence of an aging effect on those characteristics. METHODS Semen samples were collected from men (n = 792) undergoing in vitro fertilization or intrauterine insemination in cases of female factor infertility only. Samples were collected using a seminal collection device at intercourse and evaluated manually according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Men were divided into four groups according to their ages: (i) 20-30, (ii) 31-40, (iii) 41-50 and (iv) 51-60 years, and their seminal characteristics and responses to a sexual behavior questionnaire were compared. RESULTS The data showed statistically significant differences in the seminal characteristics tested, most notably in the sperm concentration, motility, grade of motility, hypo-osmotic swelling and normal sperm morphology. Furthermore, the decline in normal sperm morphology with age was more pronounced when using strict criteria rather than WHO standards. There were also differences in total sperm count, total motile sperm and total functional sperm fraction (assessed by both WHO and strict criteria). Significant differences were also observed in the sexual behavior patterns in older men in terms of the number of years they have been trying to conceive, sexual frequency and sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION The data clearly illustrate an aging effect on semen characteristics and sexual behavior in men as they age. It is suggested that the aging effect be taken into consideration when proposing normal standard values for semen characteristics in routine semen analysis as outlined by WHO standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panayiotis M Zavos
- Andrology Institute of America, P. O. Box 23777, Lexington, Kentucky 40523, USA.
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Hallap T, Håård M, Jaakma U, Larsson B, Rodriguez-Martinez H. Variations in quality of frozen-thawed semen from Swedish Red and White AI sires at 1 and 4 years of age. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 27:166-71. [PMID: 15139972 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2004.00470.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triin Hallap
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Ullsvägen 14C, Clinical Centre, PO Box 7039, Ultuna SE-750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
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15
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Park N, Lee S, Jeong J, Won Y, Kim N. Relationship Between Scrotal Circumference and Semen Production and Reproductive Performance in Hanwoo Bulls. JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2003. [DOI: 10.5187/jast.2003.45.4.517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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16
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Pant HC, Sharma RK, Patel SH, Shukla HR, Mittal AK, Kasiraj R, Misra AK, Prabhakar JH. Testicular development and its relationship to semen production in Murrah buffalo bulls. Theriogenology 2003; 60:27-34. [PMID: 12620577 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)01037-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of age and body weight to testicular development and to establish norms for breeding soundness evaluations of Murrah buffalo bulls. Testicular measurements of 133 Murrah buffalo bulls of various ages were recorded with a caliper and a tape. Semen was collected twice a week for 5 weeks from groups of bulls which were 25-36 (n=17), 37-48 (n=16), 49-60 (n=14), of >60 (n=10) months of age. After examining volume, sperm concentration, and progressive motility semen was diluted in Tris-citric acid-egg yolk-fructose extender and frozen in 0.5 ml French straws. Testicular measurements of buffalo bulls were lower than those recorded for European breeds of cattle bulls. Nevertheless, like cattle bulls, scrotal circumference was highly correlated with other testicular measurements. Also, it had a significant positive relationship with semen volume and sperm concentration per ejaculate. Average sperm output per week in order of increasing age group was 15.3, 18.2, 19.8 and 23.6 x 10(9). Corresponding values for sperm output per week per gram of testis were 59.1, 45.8, 41.1, 36.2 x 10(6) indicating a reduction in spermatogenesis per unit of testis with advancing age. Compared to European breeds, daily sperm output in Murrah bulls was nearly 45% lower, presumably due to their nearly 40% lower scrotal circumference than Holstein bulls of the same age. These results indicate that in buffalo, as in cattle, scrotal circumference is a useful indicator of potential sperm output and may serve as an important criterion for selecting young bulls as AI sires.
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Affiliation(s)
- H C Pant
- Sabarmati Ashram Gaushala, Bidaj Farm, 387120, Kaira, Gujarat, Lali, India.
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Picard-Hagen N, Sourbe O, Lyazrhi F, Coupet H, Hennequin M, Jacob H, Berthelot X. Effect of precocious collection on semen output and quality in young Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 2002; 57:1511-22. [PMID: 12054209 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00662-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Semen production units compete heavily with each other, so they tend to select and collect bulls at the earliest possible age, even before puberty, in order to reduce the interval between generations. This study is a retrospective analysis of the effect of precocious collection on semen quality in Holstein bulls. The semen parameters of early- and late-maturing bulls collected before and after 410 days of age, respectively, were compared over two periods, 1991-1995 and 1997-1999. These periods were defined in relation to the collection rhythms (three collections of two ejaculates at 15 days interval before 1996 and adaptation of the collection rhythms to individual physiological capacity after 1996) and the collection conditions. The effects of age, precocious collection and the interaction between age and precocious collection on mean semen parameters (volume of the ejaculate, sperm motility, percent of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, total sperm concentration and mobile sperm concentration) measured on collections 1-6 (n = 358 for 1991-1995 and n = 121 for 1997-1999), 7-12 (n = 255 for 1991-1995 and n = 80 for 1997-1999) and 13-18 (n = 92 for 1991-1995 and n = 36 for 1997-1999) were studied by covariance analysis. The semen quality of bulls collected at the early age differed from that of bulls collected after 410 days of age for the first period when the collection rhythm was intense. No effect of precocious collection was evidenced for the second period, suggesting the importance of individual adaptation of the collection rhythm to sexual maturation in young bulls. Early collections at a semen production unit reduced the time needed to obtain the number of insemination straws required for the progeny-testing program by 40 days. Early sperm collection is, thus, of economic and technical interest in well managed semen production units.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Picard-Hagen
- National Veterinary School of Toulouse, Theriogenology, France.
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Mathevon M, Buhr MM, Dekkers JC. Environmental, management, and genetic factors affecting semen production in Holstein bulls. J Dairy Sci 1998; 81:3321-30. [PMID: 9891279 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(98)75898-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of environment, management, physiological status, and genetics on semen quality (volume of the ejaculate, sperm concentration, sperm motility, number of sperm, and number of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate) of Canadian Holstein bulls. For this purpose, semen production data from 198 bulls were analyzed using mixed linear models. Young bulls (up to 30 mo old) and mature bulls (between 4 and 6 yr old) were analyzed separately. Semen characteristics generally improved significantly with age of young bulls. Season significantly affected all semen traits in young bulls but did not significantly affect volume and sperm motility of mature bulls. Performance was better in winter than in summer. The highest numbers of motile spermatozoa per ejaculate were obtained with intervals of at least 4 to 5 d between collections. Although the bull handler and semen collector caused less than 10% of the variance, the collection team significantly affected semen volume, number of sperm, and number of motile sperm per ejaculate for both growing and mature bulls. Heritabilities for volume, concentration, sperm motility, number of sperm, and number of motile sperm per ejaculate were, respectively, 0.24, 0.52, 0.31, 0.38, and 0.49 for young bulls and 0.44, 0.36, 0.01, 0.54, and 0.64 for mature bulls. Repeatability of semen traits varied from 0.41 to 0.64. Genetics, management, and environmental factors clearly contribute to semen production in Holstein bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mathevon
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, ON, Canada
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Bailey TL, Monke D, Hudson RS, Wolfe DF, Carson RL, Riddell MG. Testicular shape and its relationship to sperm production in mature Holstein bulls. Theriogenology 1996; 46:881-7. [PMID: 16727951 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(96)00245-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/1995] [Accepted: 03/07/1996] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the relationship between testicular shape, scrotal circumference (SC) and sperm production. Twenty-seven mature Holstein bulls were evaluated subjectively and objectively for testicular shape as indicated by testicular length and width, then placed in 1 of 3 groups. Group 1 contained 17 bulls with a normal ovoid testicular shape and a length to width ratio of 1.61:1 +/- 0.01 (SEM). Group 2 was composed of 4 bulls with a long, slender testicular shape and a length to width ratio of 1.95:1 +/- 0.06 (SEM). Group 3 was comprised of 6 bulls with spheroid-shaped testicles and a length to width ratio of 1.3:1 +/- 0.03 (SEM). All the groups were statistically different for length to width ratios (P < 0.05). Length measurements from cranial to caudal pole of the testis proper were also different between groups (P < 0.05). Width or testicular diameter was different between Group 2 and Group 3 at P < 0.05; however, there was no difference between Group 1 and Group 2 or between Group 1 and Group 3. Predicted volumes and weights of testicles were not significantly different between groups. Scrotal circumference measurements were significantly different between groups (P < 0.05). Group 1 had an average SC of 43.07 +/- 0.36 cm (SEM), Group 2 of 39.33 +/- 1.18 cm (SEM) and Group 3 of 46.22 +/- 0.69 cm (SEM). Sperm production for a twice daily, 2-day-per-week collection schedule revealed a statistically significant difference for sperm output. A total of 2742 ejaculates was evaluated. A total of 1818 ejaculates was evaluated in Group 1, 440 ejaculates in Group 2 and 484 ejaculates in Group 3. The mean spermatozoal harvest per day for Group 1 bulls was 13.62 +/- 0.09 x 10(9) (SEM). Group 2 bulls with the longer-shaped testicles produced 14.82 +/- 0.18 x 10(9) (SEM) spermatozoa per day, and Group 3 bulls, with the more rounded testicle shape and the significantly larger SC produced 11.72 +/- 0.64 x 10(9)(SEM) sperm cells per day. All 3 groups were statistically different at the P = 0.05 level. The results suggest that prediction of sperm production may be dependent on factors other than SC, testicular volume, or weight. Testicular shape may influence sperm output in mature Holstein bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Bailey
- Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Johnson WH, Thompson JA, Kumi-Diaka J, Wilton JW, Mandell IB. The determination and correlation of reproductive parameters of performance-tested Hereford and Simmental bulls. Theriogenology 1995; 44:973-82. [PMID: 16727792 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(95)00284-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/1993] [Accepted: 10/24/1994] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Purebred Hereford and Simmental bulls (n = 120), managed similarly to bulls in the Ontario Bull Evaluation Program, were evaluated for reproductive parameters. Four diets, equivalent except for the form of dietary fiber, were fed in a growth performance trial. Diet had no direct effect (P > 0.10) on any of the reproductive variables examined. Of the 117 bulls that had complete breeding soundness evaluations, 75% were classified as satisfactory potential breeders, 24% as questionable potential breeders and 1% as unsatisfactory potential breeders. The 2 breeds were significantly different (P < 0.05) for several end of test parameters. When controlling for age and weight differences, Herefords had a higher backfat thickness, smaller scrotal circumference, lower paired testicular weight and lower epididymal weight. Semen morphology and motility did not differ (P > 0.10) between the breeds. When examining simple correlations, scrotal circumference was highly correlated with paired testicular weight, moderately correlated with epididymal weight, daily sperm production and extragonadal sperm reserves, and negatively correlated with backfat thickness. Scrotal circumference was not related to backfat thickness when controlling for breed effects. The degree of germinal epithelium loss was moderately and negatively correlated with the percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology and progressive motility, epididymal sperm reserves and epididymal weight, but was not correlated with scrotal circumference.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H Johnson
- Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1
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Thompson JA, Johnson WH. Scrotal size of yearling sires and early calving in beef herds: Epidemiological investigation of possible causal pathways. Theriogenology 1995; 43:1279-87. [PMID: 16727713 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(95)00099-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/1994] [Accepted: 12/15/1994] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Scrotal circumference has been recommended as a clinical test for predicting the fertility potential of yearling bulls. The objectives of this study were to determine if scrotal size of yearling bulls influences herd fertility and to investigate specific causal pathways. Calving records from 44 herds enrolled in the Beef Herd Improvement Plan were selected from the data base for 1984 to 1989. Logistic regression was used to model the event of calving within the first 3 wk of the calving season as a function of scrotal circumference, herd size, age and the interactions of scrotal circumference with age, scrotal circumference with herd size, and herd size with age and the random effects of herd. The odds of cows calving in the first 3 weeks of the calving season were lower in large herds (>30 vs 20 to 30 calves born per season) and with younger yearling bulls (12 to 15 vs. 16 to 18 months of age). Early calving was not associated with scrotal circumference, or the interactions scrotal circumference with herd size and scrotal circumference with age (p > 0.15). It was concluded that the female:male ratio and age of bull both affected the odds of a cow calving early, but neither of the associations was altered by selection for bulls with a larger scrotal circumference, and therefore scrotal circumference is not included in either of the 2 causal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thompson
- Texas Veterinary Medical Center, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843-4475, USA
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Brockett CC, Presicce GA, Foote RH, Kaproth MT, Rycroft HE. Semen quality and behavior of Holstein bulls exposed to estradiol-treated bulls for mounts. J Dairy Sci 1994; 77:124-31. [PMID: 8120181 DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(94)76935-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The objectives were to test the effects of estradiol treatment of teaser bull mounts on sexual behavior and on quality and quantity of sperm obtained from sires managed as in large commercial AI breeding organizations. In a change-over design, the same teaser bulls were either untreated or treated with estradiol. Five semen-producing bulls were ejaculated twice per day on Tuesdays and Fridays after epididymal reserves were partially depleted. A 15-min period of continuous sexual preparation with three false mounts allowed was standard before each semen collection. All bulls were attracted to and licked the preputial area of the teaser bulls followed by the Flehmen response during the period of sexual preparation. Bulls usually completed the false mounts in < or = 15 min, and all thrusted vigorously with both hind feet moving forward synchronously at this time on 100% of the 80 semen collections. Major differences among bulls and between first and second ejaculates occurred in semen volume, semen concentration, and total sperm collected. An increase of 10% in total sperm output when bulls were exposed to treated teaser bulls could be of commercial benefit. The correlation between total time to first mount for the two ejaculates per bull each day and total sperm collected per bull per day was -.44. Thus, the shorter time to first mount may be useful as a low level predictor of higher sperm out-put per bull.
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Affiliation(s)
- C C Brockett
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801
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A new approach to overcoming a yearling Holstein bull's complete lack of motivation to mounting. Appl Anim Behav Sci 1993. [DOI: 10.1016/0168-1591(93)90072-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Thompson JA, Buhr MM, Johnson WH. Scrotal circumference does not accurately predict degree of germinal epithelial loss or semen quality in yearling Hereford and Simmental bulls. Theriogenology 1992; 38:1023-32. [PMID: 16727200 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(92)90116-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/1992] [Accepted: 08/25/1992] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The accuracy of scrotal circumference as a predictor of specific pathologic changes within testicular parenchyma was assessed by scoring 121 Hereford and Simmental bulls for scrotal circumference, degree of germinal epithelial loss and semen quality. Scrotal circumference was not linearly related to the degree of germinal epithelial loss or to the percentage of tubules (Grade 4+ or higher, no germinal epithelium) for either breed (P>0.1). Thirty-two centimeters was the minimal acceptable scrotal circumference to ensure both a low prevalence of tubules with irreversible loss of germinal epithelium and acceptable semen quality. Scrotal circumference had a positive predictive value (the proportion of test-positive animals truly diseased) of 0.07 (95% confidence interval [CI] of 0 to 0.29) and a specificity (the proportion of test positive individuals that are diseased) of 0.89 (95% CI of 0.83 to 0.95) for 25% Grade 4+tubules. For acceptable semen morphology (>or=75% morphologically normal spermatozoa), scrotal circumference had a positive predictive value of 0.08 (95% CI of 0 to 0.34), a sensitivity (the proportion of diseased individuals testing positively) of 0.06 (95% CI of 0 to 0.24), and a specificity of 0.88 (95% CI of 0.80 to 0.95). For acceptable sperm motility (>or=30% progressively motile spermatozoa) scrotal circumference had a positive predictive value of 0.0 (95% CI of 0 to 0.22), a sensitivity of 0.0 (95% CI of 0 to 0.15), and a specificity of 0.87 (95% CI of 0.80 to 0.94). Although scrotal circumference is widely accepted as a useful test, its accuracy should be recognized as low when 32 cm is used as the minimal acceptable scrotal circumference in predicting unacceptable testicular histology or unacceptable semen quality in a healthy population of yearling bulls.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Thompson
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1
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Taylor J, Bean B, Marshall C, Sullivan J. Genetic and Environmental Components of Semen Production Traits of Artificial Insemination Holstein Bulls. J Dairy Sci 1985. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(85)81155-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Raadsma H, Edey T, Bindon B, Piper L. Behaviour and mating performance of paddock-mated beef bulls. Anim Reprod Sci 1983. [DOI: 10.1016/0378-4320(83)90033-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Coulter GH, Foote RH. Bovine testicular measurements as indicators of reproductive performance and their relationship to productive traits in cattle: A review. Theriogenology 1979; 11:297-311. [PMID: 16725414 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(79)90072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/1979] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G H Coulter
- Agriculture Canada Research Station, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4B1, Canada
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Coulter G, Foote R, Rounsaville T. Genetic Correlations Between Testicular Traits in Holstein Bulls and Milk and Fat Production of Their Daughters. J Dairy Sci 1977. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(77)84027-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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