Defining an Optimal Range of Centrifugation Parameters for Canine Semen Processing

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Reproductive Biology
• Animal Science

Background:

• Canine semen processing for artificial insemination requires optimal centrifugation parameters.
• Understanding the impact of centrifugation force and duration on semen quality is crucial for successful reproductive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine clinically relevant centrifugation parameters (gravitational force and time) for processing canine semen.
• To evaluate the effect of different centrifugation settings on spermatozoa recovery rate and semen quality, including plasma membrane integrity, motility, and morphology.
• To assess the long-term effects of semen processing and cooling on sperm quality.

Main Methods:

• Semen from 14 healthy dogs was processed using six centrifugation groups (400, 720, 900 g for 5 or 10 min).
• Spermatozoa recovery rate (RR) was calculated post-centrifugation.
• Plasma membrane integrity, total and progressive motility, and morphology were assessed at multiple time points (T0, T1, T2, T3) before and after cooling.

Main Results:

• Spermatozoa recovery rates were consistently high (>98%) and not significantly different across centrifugation groups.
• Plasma membrane integrity and motility declined significantly during cooling, but these effects were independent of centrifugation parameters.
• Centrifugation parameters did not significantly impact semen quality metrics at any assessed time point.

Conclusions:

• Centrifugation settings ranging from 400 g to 900 g for 5 to 10 minutes are appropriate for processing canine semen.
• The chosen centrifugation parameters do not adversely affect canine sperm quality during processing or subsequent cooling.
• Cooling poses a greater challenge to canine sperm quality than the tested centrifugation protocols.