Sperm-cell volumetric measurements as parameters in bull semen function evaluation: correlation with nonreturn rate

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Sperm Analysis

Background:

• Sperm-cell volume measurement provides insights into plasma membrane integrity and osmotic reactivity.
• Electronic volume measurement is an advanced technique modifying the hypo-osmotic swelling test.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between electronic sperm-cell volume parameters and non-return rates (NRR) in bull ejaculates.
• To assess the correlation of volumetric parameters with seminal plasma osmolality and ion concentrations.
• To determine if volumetric parameters enhance the prediction of ejaculate quality.

Main Methods:

• Application of electronic volume measurement to bull ejaculates.
• Analysis of correlations between volumetric parameters, seminal plasma osmolality, sodium and potassium ion concentrations, and NRR.
• Inclusion of volumetric parameters in multiple regression models to predict NRR.

Main Results:

• Significant correlations were observed between volumetric parameters, conventional spermatological parameters, and NRR.
• Relative volume shift correlated significantly with motility before and after thawing (P < 0.05).
• NRR showed significant correlation with iso-osmotic cell volume (-0.49; P < 0.05) and relative volume shift (0.51; P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Electronic volume measurement is a valuable tool for precise and rapid evaluation of sperm population quality.
• Incorporating iso-osmotic cell volume into regression models significantly improves the prediction of fertility outcomes.
• This method aids in more accurate assessment of bull ejaculate quality for improved reproductive success.