Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

Sperm Structure and Semen Composition

During ejaculation, males release around 2-5 milliliters of semen, which is a complex mixture of mature sperm and various fluids produced by accessory glands. The mature sperm cells measure approximately 60 micrometers in length and consist of a head, neck, midpiece, and tail. The head is flattened and tapered, measuring about 4 to 5 micrometers in length. It contains a nucleus with condensed chromosomes and an acrosome, a cap-like structure filled with enzymes essential for penetrating the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Treatment of luteal phase mares with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole does not change characteristics of the estrous cycle, ovarian function, and embryo characteristics.

Research in veterinary science·2025

Same author

Development of a 3D in vitro model to study corpus luteum of felids based on luteinized cells from antral follicles.

Cell and tissue research·2024

Same author

Assessment of fetal development during mid and late term pregnancies by standard B-Mode ultrasonography in Shetland ponies.

Journal of equine veterinary science·2024

Same author

In mares resistant to endometrial infection, periovulatory treatment with ecbolic drugs does not influence uterine clearance or luteal development.

Animal reproduction science·2024

Same author

Tumor necrosis factor-α is transferred to equine neonates via colostrum but is not associated with their health status.

Research in veterinary science·2024

Same author

Involvement of somatotrophic hormones in the postpartum regulation of ovarian activity in mares.

Domestic animal endocrinology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Cryopreservation of Zebrafish Spermatogonia by Whole Testes Needle Immersed Ultra-Rapid Cooling

Cryopreservation of Zebrafish Spermatogonia by Whole Testes Needle Immersed Ultra-Rapid Cooling

Published on: March 4, 2018

Recent advances in cooled-semen technology.

Christine Aurich¹

¹Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Sciences, Neustadt (Dosse), Germany. christine.aurich@vu-wien.ac.at

Animal Reproduction Science

|June 6, 2008

Summary

Optimizing cooled-stored semen in stallions involves careful collection, processing with milk-based extenders, and shipping at 5°C. These methods maintain sperm quality and fertility for equine breeding programs.

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Animal Science
Veterinary Medicine

Background:

Artificial insemination is widely used in horse breeding, with cooled-stored semen technology offering significant benefits.
Maintaining semen quality after cooled storage is crucial for stallion fertility, but challenges remain.
Limited research exists on the impact of dietary supplementation (antioxidants, polyunsaturated fatty acids) on stallion semen quality.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and highlight key factors influencing stallion semen quality during cooled storage.
To discuss optimal semen collection, processing, and storage techniques for equine reproduction.

Main Methods:

Semen collection via minimal sexual stimulation with a single mount to ensure high sperm concentration and low contamination.

More Related Videos

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

Published on: December 19, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Cryopreservation of Zebrafish Spermatogonia by Whole Testes Needle Immersed Ultra-Rapid Cooling

Cryopreservation of Zebrafish Spermatogonia by Whole Testes Needle Immersed Ultra-Rapid Cooling

Published on: March 4, 2018

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Fish Sperm Assessment Using Software and Cooling Devices

Published on: July 28, 2018

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

A Simple Microaspiration Technique for Isolating Somatic Cells from Cryopreserved Equine Semen as Nuclear Donors for Cloning

Published on: December 19, 2025

Processing using milk-based semen extenders, with a focus on defined extenders for consistent quality.

Storage and shipping at 5°C, evaluating semen motility, membrane integrity, and DNA integrity.

Main Results:

Proper semen collection and handling are paramount for maintaining quality during cooled storage.
Milk-based extenders contribute to consistent semen processing and storage.
Storage at 5°C effectively preserves semen motility, membrane, and DNA integrity for up to 40 hours.

Conclusions:

Optimized semen collection, processing with defined extenders, and controlled cooling/shipping are essential for successful equine artificial insemination.
Further research into dietary supplementation for stallions could enhance cooled-semen technology.