Effect of incorrect storage of bull semen samples on sperm morphology assessment

Allan Gunn; Mark Baker

doi:10.58292/ct.v16.9972

Allan Gunn School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Health, and the Gulbali Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
Mark Baker Priority Research Centre, School of Environmental and Life sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/ct.v16.9972

Keywords: Bull sperm, tertiary morphological abnormalities, detached heads

Abstract

Thirteen pairs of bull semen samples were assessed. One of each pair of samples was inadvertently stored in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) that was used for analysis of motility immediately after collection. Other sample of the pair that was correctly stored in buffered formol saline (BFS) was assessed later. Proportion of morphologically normal sperm was different (p = 0.0021) between the 2 storage methods. Most of the abnormalities in the PBS samples were loose and detached heads. Closer examination of these sperm illustrated changes in the composition of the tail, with an apparent loss of the plasma membrane. This serendipitous error allowed documentation of the importance of correct storage of semen samples for morphological assessment of sperm, and the tertiary defects detected with the incorrect storage of semen samples in semen extender. Tertiary defects should always be considered a possibility during morphological assessment of sperm via spermiogram.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

1. Kaya A, Birler S, Enwall L, et al: Determinants of sperm morphology. In: Chenoweth PJ, Lorton SP: editors. Animal Andrology Theories and applications. Wallingford, Oxfordhshire, UK; CABI: 2014. p. 34–56.

2. Barth AD, Oko RJ: Abnormal morphology of bovine spermatozoa. Ames, Iowa; Iowa State University Press: 1989.

3. Barth AD. Bull Breeding Soundness. 3rd edition, Sakatoon, Sakatchewan, Canada; Western Canadian Association of Bovine Practitioners: 2013.

4. Ostermeier GC, Sargeant GA, Yandell BS, et al: Relationship of bull fertility to sperm nuclear shape. J Androl 2001;22:595–603. doi: 10.1002/j.1939-4640.2001.tb02219.x

5. Enciso M, Cisale H, Johnston SD, et al: Major morphological sperm abnormalities in the bull are related to sperm DNA damage. Theriogenology 2011;76:23–32. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.12.034

6. Carson RL, Wenzel JG: Observations using the new bull-breeding soundness evaluation forms in adult and young bulls. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 1997;13:305–311. doi: 10.1016/S0749-0720(15)30343-1

7. Brito LFC. Applied Andrology in Cattle (Bos taurus). 1st edition, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England, UK; CABI: 2014.

8. Beggs DS: Veterinary Bull Breeding Soundness. Eight Mile Plains, QLD, Australia; Australian Cattle Veterinarians; Australian Veterinary Association Ltd: 2013.