Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental process for the long-term conservation of livestock genetic resources. Yet, the packaging method has been shown, among other factors, to affect the frozen-thawed (FT) sperm quality. This study aimed to develop a new mini-straw for sperm cryopreservation. In addition, the kinematic patterns, viability, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of boar spermatozoa frozen in the developed 0.25 mL straw, 0.25 mL (minitube, Germany), or 0.5 mL (IMV technologies, France) straws were assessed. Postthaw kinematic parameters were not different (experiment 1: total motility (33.89%, 32.42%), progressive motility (19.13%, 19.09%), curvilinear velocity (42.32, 42.86), and average path velocity (33.40, 33.62) for minitube and the developed straws, respectively. Further, the viability (38.56%, 34.03%), acrosome integrity (53.38%, 48.88%), MMP (42.32%, 36.71%) of spermatozoa frozen using both straw were not differ statistically (p > 0.05). In experiment two, the quality parameters for semen frozen in the developed straw were compared with the 0.5 mL IMV straw. The total motility (41.26%, 39.1%), progressive motility (24.62%, 23.25%), curvilinear velocity (46.44, 48.25), and average path velocity (37.98, 39.12), respectively, for IMV and the developed straw, did not differ statistically. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the viability (39.60%, 33.17%), acrosome integrity (46.23%, 43.23%), and MMP (39.66, 32.51) for IMV and the developed straw, respectively. These results validate the safety and efficiency of the developed straw and highlight its great potential for clinical application. Moreover, both 0.25 mL and 0.5 mL straws fit the present protocol for cryopreservation of boar spermatozoa.

The acrosome cap allows sperm to penetrate the egg membrane and produce male pronuclei within female chicken eggs, facilitating successful fertilization. Given this, it is important to establish practical methods for evaluating the integrity of the acrosome cap and thus the quality of the rooster’s sperm. There are several established methods for evaluating the acrosomes of mammalian sperm, but none of these methods are suitable for evaluating the acrosome status of rooster spermatozoa. Therefore, a simplified method for evaluating the rooster acrosome is needed. Here we evaluated the usefulness of CBB (coomassie brilliant blue) staining of the acrosome at concentrations of 0.04%, 0.08%, and 0.3% CBB solutions. Our data revealed a clear staining pattern for intact acrosome caps at 0.04% and 0.08% CBB but not at 0.3% CBB. This protocol revealed differences in acrosome integrity between fresh and frozen rooster sperm smears suggesting that CBB staining may facilitate easier semen evaluation in roosters. This protocol allows for the accurate differential staining of acrosome cap in rooster spermatozoa.

The aims of this study were to measure the ultrasonographic biometry of genitalia of the indigenous rams and observe the relationship of biometry on semen parameters. The epididymal volume was significantly reduced (p < 0.01) after semen collection compared with before collection for both left and right part in all rams. The cumulative results showed that although there was no significant difference in length, width and volume of epididymis between before and after semen collection, however the values were lower after collection. The epididymal length was significantly correlated with epididymal volume (p < 0.01), semen motility (p < 0.05) and semen morphology (p < 0.01). Epididymal width was only significantly correlated with epididymal volume (p < 0.01) not with the semen parameters. Epididymal volume had a significant correlation only with semen morphology (p < 0.01).The scrotal circumference had the significant correlation with semen density, mass activity, concentration and motility (p < 0.01). The epididymis had the similar or slightly increased echogenicity as compared to the normal testis. During whole study, some white spots were found on testis which did not affect the semen quantity and quality. Significant variation was observed only for semen concentration and motility among the rams (p < 0.05). The overall normal morphology was 90.5 ± 4.6% with highest percentage of coiled tail abnormalities.

In the present study, we examined the effect of different lecithin concentrations on spermatozoa characteristics after freeze-thawing. Hanwoo semen was collected from one bull and divided into five groups (tris-citric acid semen extender with 0, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5% lecithin groups as well as a 20% egg yolk group). Semen extender with 20% egg yolk was used as control treatment. After the freeze-thawing of semen, spermatozoa motility, motility parameters, viability, acrosomal membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, and plasma membrane integrity were examined. In experiment 1, the effect of different lecithin concentrations on spermatozoa motility and associated parameters was examined. The 0.1% lecithin-treated spermatozoa showed greater fast progressive motility (%) in addition to higher VCL (μm/s), VSL (μm/s), and VAP (μm/s) when compared to other lecithin concentration groups and controls. In experiment 2, the effect of different lecithin concentrations on spermatozoa viability was examined. The 0.1% and 0.25% lecithin addition groups (55.4±7.3 and 51.7±11.2%) exhibited similar viability compared to the control group (54.1±12.6%). In experiment 3, the effects of different lecithin concentrations on viability, acrosomal membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane integrity of spermatozoa were examined. The percentage of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome and high mitochondrial membrane potential in the 0.1% lecithin group was not significantly different compared to the control group (31.2±13.3 vs. 30.5±10.9%). In experiment 4, the effect of different lecithin concentrations on the plasma membrane integrity of spermatozoa was examined. The percentage of spermatozoa with a normal plasma membrane was similar between the 0.1% lecithin and control groups (31.2±13.3 vs. 30.5±10.9%). In conclusion, we suggest that semen extender supplemented with 0.1% lecithin can replace 20% egg yolk without reducing spermatozoa quality.

The objective of this study was to establish a selection process for high quality sperm in bovine semen using sperm separation by magnetic activation (MACS). For this, semen from 21 Nellore bulls was collected using an artificial vagina. To guarantee the presence of pathologies in the ejaculate, animals previously declassified in four consecutive spermiogram were used. Semen was analyzed in five statuses: (1) fresh semen (fresh); (2) density gradient centrifugation (DGC), percoll column; (3) non-apoptotic fraction after separation by MACS (MAC); (4) apoptotic fraction from the separation (MACPOOR); and (5) MAC followed by DGC (MACDGC). Using a computerized analysis system (CASA), motility was measured. The sperm morphology was evaluated by phase contrast, and the supravital test was completed with eosin/nigrosin staining. For DGC, 20 × 106 cells were used in a gradient of 90% and 45% percoll. MACS used 10 × 106 cells with 20 μL of nanoparticles attached to annexin V, and filtered through the MiniMACS magnetic separation column. Membrane integrity was assessed with SYBR-14/IP and mitochondrial potential with JC-1 by flow cytometry. Processing sperm by MACDGC, was more effective in obtaining samples with high quality sperm, verified by the total of abnormalities in the samples: 35.04 ± 2.29%, 21.50 ± 1.47%, 17.30 ± 1.10%, 30.68 ± 1.94% and 10.50 ± 1.46%, respectively for fresh, DGC, MAC, MACPOOR, and MACDGC. The subpopulation of non-apoptotic sperm had a high number of live cells (82.65%), membrane integrity (56.60%) and mitochondrial potential (83.98%) (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that this nanotechnological method, that uses nanoparticles, is efficient in the production of high-quality semen samples for assisted reproduction procedures in cattle.

Cryopreservation is a widely-used efficient means of long-term sperm preservation. However, unlike other types of semen, cryopreserved boar semen has reduced fertility and the efforts continue to optimize post-thawing sperm recovery. In this study, we evaluated the effects of various washing solutions (Hulsen solution, labmade DPBS and commercial DPBS) on post-thawing porcine sperm kinematics (CASA system), viability (SYBR-14/PI) and acrosome integrity (PSA/FITC). We also examined the effect of washing-centrifugation on frozen-thawed semen kinematics. The results indicate that type of washing solution and post-thawing centrifugation alters parameters linked to sperm quality (total motility, progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity). Significantly higher (p < 0.05) motility and progressive motility were obtained when cryopreserved semen was processed with Hulsen solution. The postthaw percentage of live and intact acrosomal sperm was significantly higher in group 1 (Hulsen solution) as compared to other groups. Following thawing-centrifugation, the results showed significantly higher motility and progressive motility in group 1 than other groups. However, the latter two DPBS groups did not differ statistically. Taken together, Frozen-thawed spermatozoa motility, acrosome integrity and viability can be affected by the type of washing solution used. Moreover, centrifugation of frozenthawed semen has an unfavorable effect on total motility and progressive motility.

1. 말레이시아는 젖소 유전자원 개선을 위해 다수의 가축 사육 프로젝트를 지원해오고 있다. 그러나 소비자의 유제품 수요가 빠르게 늘어나는 상황에서 이를 충족시키기 위해 유전자 원과 유제품을 수입에 의존하고 있는 상황이다. 2. 이는 낙농산업 분야에서의 낮은 젖소 번식능력과 개체 수, 비구조화된 번식체계, 수입의존 유전자원, 수익성 있는 낙농산업 모델 부재, 현대적인 유전육종기술 한계에 기인한다고 볼 수 있다. 3. 말레이시아는 향후 정책지원을 통해 낙농산업의 효율성 향상을 진행할 것으로 전망되며, 이러한 상황 속에서 우리나라의 우수한 낙농 유전자원 수출을 위해서는 현지 낙농산업 현황과 검역절차에 대한 이해가 필요하다. 4. 말레이시아 젖소정액 검역 통관을 위해서는 포괄적인 검역조건 대응으로 협의를 통한 검역조건 간소화가 필요하며, 수출 지속성 제고를 위해 국제협력사업과의 연계, 현지 에이전트 발굴을 통한 적극적인 참여 유도, 한류 등을 활용한 현지 홍보활동 방안이 있다.

1. 농촌진흥청 연구과제를 통해 국내 젖소 정액의 수출여건 조사를 제공하고자 우간다 낙농 유전자원 및 인공수정 현황과 수출사례를 통해 국내 젖소 정액의 수출여건 대응 향상 방안을 제시하였다. 2. 우간다의 농업분야는 가용노동력의 70%, GDP의 약 24%를 차지하고 있을 만큼 GDP와 고용측면에 있어 경제의 핵심부문이며 그 중 낙농산업은 축산분야 중 높은 성장률을 보이고 있다. 그러나 동물유전자원과 관련된 전반적인 업무를 총괄하는 국립동물유전자원센터는 수입 유전자원을 정액 형태로 농가에 보급하는 수준에 그치고 있다. 3. 한국은 열악한 기후조건에도 불구하고 세계 3위권의 마리당 일일 우유 생산량을 기록하여 낙농 유전자원의 우수성을 증명하고 있다. 인공수정을 통한 품종 개량 시 유생산 우수 젖소를 효율적으로 확보할 수 있으며, 우간다 농민은 한국 젖소 정액을 활용하여 평균 유량이 어미 소의 2배인 딸소를 생 산하였다. 4. 우간다에 한국 젖소정액 수출은 양국 정부와 여러 관련 기관들의 협조 하에 이루어졌으며 그 과정에서 발생하였던 내용을 토대로 한국 젖소정액의 수출 진입장벽 해소를 위한 방안을 제시하였다.

The pregnancy rate in indigenous ewes inseminated with frozen-thawed Suffolk semen following natural and synchronized estrus was determined. The serum Progesterone and Estrogen concentration and vaginal electrical resistance (VER) of ewes at the time of Artificial Insemination (AI) were observed as successful pregnancy determinants. 21 healthy ewes were selected for this experiment during January-April, 2017. 10 ewes were inseminated in natural estrus. Whereas, 11 ewes were inseminated after estrus synchronization using intravaginal sponges containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate. Trans-cervical Al (TCAI) was performed in all ewes within 12-16 hours of observed heat. Prostaglandin E1 analogue impregnated vaginal sponge was used for cervical relaxation 6-8 hours before insemination. Pregnancy was diagnosed through trans-abdominal ultrasonography after 40 days of AI. The pregnancy rate of ewes in synchronized estrus was higher (54.5%) than in natural estrus (30%). Higher serum Progesterone level (0.90 ± 0.02 ng/mL) and significantly (p < 0.001) lower VER (257.78 ± 10.11 ohm) were observed at the time of AI in ewes becoming pregnant. Results suggest that higher Progesterone concentration and lower VER could be considered as pregnancy indicators. Oestrous synchronization could be implemented to increase the pregnancy rate in ewes.

The study was conducted to evaluate the seminal attributes and cryo-banking of Achhami (Bos indicus) bull semen. Of two Achhami bulls, 8 ejaculates from each bull were evaluated for seminal attributes. For semen freezing and cryo-banking, 4 ejaculates (having ≥2 mL semen volume, ≥75% of sperm motility and ≥1,000 × 106 cells/mL of sperm concentration) from each bull were used. Semen samples were diluted in egg-yolk-tris-citrate extender using a two-step dilution protocol, and were frozen in liquid nitrogen (LN2) vapour in a styrofoam box. The mean semen volume, colour, sperm mass activity, motility, viability, concentration, abnormal acrosome, midpiece and tail and, abnormal head of two Achhami bulls were 4.4 ± 0.5 mL vs. 2.5 ± 0.2 mL, 2.5 ± 0.1 vs. 2.4 ± 0.1, 3.5 ± 0.1 vs. 3.5 ± 0.1, 77.0 ± 1.1% vs. 78.3 ± 1.3%, 94.4 ± 0.5% vs. 91.0 ± 0.6%, 1137.7 ± 73.7 × 106 cells/mL vs. 1060.0 ± 44.3 × 106 cells/mL, 10.2 ± 0.5% vs. 10.3 ± 0.5% and 6.7 ± 0.5% vs. 8.2 ± 0.3%, respectively. The post-thawed sperm motility and viability were 53.0 ± 2.0% vs. 50.0 ± 0.0% and 80.2 ± 0.4% vs. 73.2 ± 0.7%, while evaluating by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system, the percentage of the progressive motility, fast motility, slow motility, local motility and immotile sperm were 75%, 68%, 7.4%, 16.6% and 8.6%, respectively. A total number of 620 doses semen straw were cryo-banked. Due to the acceptable post-thawed sperm motility and viability recorded, cryopreservation of Achhami semen is hereby recommended so as to preserve the Achhami breed. For further validation, the fertility will be observed from the produced frozen semen.

Sexed sperm can contribute to increase the profitability of the cow industry through the production of offspring of the craved sex, such as males for meat or females for dairy production. Therefore, the utilization of sexed sperms plays a very important role in the production of offspring of superior cattle. In this study, we examined the pregnancy rates and calves sexing proportion of male and female calves produced using AI, both performed using sexed and conventional sperm. In the result, the conception rates after ET were 73.3% (33/45) sexed semen and 52% (55/104) conventional semen. Thus, the sex ratio for sexed-semen inseminations was 70% (21/30) females for singleton births within a 272 to 292 day gestation interval. The sex ratio for conventional semen was 61% (34/56) females for births. As a result, it is suggested that the use of sex classification sperm will play a very important role in the offspring production of Korean bovine.

This study was conducted to find out the effect that κ-Carrageenan has on the properties of dog sperm when it was added to the cryoprotectant. Extender basically was contained 1.21 g Trizma base, 0.67 g citric acid, 0.4 g glucose, 0.03 g penicillin G, 0.05 g streptomycin sulfate. Extender1 was added with 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.5% carrageenan, while extender2 was supplemented with glycerol. After freezing-thawing, the motility, viability, acrosome integrity, apoptosis, and ROS (reactive oxygen specifications) of sperm were measured to analyze the effects of the supplementation of carrageenan. Total Motile (TM), Rapid Progressive Motile (RPM), Medium Progressive Motile (MPM), and Immotile were measured through the CASA system after thawing in 37 degree water. Extender with 0.2% κ-carrageenan (64.26 ± 0.49) was significantly higher than control (40.24 ± 8.27) (p < 0.05). RPMs of extender with 0.1%, 0.2% κ-carrageenan (57.64 ± 6.34, 56.47 ± 1.35) were significantly higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Acrosome integrity was measured by dyeing to PSA-FITC with an epifluorescence microscope. Normal acrosome ratio of extender with 0.5% κ-carrageenan (61 ± 8.03) was higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). Apoptosis was measured with a FACSCalibur flow cytometer using FITC (FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit). Treated groups of κ-carrageenan of 0.1% (0.81 ± 0.05), 0.2% (0.85 ± 0.05) were significantly higer (p < 0.05) than control. Modified SYBR/PI staining was used for determination of viability and DCF staining was used for evaluation of ROS. Viability and ROS were not significantly different from other groups. In conclusion, adding a certain concentration of carrageenan to the extender of cryopreservation, carrageenan contributes to the improvement of the sperm motility, acrosome integrity and prevention of apoptosis.

본 연구는 Canada에서 수입한 동결정액으로 인공수정된 모돈의 번식성적을 조사하여 동결정액을 이용한 인공수정(동결정액 인공수정)의 효율을 개선할 수 있는 통찰력을 얻기 위해 수행되었다. 이를 위해 A(GGP) 농장에서 2016년 5월과 9월 사이 총 626회의 동결정액 인공수정과 B(GGP) 농장에서 2015년부터 2017년 기간 동안 수행한 총 2,429 동결정액 인공수정의 결과 기록을 분석하였다. A종 돈장에서 동결정액을 썼을 때 총산자수 및 실산자수는 9월 보다 5월에 높았다(p<0.05). B종돈장의 분만율, 총산자수 및 실산자수는 조사연도 간에 차이가 없었다. A종돈장 결과와 B종돈장 결과를 통합하여 분석했을 때, 분만율은 A종돈장이 높았으나(p<0.01) 총산자수와 실산자수는 두 종돈장간에 차이가 없었고, 동결정액 인공수정을 했을 때가 액상정액 인공수정을 했을 때보다 낮았다(동결정액:액상정액 인공수정에 대한 총산자수와 실산자수는 각각 10.9±0.3:13.4±0.1두 및 10.0±0.3:12.0±0.1두 이었음; p<0.01). 결론적으로, 이상의 결과는 동결정액 인공수정이 액상정액 인공수정보다 번식 효율이 낮긴 하지만 연중 적절한 시기에 동결정액 인공수정을 실시하면 번식 효율이 증가될 수도 있음을 시사한다.

ZAR1은 척추동물의 초기 배아 발달에 영향을 미치는 유전자로 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 두록 수퇘지 112두에서 ZAR1 유전자의 SNP을 발굴하고 ZAR1 유전자의 인트론 Single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)과 정액의 운동학적 특성들과의 연관성을 규명하였다. 돼지의 정액 운동학적 특성을 분석하기 위해서 운동성(motility, MOT), 직선운동 속도(straight-line velocity, VSL), 곡선운동 속도(curvilinear velocity, VCL), 평균운동 속도(average path velocity, VAP), 직진성(linearity, LIN), 선형성(straightness, STR), 측두 이동거리(amplitude of lateral head displacement, ALH) 및 머리 진동수(beat cross frequency, BCF)를 측정 하였다. SNP을 탐색하기 위해서 돼지의 혈액에서 genomic DNA를 추출하여 PCR(polymerase chain reaction)을 통해 시퀀싱 분석을 하여 유전자형을 분석하였다. 그 결과 ZAR1의 non-coding 영역인 인트론에서 SNP 3개를 확인 했으며 각 각 인트론 2 영역에서 g.2435T>C, 인트론3 영역에서 g.2605G>A, g.4633A>C 변이를 보였다. g.2435T>C, g.2605G>A는 각 각 MOT(p<0.01)와 VSL(p< 0.05)에서 높은 연관성을 나타냈고 g.4633A>C는 MOT, VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH에서 높은 연관성을 나타냈다(p<0.01). 본 연구 에서는 ZAR1 유전자의 SNP이 돼지 정액의 운동학적 특성들에 영향을 미치는 것으로 나타났다. 이러한 결과는 ZAR1이 우수한 수퇘지들에서 번식능력이 높은 개체를 선발할 수 있는 후보유전자로 제시하며 다양한 돼지의 품종과 더 많은 두수를 확보하여 검증연구를 통해 우수한 능력의 수퇘지에서 활력이 좋은 개체를 선발하는 분자마커 연구의 기초자료로 사용이 가능하다.

This study was conducted to analyze the specific genes associated with sex-determination in semen of Korean Native cow. Male fertility is dependent upon the successful perpetuation of spermatogenesis that is a highly organized process of germ cell differentiation occurring within the seminiferous tubules in the testis. The highly organized spermatogenesis requires accurate, spatial and temporal regulation of gene expression governed by transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic processes. Recently, the farmers have been interesting in the male or female of calves in the their farm. In first, we analyzed the semen supplied from Hanwoo Improvement Center, NongHyup. The sperm motility in Hanwoo was decreased approximately 10 % in the 30 min after sex-determinant reagent. However, Holstein' sperm motility was decreased to 60-70% after 15 min and the motility was considerably decreased to 20-30 % after 30 min. Next, we analyzed the sperm specific expression genes both male- and female reagents treated-group. The real-time PCR results suggest that the selected genes (GIMP4, TMEFF1, RAC2, ABI2, RAC1, and CLUS) were highly expressed in the group treated with the male reagent compared to female reagent treated group and untreated-group. In the present study, although X or Y gene is play a key role in the sex-determination of mammalian, we suggest that the selected genes may be involved in the sex-determination.

Cryopreservation of boar semen is continually researched in reproductive technologies and genetic resource banking in breed conservation. For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility (MOT) is an important parameter because the movement of spermatozoa indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Recently, polymorphisms reported to be significant association with sperm MOT. This study was conducted to evaluate the SNP in the coding region of ESR1 (g.672C>T inexon 1) as a positional controlling for motility and kinematic characteristics of post-thawed boar semen. To results,The g.672C>T was significantly associated with frozen semen motility and kinematic characteristics. g.158 T>C SNP was high significantly associated with MOT, VCL, VSL and VAP Also, the SNP was low significantly associated with ALH.Therefore, we suggest that theSNP in the coding region of ESR1 (g.672C>T in exon 1) may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar Post-thawed semen quality.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the concentration of seminal plasma in aerobic and anaerobic conditions on the total motility(TM) and the progressive motility(PM) of spermatozoa in long term preservation of cooled equine semen. We also examine the pregnancy rates after artificial insemination using fresh, cooled or frozen semen, and different durations of cooled-preserved equine semen. In the aerobic state of cooledpreserved semen, As the increase of preserved duration to 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h, TM tended to decrease in each of different concentrations of formalin-containing experimental group, TM tended to decrease regardless of the concentrations of SP. In different concentrations of SP, TM of without seminal plasma(SP W/O) group tended to be higher than that of SP 20%, SP 33% and SP 50%, especially TM of SP W/O group was significantly higher than other groups at 96 h (p<0.05). PM was higher in the groups of SP W/O and SP 20% than in the groups of SP 33% and SP 50% from 24 h to 72 h in cooled-preservation, especially PM of SP W/O group was significantly higher than other groups at 96 h (p<0.05). In the anaerobic condition of cooled-preserved semen, the results of TM and PM at different concentrations of SP were similar to the results in the aerobic condition although there was a difference in the ratio. The pregnancy rates of fresh-cooled, cooled-preserved and frozen semen were 66.3%, 60.7% and 34.5%, respectively, and the pregnancy rate of frozen semen was the lowest. We also found that it is possible to pregnancy after artificial insemination using 72 h cooled-preserved equine semen. There was similar of the pregnancy rates in the different month from April to August.

This study was to investigate effect of tunicamycin (TM) on sperm viability, mitochondrial activity and motility in boar semen. Collected sperm were incubated with semen extender containing 0, 1, 2, and 5 μM TM for 3, 6 and 9 h. Sperm viability was analyzed using SYBR14/PI doubling staining, and mitochondrial activity was detected using Rhodamine123/PI staining methods. Sperm viability, mitochondrial activity and motility were measured every 3 h during incubation. In results, boar sperm viability, mitochondrial activity and motility were significantly decreased in 2 and 5 μM TM groups compare to control group at all incubation time (p<0.05). In addition, mitochondrial activity and motility were significantly decreased in 1, 2, and 5 μM TM groups compare to control group at 9 h after incubation (p<0.05). These results suggest that TM can inhibit sperm viability, mitochondrial activity and motility in boar semen, and it may influence on the fertility of sperm.