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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
Published on: November 29, 2018
Rotation of Boar Semen Doses During Storage Affects Sperm Quality
M Schulze1, K Rüdiger1, D Waberski2
1Institute for the Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow Inc., Bernau, Germany.
Abstract:
It is common practice to rotate boar semen doses during storage for prevention of sperm sedimentation. In this study, the effect of rotation of boar semen doses during storage on sperm quality was investigated. Manual turning twice daily and automatic rotation five times per hour resulted in the following effects: alkalinization of the BTS-extender, loss of membrane integrity at day 3, and loss of motility and changes in sperm kinematics during a thermoresistance test at day 5. Using a pH-stabilized variant of BTS extender, sperm motility and velocity decreased in continuously rotated samples, whereas membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity remain unaffected. It is concluded that rotation of semen samples adversely affects sperm quality and, therefore, should no longer be recommended for AI practice.
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