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The relationship between post-thaw sperm DNA integrity and non-return rate among Norwegian cross-bred rams
A B Nordstoga1, A Krogenæs, A Nødtvedt
1Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway. nordstoga@vetinst.no
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene
|August 14, 2012
Summary
Sperm DNA integrity, measured by Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA), showed a significant negative association with non-return rate (NRR) in Norwegian cross-bred rams. Specifically, MEAN DFI and SD DFI parameters were linked to ram fertility outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sperm DNA integrity is crucial for successful reproduction.
- Assessing sperm DNA integrity can potentially predict male fertility in livestock.
- Non-return rate (NRR) is a key indicator of ram fertility in large-scale breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between sperm DNA integrity and non-return rate (NRR) in Norwegian cross-bred rams.
- To determine if specific Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA) parameters can predict ram fertility.
Main Methods:
- Semen from 15 Norwegian cross-bred rams was analyzed using Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA).
- Four SCSA parameters (% DFI, % HDS, MEAN DFI, SD DFI) were measured.
- Associations between SCSA parameters and 25-day NRR from a large-scale breeding program were analyzed using logistic regression.
Main Results:
- No association was found between fertility and % DFI or % HDS.
- MEAN DFI and SD DFI showed a significant negative association with NRR, indicating lower fertility with higher values.
- Intra-individual variations in SCSA parameters did not significantly correlate with NRR.
Conclusions:
- Sperm DNA integrity, particularly MEAN DFI and SD DFI, is associated with ram fertility (NRR).
- Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore the predictive potential of sperm DNA assessments for ram fertility.
