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Some Factors Affecting the Quality of Liquid Semen Used in Cattle Artificial Insemination

M. M. U. Bhuiyan
Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh - 2202, Bangladesh

M. Shamsuddin
Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh - 2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

To determine the effects of dilution, transportation and preservation periods on the quality of chilled semen used for artificial insemination ( AI ), 5 cross-bred bulls of District Al Centre, Mymensingh, Bangladesh were included in two experiments during January to December 1996. In experiment I, the phase contrast microscopy of formol saline fixed semen revealed that the proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail was significantly (P < 0.01) lower (73.4 %) in diluted semen than that in fresh one ( 84.2 % ). The data indicate the detrimental effects of dilution of semen for AI on sperm morphology. In experiment 2, paired insemination doses from AI centre and sub-centre were evaluated for sperm motility, total motile spermatozoa per dose and proportion of normal spermatozoa for 3 consecutive days in 2 to 3 replicates from each of 4 bulls. The motility and total motile spermatozoa per dose dropped after transportation; the fall in sperm motility was significant ( P < 0.05 ). Whether or not the semen was transported, the motility and total motile spermatozoa per Al dose decreased consistently with increasing preservation period ( P < 0.05); however, the difference between Day I and Day 2 was not significant ( Day I = day of semen collection ). This may be due to inconsistent chilling temperature during transportation and preservation. Live bacteria were consistently found in semen on day 2 and Day 3 of preservation indicating compromised hygienic practice during semen collection, processing and / or preservation.

Keywords: Quality, Liquid Semen, Cattle, Insemination

Location: Mymensingh district

Start Date: 00-01-1996

End Date: 00-12-1996

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Cattle

Objectives:

To determine the possible effects of semen processing on sperm morphology and the effects of transportation and preservation period of liquid semen on the quality of an insemination dose.

Methodology:

The present study was conducted at one Al Centre and two AI sub-centres of Mymensingh district of Bangladesh during the period from January to December 1996. Five cross-bred bulls, aged between 5 to 14.5 years, routinely used in Al were included in this study. The bulls were found apparently healthy and free from any significant abnormalities. The bulls used to be vaccinated against Anthrax, Haemorrhagic septicaemia, Black quarter and Foot and mouth disease. If the bulls suffered from any clinical illness, semen collection was postponed until recovery. Semen was collected at homosexual mount using artificial vagina ( A V ). The collected ejaculates once proved satisfactory with regard to the volume, colour, density, mass activity and sperm motility were processed for preservation at chilling temperature ( 4 to 7⁰C ). Egg yolk-citrate was used as extender. According to the AI Centre, individual AI doses ( 1 ml) contained 20 x 10⁶ actively motile spermatozoa. Only the semen showing 2: 50 % motility after dilution was selected and preserved in individual AI doses. The AI doses in vials were placed in a perforated sponge and the sponge was taken into a thermoflask containing ice for transportation to different AI sub-centres and points. The semen carrier used bus, baby-taxi and / or train for transportation. At AI Sub-centres and points, semen was preserved usually for 2 days either in a refrigerator or within the ice-containing thermoflask. evaluation was made by two examiners following a blind technique and the average score was recorded. The sperm concentration was determined by using haemocytometer. The total number of motile spermatozoa per insemination dose was calculated by multiplying the unit sperm concentration with the percent motility. In order to evaluate the acrosome, midpiece and tail of spermatozoa, semen samples were fixed in buffered formol saline. At least 200 spermatozoa from individual samples were examined using phase contrast optics ( x 1000 ). Experiment I determined the effects of dilution of semen on the proportion of normal spermatozoa with regard to acrosome, midpiece and tail. This was done in formol saline fixed paired semen samples taken immediately before and after dilution monthly from individual bulls. The difference in the proportion of normal spermatozoa between samples collected before and after dilution was tested for significance by using a paired 't' test. Experiment 2 was designed to determine the effects of transportation, and of preservation period on the quality of an insemination dose. Paired insemination doses from AI Centre ( without transportation) and sub-centre ( after transportation of about 30 km ) were brought daily for 3 consecutive days (Day I = day of semen collection ) to the laboratory at the Department of Surgery and Obstetrics; the conditions during transportation from AI Centre and sub-centre to the laboratory remained identical. The semen carriers and the vehicles were selected at random for transportation of semen from the AI Centre to the sub-centre; the conditions for transportation and preservation remained consistent. Two to three replicates from each of 4 bulls were examined for sperm motility, total number of motile spermatozoa per insemination dose and for the proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosomes midpieces and tails. The differences in motility of Day I semen between the District AI Centre and sub-centre, and between days of preservation were tested for significance by using the Sign test; other data were analyzed by the procedures GLM. In general, the proportion and discrete data were transformed, respectively, by using arcsine and log transformation to near normality before being analyzed by the procedure GLM or ANOVA.

Source of Information: Bangladesh Vet. J. (1998). 32 (3-4) : 112 - 117,ISSN-0030-9915

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The preserved chilled ( 4 to 7 °c ) semen retains good proportion of normal, motile spermatozoa for 2 days at the District Al Centre but not after transportation to the sub- centre /points, and that the presence of too many live bacteria in an AI dose is alarming. Frequent monitoring of the production, preservation and distribution channel for bull semen would help identifying the points where the hygiene and technical details could otherwise be compromised.

Knowledge Management: Journal