Francoise McPherson

Semen effects on insemination outcomes in sows

Sows (n=1205) were artificially inseminated with semen from single sires (n=166). Semen was previously analysed for sperm concentration, motility, velocity, morphology (using DIC microscopy) and membrane integrity, sperm clump score, temperature on arrival and pH. Percent normal sperm influenced both numbers of pigs born alive (P<0.01) and litter size (P<0.05) which, in turn, was also influenced by abnormal sperm head morphology (P<0.05) and retained distal cytoplasmic droplets (P<0.01). Percent stillbirths were influenced by sperm flagellar beat cross frequency (P<0.05) and semen arrival temperature (P<0.05).

Normal Blood Parameters, Common Diseases and Parasites Affecting Captive Non-human Primates

Non-human primates are kept in captivity as zoological exhibits as well as being used for research purposes and as breeding colonies of endangered species with the aim of eventual release back into the wild. The aim of this review is to collate data obtained for blood parameters for healthy animals as well as common diseases and parasites encountered in captive non-human primates. This information can be used as a reference for veterinarians, researchers and animal care workers working with primates. Comparisons to wild primates are made where appropriate.

Bull breeding soundness, semen evaluation and cattle productivity

The bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) has evolved as a cost-effective veterinary procedure which provides benefits such as risk-reduction and improvements in strategic bull usage, herd fertility and economics. Semen evaluation is an important component of the BBSE when performed appropriately; a consideration that is increasingly addressed by third party andrology laboratories. The combination of competent physical/reproductive exams (including scrotal circumference measurements) and semen evaluations can contribute greatly to the fertility and economics of individual herds as well as adding to understanding of those factors which affect cattle fertility. Despite such advantages, there remain challenges in achieving full acceptance of BBSEs, particularly by the dairy industry and in developing countries.

Genetic aspects of male reproduction

[Extract] Genetic disorders are those caused by abnormalities or defects in genes or chromosomes. Although many genetic disorders are transmitted via parental genes, others are a result of DNA changes or mutations that are not necessarily heritable. Congenital disorders, in contrast, are those that exist at birth (though they may become first evident either earlier or later). These may be caused by a number of factors, including genetic disorders. Howeve1~ they can also be caused by developmental anomalies, infections, the uterine environment, and metabolic, nutritional and toxic factors, in addition to joint genetic environmental and epigenetic influences. Those that are proven to be heritable may be transmitted via single gene (or Mendelian) inheritance, or via complex mechanisms that may involve multiple genes as well as environmental effects. For examples of conditions subject to the former mode of inheritance in cattle, readers are referred to the web site (http://dga.jouy.inra.fr/lgbc/mic2000/).

Characteristics of boar semen stored at different temperatures

Purpose: To evaluate storage and temperature effects on extended boar semen characteristics and fertility outcomes. Methods: Extended semen (143 ejaculates/76 boars) were examined within 1 day of collection and after 4 days storage at 20.4 ± 0.1_C (RT) or 14.7 ± 0.2_C (CT). Fertility data (total, live, mummified, stillborn pigs) was derived from 535 inseminations (sow parity range 1–8) using same-batch semen (41/76 boars) stored at 17°C for 0–4 days at stud. Evaluations included CASA (IVOS) sperm motility (total, progressive, rapid, VCL, VAP, VSL, BCF), sperm clump score (0–3), semen pH and temperature. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA, GLM (stillbirths) and linear regressions (total born and born live) plus chi-square analysis for sow returns and farrowings. Inseminations were performed across four seasons. Results: Initial (receiving) values were: concentration 49.3 ± 1.4 · 106/ml; temperature 18.7 ± 0.2_C; clump score 1.4 ± 0.05; pH 7.45 ± 0.02; motilities: total 57.7 ± 2.4%; progressive 29.3 ± 1.6%; rapid 43.9 ± 2.3%; VCL 154.4 ± 2.8; VAP 75.5 ± 1.6; VSL 43.5 ± 0.9; BCF 33.8 ± 0.3. Both RT and CT storage for 4 days resulted in a rise in pH (7.7 ± 0.02; p < 0.01) and similar (p < 0.01) declines in a number of motility parameters (total, progressive, rapid and BCF) as well as for VSL (p < 0.05). For CT, declines also occurred in VCL and VAP (both p < 0.01). Clump score was not influenced by storage time or temperature. The proportion of sows farrowing vs. returns was similar for semen stored for 1, 2 or 3+ days. However, storage time and season interacted with litter size (p < 0.05), as did storage time, dam line, and parity with % stillborn (both p < 0.01). Total sperm motility positively influenced % live pigs and both total and progressive motility negatively influenced % stillborn (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Storage of extended semen for 4 days at approximately 15 or 20°C resulted in similar decreases in CASA sperm motility assessments. Overall fertility was not influenced by storage time (0–4 days at 17°C). Despite this, sperm motility measures (total and progressive) influenced % live pigs and % stillborn and storage time interacted with both season and sow factors re. litter size and % stillborn. This research was made possible by financial assistance from Pork CRC Australia.