Abnormal morphology of vervet monkey sperm

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Primatology

Background:

• Sperm morphology is crucial for reproductive success.
• Understanding sperm abnormalities in non-human primates is important for conservation and research.
• Vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) are a relevant model species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare sperm morphology, specifically focusing on abnormalities, between colony-bred and wild-caught vervet monkeys.
• To identify any significant differences in sperm morphology between the two groups.
• To assess the variability of sperm abnormalities within individuals.

Main Methods:

• Ejaculates from 14 colony-bred and 14 wild-caught adult male vervet monkeys were collected.
• Sperm samples were examined microscopically for morphologically abnormal sperm.
• Rates of specific abnormalities, including head and tail defects, were quantified and compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Sperm head abnormalities were infrequent in both groups (0.01-0.29%).
• Tail abnormalities were predominant, with bent midpieces and coiled/folded tails occurring at higher rates (3.79-17.18%).
• No significant differences in overall sperm abnormality rates were observed between colony-bred and wild-caught vervet monkeys, except for the nipple acrosome.

Conclusions:

• Sperm tail abnormalities are common in vervet monkeys, regardless of their origin (colony-bred vs. wild-caught).
• The high variability in consecutive ejaculates suggests dynamic factors influencing sperm morphology.
• Further research is needed to understand the etiological factors behind these specific tail abnormalities.