Progressive motility - a potential predictive parameter for semen fertilization capacity in bovines

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science
• Spermatozoa Function

Background:

• Sperm progressive motility is crucial for fertilization.
• Assessing bovine ejaculates for in vitro fertilization (IVF) competence requires reliable indicators.
• The relationship between sperm motility and fertilization capacity needs further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between sperm progressive motility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) competence in bovine ejaculates.
• To compare the IVF outcomes of bull ejaculates with high versus low progressive motility.
• To identify specific sperm parameters associated with motility and IVF success.

Main Methods:

• Computerized sperm quality analysis to assess progressive motility in bovine ejaculates.
• Comparison of ejaculates with high progressive motility (HPM; >81%) and low progressive motility (LPM).
• In vitro fertilization (IVF) assays using cryopreserved semen, evaluating embryo cleavage and blastocyst development.

Main Results:

• High progressive motility (HPM) ejaculates showed significantly higher rates of embryo cleavage and blastocyst development compared to low progressive motility (LPM) ejaculates (P < 0.05).
• LPM ejaculates had a higher proportion of abnormal sperm morphology, particularly bent tails (P < 0.05).
• Mitochondrial membrane potential was higher in HPM semen, and seminal plasma zinc concentration correlated with progressive motility.

Conclusions:

• Sperm progressive motility is positively associated with in vitro fertilization (IVF) competence in bovine ejaculates.
• While progressive motility is a significant factor, further research is needed to confirm its predictive value for in vivo fertilization capacity.
• Sperm morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential are additional indicators linked to motility and IVF outcomes.