A comparison of bovine seminal quality assessments using different viewing chambers with a computer-assisted semen analyzer1

Abstract

Computer-assisted sperm analysis of fresh and frozen-thawed bovine sperm requires proper handling and preparation, and the type of slide used in the assessment is critical if the resultant data are to be useful quality control measurements. In the present study, 4 different slide viewing chambers, a Makler chamber, a clean slide-coverslip, or a 2- or 4-cell chamber Leja slide, were compared with assess their utility in providing reliable measurements of sperm motility variables. A Hamilton-Thorne IVOS Computer-Assisted Semen Analyzer (CASA) was the instrument used to determine sperm measurements utilizing the 4 different chambers. Fifty-eight different freeze batches of bovine semen that had been collected from 47 bulls at 7 sites that sex-sort sperm using Sexing Technologies sorting criteria were incorporated into the trial. Neither the percentage of motile sperm nor the percentage of progressively motile sperm differed for the Makler chamber vs. slide-coverslip comparisons. Similarly, total and progressively motile sperm did not differ between the 2- and 4-cell chambered Leja slides. However, total and progressive motility of sperm determined with the Makler chamber and slide-coverslip were greater (P< 0.0001) than motilities recorded by the 2- or 4-cell chambered Leja slides. Based on the results, the type of viewing chamber can affect the range of sperm motility values when CASA is used for quality control evaluations of thawed, cryopreserved sex-sorted sperm samples.

Kinetic Motilities of Cryopreserved Bull Spermatozoa: Owing to the Effect of <i>Eurycoma longifolia</i> Jack Aqueous Extract

“…The highest quality of semen is indicated by high sperm general motility, VAP and VSL movement of sperm cells (Lenz et al, 2011;Ibănescu et al, 2016). To the best our knowledge, this is the first study that investigated the effect of EL aqueous extract added to tris-based egg yolk diluent on sperm kinetic motilities of frozen-thawed bull semen.…”

Influence of chamber type integrated with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system on the results of boar semen evaluation

“…Sperm motility results obtained with CASA are dependent on many factors (see Amann and Waberski 2014) including some CASA system settings and preparation of semen samples for analysis (Rijsselaere et al 2003, Contri et al 2010, Broekhuijse et al 2011. A considerable effect, which has received particular attention recently, can be exerted by the type of counting chamber, which was reported in humans (Le Lannou et al 1992) and in some species of animals (Iguer-Ouada and Verstegen 2001, Massányi et al 2008, Contri et al 2010, Lenz et al 2011, Hoogewijs et al 2012, Gloria et al 2013, Palacín et al 2013). The present study demonstrates that chamber type influences sperm concentration results and sperm motility parameters obtained with CASA also in the case of boar semen.…”

“…The possibility of using different chambers may hinder the identification and quantification of factors potentially affecting CASA outcomes, and there is also a need to harmonize and standardize laboratory procedures used during CASA assessment for each species (Rijsselaere et al 2003, Broekhuijse et al 2011, Gloria et al 2013. In a previous research, the effect of the type of chamber used has been studied both in man (Le Lannou et al 1992) and in some animal species such as bulls (Contri et al 2010, Lenz et al 2011, Gloria et al 2013, rams (Palacín et al 2013), horses (Hoogewijs et al 2012), rabbits (Massányi et al 2008) and dogs (Iguer-Ouada and Verstegen 2001). However, little is known about the effect of different chambers designed for CASA analysis on the sperm concentration and especially on kinetic evaluation of boar spermatozoa.…”

Proper use and impact of ‘Computer Assisted Semen Analysis’ technique on semen evaluation of farm animals

“…may affect sperm motility. Increased sperm motility has been observed in the middle of the chamber, than at its edges, due to passive movement of dead and immotile spermatozoa to the outer area of the coverslip (Lenz et al, 2011). Variations may also occur when different chambers are used.…”

“…Variations may also occur when different chambers are used. Lenz et al (2011) evaluated sexsorted frozen thawed bull semen and reported that approx. 25% more total and progressive motility in Makler chamber or common slides with coverslips compared to Leja slides; however, they recorded no differences between Makler and common slides with coverslips.…”