Flow cytometric analysis of viability of bull sperm cells

Fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide double fluorescence labeling of animal sperm cells in combination with 55 degrees C treatment for 15 min was used to monitor the viability and heat tolerance of sperm cells by flow cytometry. The applicability of the elaborated test to detect fertility differences has been shown on sperm samples obtained from bulls of known fertility values. According to preliminary examinations the method seems to be suitable to test the fertility of other male animals, too. The simplicity of the relatively quick procedure may provide a new screening method to qualify male animals before using their semen for large scale artificial insemination.