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Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation
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Sperm Collection of Differential Quality Using Density Gradient Centrifugation

Published on: November 29, 2018

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Low density Porcicoll separates spermatozoa from bacteria and retains sperm quality

F Martínez-Pastor1, E Lacalle2, S Martínez-Martínez3

  • 1INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.

Theriogenology
|February 21, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Physical separation using Porcicoll colloids effectively removes bacteria from boar semen. This method improves sperm quality during storage compared to traditional antibiotic use, offering a viable alternative for semen preservation.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Reproduction
  • Microbiology
  • Sperm Preservation

Background:

  • Antibiotics in semen extenders control bacterial growth but risk antibiotic resistance.
  • Physical separation of spermatozoa from bacteria presents an alternative approach.
  • Contamination of boar semen with bacteria is a significant concern in artificial insemination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of two low-density Porcicoll concentrations (20% and 30%) for bacterial removal from boar semen.
  • To assess the impact of Porcicoll centrifugation on sperm recovery rates.
  • To determine the effect of Porcicoll treatment on boar sperm quality during storage.

Main Methods:

  • Boar semen ejaculates were processed using 20% Porcicoll (P20) and 30% Porcicoll (P30) via colloid centrifugation.
  • Microbiological and sperm quality analyses (computer-assisted sperm analysis, flow cytometry) were performed immediately and after 3 and 7 days of storage.
  • Control samples without Porcicoll treatment were used for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Both P20 and P30 significantly reduced or eliminated contaminating bacteria, primarily environmental, gut, or skin-derived microbes.
  • Sperm recovery rates were 86% for P20 and 81% for P30.
  • Sperm quality was not negatively impacted by Porcicoll centrifugation, and colloid-treated samples showed slower deterioration than controls, likely due to reduced bacterial load.

Conclusions:

  • Low-density Porcicoll centrifugation is an effective method for controlling bacterial contamination in boar semen.
  • This physical separation technique maintains sperm quality and offers a promising alternative to antibiotic use in semen extenders.
  • No significant differences in sperm quality were observed between the 20% and 30% Porcicoll treatments.
Keywords:
BacteriospermiaBoar semenEnvironmental contaminantsSilane-coated silica colloidsSingle layer centrifguation

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