Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis in Dogs and Cats: An Update after 20 Years

Abstract

Contents In dogs and cats, computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) was originally described almost 20 years ago. Subsequently, numerous CASA systems were validated and used for various applications in dogs and to a lesser extent in cats. CASA systems offer an accurate, rapid, objective and simultaneous assessment of different semen parameters allowing the visualization of subtle changes in sperm characteristics, which cannot be identified by conventional semen analysis. The main problems of these computerized measuring devices are the relatively high investment costs and the need for standardization and validation before any practical use is possible. In comparison with automated motility and concentration assessment, automated morphometry and morphology assessment is more complex and time‐consuming. Once validated, CASA systems can be routinely used in veterinary centres for assessment of fertility and for the improvement of sperm diluters, cooling and cryopreservation procedures in dogs and cats. Furthermore, information obtained by CASA systems could also be important when monitoring for example the effect of environmental stress on spermatozoa and for toxicity studies. In cats, CASA is less documented, and most studies describe the characteristics of epididymal sperm, which is frequently used for in vitro fertilization in cats. Implementation of the CASA technique in cat reproduction could be interesting to further optimize assisted reproductive techniques in domestic cats and endangered wild felids.

Effects of Rapid Cooling Prior to Freezing on the Quality of Canine Cryopreserved Spermatozoa

“…The results for the sperm quality after thawing, in terms of the motility and viability in all of the experimental groups were relatively high, adequate for artificial insemination and comparable with those reported recently in other studies performed in frozen-thawed canine semen using the Uppsala method [25,26,27]. In addition, we did not observe differences among the groups in the quality of the movement parameters VCL, LIN and ALH, which have been described as indicators of a hyperactivated motility pattern and a pre-capacitation status [28]. Therefore, we suggest that use of the rapid cooling rate did not induce a hyperactivation sperm motility pattern after thawing in comparison with the control cooling rate.…”

Comparative Cytotoxicity and Sperm Motility Using a Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis System (CASA) for Isomers of Phthalic Acid, a Common Final Metabolite of Phthalates

“…Several reports described methods of sample preparation and analysis for assessing sperm motility in lab animals (Klinefelter et al, 1991;Toth et al, 1991;Chapin et al, 1992;Slott et al, 1993;Seed et al, 1996;Rijsselaere et al, 2012;Schleh and Leoni, 2013;Kummer et al, 2013). CASA systems enable analysis of large numbers of sperm in a short period, and provide multiple parameters of sperm motion.…”

Assessment of semen quality in infertile dogs using computer-assisted sperm analysis by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser

“…However, the variability of results obtained with the use of traditional methods of semen assessment is high (7,18). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system allows an accurate and objective assessment of different semen parameters such as concentration, total and progressive motility, and different velocity parameters (21,26). The technical settings for dog semen were standardised, and reference values for fertile dogs were provided (9,20,26).…”