Motility is one of the most important characteristics associated with the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa and is an expression of their viability and structural integrity. Computer-assisted semen analyser (CASA) provides precise and accurate information on different sperm motion characteristics. This article reviews various aspects of computer-aided motility analysis of bull sperm like sample preparation, standardization of instrument settings, importance of various motility parameters evaluated by the system and its impact on basic functional studies of spermatozoa. It gives special emphasis to various aspects of bull sperm motion analysis especially sub-populations of spermatozoa, hyper-activation, motion characteristic in different genetic and age groups, etc. and their utility in predicting the fertility of dairy bulls. The need to fill the gap in research and the necessity of universal standardization of the equipment has been discussed.

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Aim : The study was undertaken to quantify and to analyze the changes in the motion characteristics of bull spermatozoa during various stages of cryopreservation cycle. Materials and Methods: Using computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) technique, 26 ejaculates, collected from two Jersey bulls were analyzed for motility, head behaviour and swimming pattern of spermatozoa on dilution, pre-freeze and post-thaw stages of cryopreservation. French straw technique was employed for deep-freezing of semen using liquid nitrogen.O Results: Equilibration of diluted semen at 5 C has significantly (P< 0.01) reduced sperm motility, progressive motility, path velocity, and progressive velocity. Beat cross frequency was also affected significantly (P<0.05) by equilibration. Freezing and thawing processes drastically affected all the motility, velocity and head behaviour characteristics (P< 0.01). Conclusion: CASA facilitate objective evaluation sperm motion characteristics. Adoption of CASA technique has the potential for improvements in evaluation of semen thereby the quality of frozen semen for fertility can be enhanced.

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1. White Leghorn hens were artificially inseminated twice weekly with undiluted semen or semen diluted (1:3) in Tris buffer, pH 6.8 or saline solution (9 g NaCl/l); with or without pre-insemination douching of the vagina with a solution of ampicillin. 2. Pre-insemination douching reduced the bacterial load of the vagina, resulting in an improvement in fertility and hatchability, with a proportionate reduction in the embryonic mortality. 3. The fertilising and hatching abilities of saline-diluted semen were comparable with those of undiluted semen. 4. Dilution of semen with Tris buffer significantly reduced fertility, but not hatchability.