The effect of nocturnal sampling on semen quality and the efficiency of collection in bovine species

Abstract

This study evaluated night and day semen collection regimes in Holstein and Brahman bulls (four bulls of each breed) that were collected weekly, each during a morning and a night collection. Ejaculates (n=64) were obtained via artificial vagina over 4 weeks. The first collection of each week alternated between night and day. Two collection teams were employed. Bull behavior parameters included reaction time to first mount, time to ejaculation, a refractory period test, and a thrust intensity test. The numbers of interruptions were counted as a managerial parameter. Pre-freeze semen parameters included total volume, initial motility and concentration. Post-freeze semen parameters measured were: 0- and 3-h post-thaw motility; percent intact acrosomes; and percent sperm abnormalities. Data were analyzed by least squares methods. The bull within breed effect differed (P<0.05) for behavior parameters. The bull within breed effect for total motile sperm harvested was not significant. The bull within breed response was mixed for post-freeze semen viability parameters. Bull within breed was not significant for sperm abnormalities. The night versus day treatment was significant for the managerial parameter (P=0.002). Although a different collection schedule for Bos indicus cattle was not warranted, the efficiency of the collection process was affected by extraneous environmental conditions.

Influence of Semen Collector on Semen Characteristics of Murrah Buffalo and Crossbred Bulls

“…The findings of the present study are in consonance with the finding of Waltl et al (2006), who reported that collection team had significantly (p<0.05) influenced ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, percentage of viable spermatozoa in the ejaculate, total spermatozoa per ejaculate; whereas Mathevon et al (1998) and Yates et al (2003) showed significant effect of collection team on ejaculate volume and total number of cells produced. On contrary Mathevon et al (1998) reported that collection team did not have a significant effect on concentration and motility of the sperm.…”

Effect of nocturnal collection of semen on its quality parameters in mithun

“…Similarly, CASA parameters such as FPM, TM, VSL, STR, ALH and BCF (P=0.05) differed non-significantly between two groups of semen collection in mithun (Table 2). Similar observation was reported by Yates (2002) in Holstein and Brahman bulls. Based on the results, it was confirmed that night collection is not necessary to get higher quality semen because nonsignificant difference was observed between the day and nocturnal semen collection in mithun.…”

Preservation of Simmental bull sperm at 0°C in Tris dilution: effect of dilution ratio and long-distance transport

“…The semen used in this study was obtained from China Dingxin Seed Technology Co. Six Simmental aged 2 to 3 years were selected, and semen was collected from each bull using a sham vagina according to the protocol described by Yates et al [ 6 ]. Six bulls and 16 ejaculations of semen were collected, and the samples were evenly split into two portions.…”