The immunological sperm separation method is economical compared to the existing sorting method, and it is promising for the development of new technologies by reducing sperm damage. Wholemom (WM) is a sex-regulating protein that comprises on immunoglobulin G coupled with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) that responds to surface proteins derived from the Y chromosome in cattle. Y sperms are restricted in motility as the WM aggregates them, and the magnet could separate the non-aggregated cells. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of WM treatment on the characteristics of bull sperm. After treating sperm with WM and incubation for 6 h, the motility parameters including total motility, progressive motility, velocity average path, velocity straight line, amplitude of lateral head displacement, and linearity were significantly higher in the WM treatment group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Sperm viability and acrosome reaction rates were similar in both groups during each incubation period (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the immunological sperm sexing procedure using a monoclonal antibody conjugated with MNPs did not affect the characteristics of bull sperm. This study suggests that compared to other techniques, the immunological method for sperm sexing could classify sperm quickly and efficiently without the use of expensive equipment.

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION
MATERIALS AND METHODS
RESULTS
DISCUSSION
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES

• So-Yeon Jo(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)
• Yong Hwangbo(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)
• Sang-Hee Lee(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)
• Hee-Tae Cheong(College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea)
• Dong-Ku Kim(Nuriscience Inc, Seoul 05053, Korea)
• Choon-Keun Park(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, Korea) Corresponding author