Evaluation of stallion semen.
Abstract: This article outlines a basic method for conducting a stallion semen evaluation. After the removal of the gel fraction of the ejaculate, semen gel-free volume is determined, and any abnormality in appearance is noted. Concentration of sperm cells in semen can be determined with the use of either a hemacytometer or spectrophotometer after appropriate dilution of raw semen. The percentage of progressively motile sperm is evaluated promptly after collection of semen with the use of a phase-contrast microscope. The total numbers of sperm and progressively motile sperm in the ejaculate are calculated. The determination of seminal pH and the classification of sperm morphologic features are additional seminal characteristics evaluated during a semen evaluation. Sperm motion characteristics can be further evaluated with the use of computerized sperm image analysis systems and may add additional information concerning the quality of ejaculated sperm. Unfortunately, no single seminal characteristic has in itself been shown to be highly correlated with fertility, although various seminal characteristics are known to affect fertility. Therefore, to properly interpret the fertility of a semen sample, a complete and thorough semen evaluation must be performed.
Publication Date: 1992-04-01 PubMed ID: 1576546DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30471-6Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article presents a standard procedure for evaluating the semen of a stallion. Various factors like the volume, concentration, and motility of the sperm, along with the pH and morphological characteristics of the semen are assessed in this process to determine fertility.
Method of Evaluation
The article describes a multi-step process to assess stallion semen:
- Semen Collection: The initial procedure involves collecting the semen and removing the gel fraction of the ejaculate. The volume of the gel-free semen is then determined and any visible abnormalities in its appearance are noted.
- Sperm Concentration: The concentration of sperm cells in the semen is determined by diluting the raw semen and then measuring the concentration using a hemacytometer or a spectrophotometer.
- Sperm Motility: The percentage of sperm that are progressively motile, meaning they move in a straight line rather than in circles, is evaluated immediately after collecting the semen using a phase-contrast microscope. The total number of sperm and the number of progressively motile sperm are then calculated. This is an important measure of the fecundity of the semen.
- pH determination: This procedure determines the pH of the semen. The pH level is important since an overly acidic or alkaline environment can harm the sperm and impede their mobility.
- Sperm Morphological Classification: The physical characteristics of the sperm are classified. This involves examining the sperm under a microscope to identify any structural abnormalities which can affect fertility.
Use of Computerized Sperm Image Analysis Systems
The article also highlights that computerized sperm image analysis systems can be used for a more comprehensive evaluation of sperm motion characteristics. This technology can provide more detailed information concerning the quality of ejaculated sperm.
Understanding Fertility
The author points out that no standalone seminal characteristic has proven to highly correlate with fertility, but a combination of these characteristics can provide insights into a stallion’s fertility. Therefore, to interpret and predict the fertility of a semen sample accurately, a thorough and complete semen evaluation must be carried out.
Cite This Article
APA
Jasko DJ.
(1992).
Evaluation of stallion semen.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 8(1), 129-148.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30471-6 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fertility
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
- Male
- Semen / chemistry
- Semen / cytology
- Sperm Motility
- Spermatozoa / ultrastructure
References
This article includes 52 references
Citations
This article has been cited 6 times.- Waheed MM, Meligy A, Alhaider AK, Ghoneim IM. Relation of seminal plasma trace mineral in the Arabian stallion's semen with the semen characteristics and subsequent fertility. Heliyon 2022 Oct;8(10):e11128.
- Suárez-Trujillo A, Kandula H, Kumar J, Devi A, Shirley L, Thirumalaraju P, Kanakasabapathy MK, Shafiee H, Hart L. Validation of a smartphone-based device to measure concentration, motility, and morphology in swine ejaculates. Transl Anim Sci 2022 Oct;6(4):txac119.
- Quiñones-Pérez C, Martínez A, Ortiz I, Crespo F, Vega-Pla JL. The Semen Microbiome and Semen Parameters in Healthy Stallions. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 22;12(5).
- Kandiel MMM, El Khawagah ARM. Evaluation of semen characteristics, oxidative stress, and biochemical indices in Arabian horses of different ages during the hot summer season. Iran J Vet Res 2018 Fall;19(4):270-275.
- Carossino M, Dini P, Kalbfleisch TS, Loynachan AT, Canisso IF, Shuck KM, Timoney PJ, Cook RF, Balasuriya UBR. Downregulation of MicroRNA eca-mir-128 in Seminal Exosomes and Enhanced Expression of CXCL16 in the Stallion Reproductive Tract Are Associated with Long-Term Persistence of Equine Arteritis Virus. J Virol 2018 May 1;92(9).
- Katila T. In vitro evaluation of frozen-thawed stallion semen: a review. Acta Vet Scand 2001;42(2):199-217.
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