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Aspartate aminotransferase in ejaculates of Manchego and Merino rams after minimal and maximal sperm damage

C Borque1, A Ayllón

  • 1Area Reproducción Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología, INIA, Crta La Coruña, Km 5.9, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Theriogenology
|October 15, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity in ram seminal plasma increased with sperm damage. Breed, month, and individual ram significantly influenced AAT levels, highlighting factors affecting enzyme activity in sheep semen.

Area of Science:

  • Animal Science
  • Biochemistry
  • Reproductive Biology

Background:

  • Semen quality is crucial for animal reproduction.
  • Enzymes in seminal plasma can indicate sperm health.
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) is an enzyme found in seminal plasma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of sperm cell damage on aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity in Manchega and Merina rams.
  • To determine the influence of breed, ram individuality, and month on AAT activity.

Main Methods:

  • Semen samples from Manchega and Merina rams were subjected to minimal and maximal sperm cell damage.
  • Seminal plasma was analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to assess the significance of breed, ram, month, and treatment effects.

Main Results:

  • Maximal sperm damage significantly increased AAT activity in both breeds (P < 0.01).
  • AAT activity varied significantly between months (P < 0.01) and individual rams (P < 0.01).
  • Breed significantly affected AAT activity under both minimal and maximal damage conditions (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Sperm cell damage elevates aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity in ram seminal plasma.
  • Breed, ram individuality, and seasonal variations (month) are significant factors influencing AAT activity in sheep semen.
  • These findings contribute to understanding biochemical markers of sperm health in rams.

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