Comparative scanning electron microscope study of boar, bull and ram spermatozoa

The comparative ultrastructure of ejaculated boar, bull and ram spermatozoa is studied by scanning electron microscopy. After washing, the spermatozoa are fixed in glutaraldehyde or im picric acid-formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde mixture. Samples are prepared either by critical point drying (Freon) on Millipore filters or by air drying on glass cover slips. In all the species studied, three regions may be distinguished in the paddle-shaped head of the sperm: an anterior segment (surrounded by the marginal thickening) and an equatorial segment constituting together the acrosome, and the postacrosomal region. Most of the feature of the postacrosomal lamina described in transmission electron microscopy are visible through the plasma membrane, particularly after air drying. The surface morphology of the neck and of the different segments of the flagellum is also evident. Some species differences are encountered, e.g. rough surface of acrosome and absence of serrations in postacrosomal lamina of boar spermatozoa only. The techniques employed result in good general morphology and fine resolution of surface detail of the sperm samples; they also permit analysis of spermatozoa treated by freezing or submitted to acrosomal extraction.