Seminal plasma affects sperm sex sorting in boars

Area of Science:

• Animal Reproduction
• Sperm Sorting Technology
• Reproductive Biotechnology

Background:

• Optimizing boar semen processing for sex-sorted sperm is crucial for efficient artificial insemination programs.
• Understanding the impact of pre-sorting conditions, such as holding time and seminal plasma presence, is essential for maximizing sperm viability and sorting accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of holding time (24 hours) and seminal plasma (SP) concentration on boar sperm sortability.
• To assess the impact of these factors on the storage capacity of sex-sorted boar spermatozoa.

Main Methods:

• Boar ejaculates were divided into aliquots with varying SP concentrations (0%, 10%, 50%) and either processed immediately or after 24-hour storage at 15-17°C.
• Sperm sortability was assessed by analyzing X- and Y-chromosome-bearing sperm peaks and sorting efficiency.
• Quality and functionality of sex-sorted sperm were evaluated after liquid storage (0, 72, 120 hours).

Main Results:

• Holding time of 24 hours did not negatively affect sex sorting efficiency or the storage ability of sorted sperm.
• Semen samples with lower SP proportions (0-10%) exhibited better sperm peak definition and higher sorting efficiency compared to samples with 50% SP.
• Neither holding time nor SP proportion influenced the viability, motility, membrane fluidity, or reactive oxygen species generation of stored sex-sorted sperm.

Conclusions:

• A 24-hour holding period before sorting is feasible and does not compromise boar sperm sex sorting or post-storage viability.
• Reducing seminal plasma concentration to 10% or less before sorting significantly improves sorting efficiency.
• While high seminal plasma levels reduce sorting efficiency, they do not impair the subsequent liquid storage potential of sex-sorted boar spermatozoa.