Sources of spermatozoa loss during collection and artificial insemination of horses.

The research primarily studied the loss of spermatozoa (sperm cells) during the collection and artificial insemination process in horses. The findings showed that there is an average cumulative loss of about 14.2% of total ejaculated sperm cells, with roughly half of the loss attributed to collection and another half to artificial insemination. The largest source of sperm loss was found to be what remains in the insemination pipette after the process is completed.

Sources of Spermatozoa Loss

• The study established that there are several points during the collection and artificial insemination process where spermatozoal losses occur. These include losses during the dismount stage (187.6 million spermatozoa), losses in the gel fraction (179.8 million spermatozoa), and losses in the collection receptacle (136.1 million spermatozoa).
• Additionally, some spermatozoa losses were noted in the centrifuge tube used in the process (25.8 million spermatozoa). Losses were also witnessed during the air removal process from the artificial insemination pipette (90.9 million spermatozoa).
• The study found that the highest amount of loss occurs from spermatozoa remaining in the artificial insemination pipette after the insemination process is completed, amounting to about 342.9 million spermatozoa. This represented the greatest source of loss.

Average Cumulative Loss

• The research indicates that the average cumulative loss of spermatozoa amounts to approximately 14.2% of the total spermatozoa ejaculated.
• This loss is approximately split in half between the process of semen collection and the process of artificial insemination. Thus, both processes contribute significantly to spermatozoa loss.
• The results of this study highlight the need to consider these sources of loss when preparing insemination doses, as well as the importance of refining procedures and tools to minimize spermatozoa loss during both collection and artificial insemination stages.