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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

Seminal plasma effects on sex-sorting bovine sperm.

C A Burroughs¹, J K Graham, R W Lenz

¹Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

|December 19, 2012

Summary

Removing seminal plasma from bovine sperm during flow cytometry sorting improved live-orientation and sort rates. Storing sperm without seminal plasma enhanced post-thaw motility, crucial for artificial insemination success.

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

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Published on: November 29, 2018

Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice

Collection of Post-mating Semen from the Female Reproductive Tract and Measurement of Semen Liquefaction in Mice

Published on: November 18, 2017

Area of Science:

Reproductive Biology
Animal Science
Flow Cytometry

Background:

Sex sorting bovine sperm using flow cytometry is vital for efficient cattle breeding.
Seminal plasma composition and storage conditions can influence sperm viability and sorting accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate how seminal plasma content affects sex sorting efficacy in bovine sperm.
To evaluate the impact of storage duration and seminal plasma presence on sperm quality post-sorting.

Main Methods:

Bovine sperm were processed with varying concentrations of homologous and heterologous seminal plasma, or bovine serum albumin (BSA).
Sperm were stained with Hoechst 33342 and analyzed via flow cytometry for live-orientation, X sort rate, and membrane integrity.
Effects of 8-hour storage with or without seminal plasma on sperm motility and membrane integrity were assessed.

Main Results:

Lower seminal plasma concentrations (0%) during sorting increased live-oriented sperm percentages and X sort rates.
Variability in seminal plasma from different bulls impacted sperm membrane integrity.
Storage without seminal plasma improved post-thaw motility but increased membrane-impaired sperm during sorting.

Conclusions:

Optimizing seminal plasma levels during flow cytometry sex sorting is critical for improving sperm sorting efficiency.
Seminal plasma removal during sorting and storage without seminal plasma can enhance sperm quality for artificial insemination.