Special Issue "Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation"

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Animal Reproduction".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2022.

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Anna Dziekońska
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Animal Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury, Oczapowskiego 5, 10-718 Olsztyn, Poland
Interests: animal reproduction; sperm quality; liquid storage; cryopreservation; membrane integrity; antioxidants; energy metabolism; proteomic
Dr. Agnieszka Partyka
E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Reproduction and Clinic of Farm Animals, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, pl. Grunwaldzki 49, 50-366 Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: animal reproduction; andrology; sperm quality assessment; flow cytometry; CASA system; semen cryopreservation; antioxidants

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The scope of this Special Issue concerns one of the assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs), which have been developing very dynamically in recent years and are becoming more and more effective. ARTs include, among others, the storage of gametes and embryos, in vitro fertilization (IVF), artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET). The storage of gametes, especially sperm, is a commonly used method in the reproduction of farm, companion and working animals, as well as wild-living ones. The choice of the preferred sperm preservation method (liquid or frozen state) is species-determined. Therefore, the improvement of sperm preservation methods requires taking into account species differences and the influence of various factors, e.g., the temperature and time of storage or type of diluent used. Sperm cryopreservation (ejaculated and epididymal) allows for the long-term preservation of valuable genetic material for reproductive purposes. The evaluation of the quality of preserved sperm requires the use of a wide spectrum of laboratory analyses (including computer-assisted, fluorescent or proteomic analyses). The use of an appropriate preservation procedure allows sperm to maintain fertilizing ability, which is predicted by the results of laboratory analyses and confirmed by studies with their use in vitro and in AI procedures.

 

We particularly welcome manuscripts that present new technological solutions for the improvement of sperm preservation methods and show new possibilities for using various laboratory analyses to predict the fertilizing potential of preserved sperm. We hope this issue will provide new insights into the progress made in the preservation of various animal species’ semen.


Dr. Anna Dziekońska
Dr. Agnieszka Partyka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • semen preservation
  • liquid state
  • cryopreservation
  • semen quality
  • fertility
  • assisted reproductive technologies
  • energy metabolism
  • antioxidants
  • proteomic

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

Article
A High Incidence of Sperm with Cytoplasmic Droplets Affects the Response to Bicarbonate in Preserved Boar Semen
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092570 - 31 Aug 2021
Abstract
Retained cytoplasmic droplets (CD) are the most frequent sperm abnormality in boar semen. A high incidence of CD is associated with subfertility, but the underlaying reasons are not well understood. The storage of extended semen might augment the adverse effects of CD on [...] Read more.
Retained cytoplasmic droplets (CD) are the most frequent sperm abnormality in boar semen. A high incidence of CD is associated with subfertility, but the underlaying reasons are not well understood. The storage of extended semen might augment the adverse effects of CD on essential steps towards fertilization, such as capacitation. The aim of this study was to examine whether the enhanced presence of CD in boar semen influences sperm’s response to the capacitation stimulus bicarbonate during long-term semen storage. Extended semen samples (n = 78) from 13 artificial insemination centers were analyzed using a flow cytometric calcium influx assay. Samples with >15% of CD showed a reduced specific response to bicarbonate and a higher non-specific destabilization after storage for 96 h and subsequent incubation at 38 °C in three variants of Tyrode`s medium (p < 0.05). The size of the bicarbonate-responsive sperm population was inversely correlated with the presence of CD-bearing sperm (r = −0.61, p < 0.01). Samples with ≤15% and samples with >15% of CD did not differ in motility or viability and acrosome integrity during semen storage. In conclusion, incomplete epididymal sperm maturation impairs the in vitro capacitation ability and promotes sperm destabilization in stored boar semen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation)
Article
Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Young and Adult Bull (Bos taurus) Cryopreserved Semen
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072013 - 05 Jul 2021
Viewed by 1039
Abstract
The age of the bull is widely accepted to influence the production of sperm, affecting the amount and quality of produced semen, which in turn impacts the results of cryopreservation. However, the exact influence of the maturation process on cryopreserved sperm, as well [...] Read more.
The age of the bull is widely accepted to influence the production of sperm, affecting the amount and quality of produced semen, which in turn impacts the results of cryopreservation. However, the exact influence of the maturation process on cryopreserved sperm, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms of this process, are not fully understood. The goal of this study was to evaluate changes in the proteome of thawed semen (spermatozoa and supernatant) collected from young and adult bulls (n = 6) using the 2D-DIGE approach. The quality of semen was assessed using a CASA system and flow cytometry. We found no significant age-related variation in semen quality, with the exception of the average path velocity of sperm movement, which was higher in adult bulls. Proteomic analysis indicated 15 spermatozoa proteins and 10 supernatant proteins with significant age-related changes. Our results suggest that semen from adult bulls is better equipped with proteins related to energy production, protection of spermatozoa against oxidative stress and fertilizing ability. Proteins increased in abundance in young bull spermatozoa were connected to the cytoskeleton and its development, which strongly suggests that developmental processes are still in progress. In conclusion, our results provide novel insight into the mechanism of the development of the male reproductive system of cattle. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation)
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Article
Beneficial Influence of Soybean Lecithin Nanoparticles on Rooster Frozen–Thawed Semen Quality and Fertility
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061769 - 13 Jun 2021
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of nano-soybean lecithin (SL) in the extender on sperm quality, sperm motion characteristics, and fertility outcomes of post-thawed rooster semen. Adult Ross broiler breeder roosters (n [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to investigate the impact of different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of nano-soybean lecithin (SL) in the extender on sperm quality, sperm motion characteristics, and fertility outcomes of post-thawed rooster semen. Adult Ross broiler breeder roosters (n = 20) were subjected to semen collections twice a week for three weeks. At each collection, semen samples were pooled and allocated into five treatments corresponding to different nano-SL concentrations (control, SL0.5, SL1.0, SL1.5, and SL2.0). Sperm parameters, including motility (collected using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system), plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and mitochondrial activity were assessed. Sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (total antioxidant capacity (TAC); superoxide dismutase (SOD); glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) were evaluated. The fertility and hatchability obtained with frozen–thawed rooster semen supplemented with the optimum nano-SL concentration were assessed after artificial insemination. The results showed that the addition of 1% nano-SL into the extender led to a higher semen motility in roosters, improved plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and higher mitochondrial activity of post-thawed rooster semen in comparison to controls (p < 0.05). The MDA levels in the SL0.5 and SL1.0 groups were lower than the other groups (p < 0.05). TAC activities in SL0.5, SL1.0, and SL1.5 groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups (p < 0.05). It was observed that the concentration of SOD was higher in the SL1.0 group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). The activity of GPx was not influenced in any of the cases (p > 0.05). Moreover, the percentages of fertility and hatchability in the SL1.0 group were higher (56.36% and 58.06%) than those in the control group (42.72% and 40.43%). In summary, the addition of nano-SL to the extenders enhanced the post-thawed semen quality and fertility of roosters by reducing the level of oxidative stress. The optimum nano-SL concentration was 1.0%. These results may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of semen cryopreservation procedures in poultry breeding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Status and Advances in Semen Preservation)

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Article Type Review
Title Antimicrobial pe ptides in boar semen extender the alternative use for standard antibiotics
Abstract Artificial insemination (AI) is standard method in a ommercial swine production. For insemination there is used liquid preserved semen which can be stored, but it depends on the extenders at 15 17°C at least several days. Due to the rich composition of the extender and storage temperature, the extender is a good enviroment for the growth of microorganisms. At present, the addition of antibiotics in semen extenders is the only way to prevent bacteriospermia. Commonly used antibiotics increase the antibio tic resistance, and additionally have a negative effect on sperm quality. Therefore, it is justified to search new biopreparations with an antimicrobial activity. It is imperative that such an antibiotic substitute achieves the maximum antibacterial effect and does not have a negative effect on sperm quality High expectations are associated with AMP (antimicrobial peptides) showing an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and an antiparasitic activity. The big benefit of using AMP as opposed to antibiotics is the absence of microbial resistance to these peptides. The article presents current reaserch in using AMP as an alternative to standard antiobiotics in a boar semen extender.
Authors Monika Trzcińska, Magdalena Bryła
Affiliation Department of Reproductive Bio technology and Cryoconservation, National
Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska Str. 1, 32 083 Balice, Poland


II. Article Type: Original

Title: : High hydrostatic pressure: the way to improve High hydrostatic pressure: the way to improve the quality of cryopreserved poor boar the quality of cryopreserved poor boar ejaculatesejaculates
Authors Monika Trzcińska, Magdalena Bryła
Affiliation Department of Reproductive Bio technology and Cryoconservation, National
Research Institute of Animal Production, Krakowska Str. 1, 32 083 Balice, Poland

3.ORIGINAL PAPER

 Spermatozoa survival at room and chilling temperature in domestic turkeys as model of endangered peacocks.

Alkali I.M.1,2, Asuku S.O.1, Colombo M.2, Bukar M.M.1, Waziri M.A.1 and Luvoni G.C.2

1 Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria

2 Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie per la Salute, la Produzione Animale e la Sicurezza Alimentare, Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy


Populations of many galliform species have declined mainly due to habitat loss and over-hunting notably, the Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis) which has been classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) being a species of least concern could serve as a model for optimizing assisted reproductive technologies for the Congo peacock. This study is aimed at developing turkey semen extender suitable for assisted reproductive technologies in field conditions. Semen was collected using the dorso-abdominal massage technique from seven turkey toms (8-15 kg) and analysed. Ejaculates with > 70% motility and ≥ 80% live spermatozoa were pooled and divided into 5 aliquots (4 treatments and 1 control). Each of the four treatments was extended in soybean based extender (SBR), egg yolk based extender (EYR), and L ascorbic acid supplemented SBR and EYR respectively. Two liquid preservation protocols [room temperature (25 °C) and chilled (4 °C)] were employed and quality parameters including motility, viability and morphology were evaluated. We conclude that, the two extenders (egg yolk based and soybean based) were similar with regard to in vitro semen quality parameters and could be used to preserve turkey semen and L ascorbic acid supplementation of the turkey semen extenders improved semen quality during in vitro liquid storage.

 

Cryopreservation of giraffe sperm

Hermes, Robert

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