Comparison of density gradient and single layer centrifugation of stallion spermatozoa: yield, motility and survival.
Abstract: A new, simpler, technique of colloidal centrifugation has recently been developed, designated single layer centrifugation (SLC). This technique requires evaluation by comparison with a density gradient for its ability to select the best quality spermatozoa and its practicality of use on studfarms. Objective: To compare the effect of 2 methods of colloidal centrifugation, density gradient centrifugation and single layer centrifugation, on stallion sperm motility, yield and survival, using freshly collected extended stallion semen. Methods: Aliquots of extended stallion semen from 10 stallions (38 ejaculates) were processed by the 2 methods of colloidal centrifugation. For both uncentrifuged and centrifuged samples, sperm yield was calculated and subjective sperm motility assessed over several days to provide an estimate of sperm survival. Some stored semen samples, held at 4 degrees C overnight, were also available for testing. Results: For fresh, extended semen, a similar recovery yield of motile spermatozoa was seen for the 2 methods of preparation for single layers and density gradients, respectively. Sperm motility and survival rate were significantly improved by colloidal centrifugation compared to unprocessed ejaculate, without any significant difference between methods (SLC vs. gradient). However, the yield was reduced by 18-20% when cold-stored semen was used for centrifugation compared to fresh semen; and more variation between ejaculates was observed than for fresh ejaculates. Again, sperm motility and sperm survival were improved in the centrifuged sperm preparations compared to stored, unprocessed ejaculates. Conclusions: The 2 colloid centrifugation techniques produce equivalent sperm preparations in terms of sperm quality. However, the SLC method would be more practical and convenient for use in the field.
Publication Date: 2009-03-24 PubMed ID: 19301582DOI: 10.2746/042516408x322139Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article evaluates a new technique for increasing the quality of stallion sperm known as single layer centrifugation (SLC), comparing it to the traditional method of density gradient centrifugation. The authors found both methods produce similar results in terms of sperm quality, but suggest that the new SLC method may be more practical for use.
Objective and Methods
- The main goal of this study was to compare two methods of colloidal centrifugation, namely density gradient centrifugation and single layer centrifugation (SLC), to see their effects on stallion sperm motility, output, and longevity.
- The scientists used semen samples from ten stallions, processing them using both methods.
- They calculated the sperm yield and assessed motility subjectively over several days to estimate how long the sperm would survive.
- They also tested some semen samples stored at 4 degrees Celsius overnight.
Results
- The researchers found that for fresh, extended semen, both methods resulted in similar recovery yields of motile spermatozoa.
- The sperm’s movement and survival rates significantly improved with BOTH methods, compared to unprocessed ejaculate, without any significant difference between the two centrifugation methods.
- However, they noticed a decrease of 18-20% in sperm yield when using cold-stored semen for centrifugation compared to fresh semen. They also observed more variation between ejaculates when using cold-stored semen.
- Despite the reduced yield with cold-stored semen, they found that sperm motility and sperm survival still improved in the centrifuged preparations compared to stored, unprocessed ejaculates.
Conclusions
- The study concluded that both colloid centrifugation techniques produce the equivalent sperm preparations in terms of sperm quality.
- However, the SLC method would be more convenient and practical for use in real-world applications, such as studfarms, due to its simplicity.
Cite This Article
APA
Morrell JM, Dalin AM, Rodriguez-Martinez H.
(2009).
Comparison of density gradient and single layer centrifugation of stallion spermatozoa: yield, motility and survival.
Equine Vet J, 41(1), 53-58.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516408x322139 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences-SLU, Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Reproduction, Box 7054, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Centrifugation, Density Gradient / methods
- Centrifugation, Density Gradient / veterinary
- Ejaculation
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Population Density
- Semen Preservation / methods
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Specimen Handling / veterinary
- Sperm Count / veterinary
- Sperm Motility / physiology
- Spermatozoa / cytology
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Time Factors
- Tissue and Organ Harvesting / methods
- Tissue and Organ Harvesting / veterinary
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
