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The iSperm is a newly released semen analysis tool from Aidmics Biotechnology Co. LTD, which allows an iPad Mini to be transformed into a handheld microscope with objective semen analysis software for equine available through the Apple Store (version 4.5.2). The aim of this study was to compare iSperm values for sperm motility and sperm concentration to current acceptable methods for semen analysis and to determine the agreement with these methods using statistical methods. Two ejaculates from each of five Standardbred stallions were used to compare sperm motility (computer-assisted semen analysis [CASA] vs. iSperm) and concentration (NucleoCounter SP-100 [NC] vs. hemocytometer vs. iSperm). Data were analyzed by first testing for the differences between the means of each method using a linear mixed-effects model. The agreement between the two continuous measurements for each method was then investigated by computing Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), with a value of 1 indicating perfect agreement between methods. Results are reported as the CCC with the associated 95% confidence interval in parentheses. Means for both total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) were equal between CASA and iSperm values (P = 0.0741 and P = 0.725, respectively). However, means for all velocity measurements were significantly different between CASA and iSperm readings (P < 0.001). For concentration, means were equal between NC and iSperm values (P = 0.748) and for hemocytometer and iSperm values (P = 0.953). The CCC for TM was 0.871 (0.788, 0.923) and for PM was 0.916 (0.847, 0.955) indicating good agreement between methods. Low levels of agreement were observed for all velocity measurements. Finally, the CCC for concentration compared by iSperm and NC was 0.970 (0.949, 0.982) and for iSperm and hemocytometer it was 0.962 (0.934, 0.978), both close to the line of perfect concordance. Although more work is needed to improve the iSperm software for velocity measurements to be acceptable by research standards, in its present form the iSperm will introduce a low-cost and affordable method for on-farm semen analysis (TM, PM, concentration) for breeders and veterinarians. As a result, more farms will have access to accurate sperm analysis tools which will help to standardize semen processing procedures leading to better overall quality of semen used for artificial insemination.

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The objective of this study was to determine the effects of extender osmolality on postthaw sperm quality and fertility in Sauger Sander canadensis. Fresh milt from 10 male Saugers was diluted by using base extenders with osmolalities of 350, 500, or 750 mOsm/kg (E350, E500, and E750, respectively) containing 10% dimethyl sulfoxide, frozen in LN 2 vapor, and stored. Sperm parameters (total motility, progressive motility, velocity, and viability) were assessed at different steps of the cryopreservation process (extended, equilibrated, and postthaw). Fertilization rates were compared between fresh and frozen sperm and at two sperm-to-egg ratios. All of the parameters that were measured, except for progressive motility, were reduced by cryopreservation. Extender 500 yielded the highest postthaw progressive motility (32.20 ± 3.86% [mean ± SD]) and velocity (84.97 ± 16.82 μm/s), whereas both E350 and E500 displayed the highest total motility (65.30 ± 4.24 and 68.70 ± 6.46%) and viability (80.60 ± 4.84 and 78.80 ± 3.91%), respectively. By contrast, E750 yielded the lowest postthaw velocity, viability, and total and progressive motility. Despite the increase in the motility parameters, fertilization in E350 (13.93%) was approximately double that in E500 (6.58%), although not statistically different. In conclusion, traditional isosmotic base extenders (E350) were found to be superior to hypertonic base extenders in the preservation of Sauger milt. These results serve as a starting point for future investigations of cryopreservation potential for Sauger spermatozoa that work toward developing a freezing protocol that is more suitable for large-scale application.