Effect of Body Weight, Age and Breeding History on Canine Sperm Quality Parameters Measured by the Hamilton‐Thorne Analyser

Abstract

During the last decade, several computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) systems have been validated for canine sperm quality assessment. Regarding the impressive possibilities of these systems, further research is required to determine which CASA measurements are of clinical importance in canine andrology. In the present study, the sperm quality parameters obtained by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser (Ceros 12.1; HTR) were correlated with the body weight and the age of the dogs. Moreover, the sperm quality parameters of dogs with a different breeding history were compared. The sperm-rich fraction was collected from 111 dogs of 50 different breeds, which were presented at our department. Immediately after collection, the concentration, the total sperm output (TSO) and 13 different sperm motility and velocity characteristics were measured by the HTR. The percentage of live spermatozoa and the spermatozoal morphology were examined on eosin/nigrosin stained smears. Based on their breeding history, the dogs were divided in three groups: 'fertile' (n = 60), 'subfertile' (n = 17) or 'not used for breeding' (n = 34). Significant (p < 0.05) correlations were established between the body weight of the dogs and the TSO (r = 0.245) and velocity curvilinear (VCL; r = -0.220), respectively. The age was negatively correlated with the percentage of normal spermatozoa (r = -0.203; p < 0.05). The correlations with all the other evaluated sperm parameters were low and not significant. Significant differences between the 'fertile' and the 'subfertile' group were found for all of the evaluated sperm quality parameters (except for BCF, LIN, STR and MEDIUM). In conclusion, dogs tend to produce ejaculates with a lower percentage of normal spermatozoa with increasing age and dogs with higher body weights produce ejaculates with a higher TSO and a lower VCL. Significantly poorer sperm characteristics were found for dogs with lower in vivo fertility results.

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

“…In the infertile dogs, sperm concentration, percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology, and the majority of most of the evaluated motility parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in fertile dogs. The results were in agreement with those reported by Rijselaere et al (20) and Niżański et al (16). They have found, that almost all of the evaluated sperm characteristics was significantly poorer in dogs with lower fertility.…”

“…However, there are only few studies on the relationship between sperm characteristics assessed by CASA and fertility in dogs. Rijsselaere et al (20), and Niżański et al (16) have found significant differences between fertile and subfertile dogs in most of the sperm parameters assessed by CASA. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate semen quality parameters in infertile dogs by the Hamilton-Thorne Semen Analyser.…”

“…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). CASA systems were successfully used for comparing different sperm extenders for chilling and cryopreservation of dog sperm (7,15,23,25,26), and for assessing the effect of various additives on motility of frozen-thawed dog semen (12,23).…”

Seasonal variation in sperm characteristics of boars in southern Uruguay

“…Possible fluctuations in seminal quality are associated with factors such as breed (Rijsselaere et al, 2007), age (Stone et al, 2013), seasonality (Chemineau et al, 2008;Zhang et al, 2013), temperature (Thonneau et al, 1998), photoperiod (Mazzarri et al, 1970;Kozdrowski and Dubiel, 2004), and other factors of different etiology. All of these factors require careful control to attain the best semen quality for artificial insemination.…”

Semen characteristics and selected biochemical markers of canine seminal plasma in various seasons of the year

“…The remaining motility parameters evaluated in the CASA system are difficult to interpret. According to the literature, motility parameters, excluding BCF, LIN and STR, are significantly correlated with fertility in dogs (Rijsselaere et al 2007). The threshold values of VAP, VSL and VCL, which are indicative of low and high levels of fertility in dogs, have not yet been clearly defined.…”