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Veterinary Sciences
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Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility
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Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility

A special issue of Veterinary Sciences (ISSN 2306-7381). This special issue belongs to the section "Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 5 November 2024 | Viewed by 9596

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Silvia Cerolini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: local poultry breeds; poultry semen cryopreservation; poultry reproduction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Madeddu Manuela

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
Interests: animal reproduction; semen cryopreservation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sperm conservation is one of the most important biotechnologies for the advancement of assisted reproduction in domestic and wild animals. Sperm conservation is essential for the breeding management of endangered breeds or species, for genetic improvement in livestock breeding, to prevent the loss of animal genetic variability and to solve infertility problems in high-quality individuals.

Despite the large progress that has been made in this field, the cellular mechanisms involved in sperm conservation have not yet been entirely explained. In particular, the fertility values recorded with the use of frozen/thawed sperm are still low in different animal species. New knowledge and investigations to improve the quality and fertilizing ability of stored semen in various species are, therefore, essential.

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue, which aims to publish original research articles or reviews on “Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility”.

We invite researchers to contribute their recent studies, focusing principally, but not exhaustively, on the following topics:

  • Semen extenders;
  • Recent discoveries on the use of new cellular cryoprotectants;
  • Novel cryopreservation procedures;
  • Predictive markers for sperm fertility;
  • Technologies for the assessment of sperm integrity and functions;

Prof. Dr. Silvia Cerolini
Dr. Madeddu Manuela
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Veterinary Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • spermatozoa
  • fertility
  • sperm conservation
  • cryoprotectant
  • semen extender
  • semen evaluation

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 445 KiB  
Article
Carvacrol and Thymol Enhance the Quality of Beni Arouss Buck Semen Stored at 4 °C Thanks to Their Antimicrobial Properties
by Amr Kchikich, Nathalie Kirschvink, Marianne Raes, Samira El Otmani, Youssef Chebli, Jean-Loup Bister, Bouchra El Amiri, Said Barrijal and Mouad Chentouf
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(9), 406; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11090406 - 3 Sep 2024
Viewed by 584
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the impact of carvacrol and thymol on the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen stored in skim milk at 4 °C. Ejaculates were collected from eight Beni Arouss bucks weekly for 11 weeks, pooled, and then divided into [...] Read more.
This study aims to investigate the impact of carvacrol and thymol on the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen stored in skim milk at 4 °C. Ejaculates were collected from eight Beni Arouss bucks weekly for 11 weeks, pooled, and then divided into three equal parts. Samples were diluted to 400 × 106 sperm/mL in skim milk (control) and skim milk supplemented with a single dose of 200 µM carvacrol and thymol each. Evaluations of sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, membrane integrity, lipid peroxidation, and bacterial growth were conducted at 0, 6, 24, and 48 h of liquid storage at 4 °C. After 48 h of storage, the results indicate that the addition of carvacrol positively influences total and progressive motility and viability. However, it also leads to a decrease in lipid peroxidation and bacterial growth compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Thymol showed similar results to carvacrol, except for progressive motility (p > 0.05). Bacterial growth was negatively correlated with total and progressive motility and viability (p < 0.05), while no correlation between lipid peroxidation and these parameters was observed (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of carvacrol and thymol to skim milk extender moderately improves the quality of Beni Arouss buck semen after 48 h storage at 4 °C due to its antimicrobial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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12 pages, 1519 KiB  
Article
Effects of Different Diluents and Freezing Methods on Cryopreservation of Hu Ram Semen
by Liuming Zhang, Xuyang Wang, Caiyu Jiang, Tariq Sohail, Yuxuan Sun, Xiaomei Sun, Jian Wang and Yongjun Li
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(6), 251; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11060251 - 3 Jun 2024
Viewed by 756
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents and freezing methods on the quality of thawed sperm after cryopreservation and find an inexpensive and practical method for freezing Hu ram semen for use in inseminations under farm conditions. [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents and freezing methods on the quality of thawed sperm after cryopreservation and find an inexpensive and practical method for freezing Hu ram semen for use in inseminations under farm conditions. Ejaculates were collected from five Hu rams. In experiment I, ejaculates were diluted with eight different freezing diluents (basic diluents A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H). After dilution and cooling, the samples were loaded into 0.25 mL straws and frozen using the liquid nitrogen fumigation method. In experiment II, diluent C was used as the basic diluent and the semen was frozen using liquid nitrogen fumigation and two program-controlled cooling methods. For analysis, frozen samples were evaluated in terms of motility parameters (total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM)), biokinetic characteristics (straight-line velocity (VSL), average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH), wobble movement coefficient (WOB), average motion degree (MAD)), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and membrane and acrosome integrity. In experiment I, diluent C had higher TM, PM, and acrosome and membrane integrity and lower ROS compared to other extenders (p < 0.05) except diluent A. Diluent C exhibited higher (p < 0.05) VCL, VAP, ALH, WOB, and MAD compared to diluents B, D, E, and F. In experiment II, TM and all biokinetic characteristics did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) amongst the three freezing methods. Liquid nitrogen fumigation resulted in higher (p < 0.05) PM, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, and lower ROS level compared to the program. In conclusion, the thawed semen diluted with diluent C had higher quality compared to other diluents. The liquid nitrogen fumigation demonstrated superior semen cryopreservation effects compared to the program-controlled cooling method using diluent C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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15 pages, 1829 KiB  
Article
Selection of Male Donors in Local Chicken Breeds to Implement the Italian Semen Cryobank: Variability in Semen Quality, Freezability and Fertility
by Manuela Madeddu, Luisa Zaniboni, Stefano Paolo Marelli, Cristina Tognoli, Silvia Belcredito, Nicolaia Iaffaldano, Michele Di Iorio and Silvia Cerolini
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(4), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11040148 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1512
Abstract
Native breed conservation is an important component of poultry biodiversity. The aim of this work is to describe different steps that lead to donor selection for the implementation of the Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. The variability within and [...] Read more.
Native breed conservation is an important component of poultry biodiversity. The aim of this work is to describe different steps that lead to donor selection for the implementation of the Italian Semen Cryobank of Autochthonous Chicken and Turkey Breeds. The variability within and between breeds was evaluated, and the stored semen reproductive capacity was in vivo tested using artificial insemination. Semen from Bionda Piemontese, Bianca di Saluzzo and Pepoi roosters was collected and processed. Concentration, volume, sperm membrane integrity, total motile sperm, progressive motile sperm and kinetic parameters were analyzed; sperm parameters accounting for bird variability were used to select male donors. Fresh semen quality parameters measured in donor ejaculates showed significant differences between breeds; no differences were found after cryopreservation. Variability in the fertilizing ability of cryopreserved semen was found within a breed (5–16%) and between birds within a breed (BP = 3–7%; BS = 7–31%; PP = 6–22%); only sperm quality parameters measured in fresh ejaculates, not frozen/thawed, may be associated with in vivo fertility results. In conclusion, sperm concentration and progressive motility were successfully used as selection parameters to identify chicken male donors with improved sperm quality for sperm cryobanking. However, new reliable sperm markers to predict cryopreserved semen’s fertilizing ability are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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15 pages, 1211 KiB  
Article
Cryopreserving Rabbit Semen: Impact of Varying Sperm Concentrations on Quality and the Standardization of Protocol
by Michele Di Iorio, Fabrizio Lauriola, Giusy Rusco, Emanuele Antenucci, Michele Schiavitto and Nicolaia Iaffaldano
Vet. Sci. 2024, 11(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci11010009 - 22 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1959
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of sperm concentrations on the in vitro quality of cryopreserved rabbit semen. The semen pools (n = 8, from 80 donors) were split into five aliquots with final sperm concentrations of 15, 25, 35, 55, [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of sperm concentrations on the in vitro quality of cryopreserved rabbit semen. The semen pools (n = 8, from 80 donors) were split into five aliquots with final sperm concentrations of 15, 25, 35, 55, and 75 × 106 per straw. The sperm motility parameters (CASA system) and membrane integrity (flow cytometric analysis) were both evaluated at various stages of the cryopreservation process: fresh semen dilution, cooling, equilibration, and immediately after and 30 min post-thawing. The results indicated the significant influence of the sperm concentration on the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM), with a consistent decline in all sperm variables over the time points. Notably, the semen with a final concentration of 15 × 106 exhibited a higher TM and PM after cooling and equilibration. The post-thawing quality (TM, PM) was higher (p < 0.05) in the mid-range sperm concentrations of 25 × 106 (49.9% and 19.7%) and 35 × 106 (46.2% and 19.7%) compared to the other concentrations. This study demonstrated that the sperm concentration per straw played a significant role in specific phases of the cryopreservation process. These findings contribute valuable insights for refining and standardizing the cryopreservation protocol for rabbit semen, emphasizing the importance of the sperm concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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9 pages, 481 KiB  
Article
Osteopontin Concentration in Prostates Fractions: A Novel Marker of Sperm Quality in Dogs
by Koray Tekin, Efe Kurtdede, Berrin Salmanoğlu, Ongun Uysal and Calogero Stelletta
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(11), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10110646 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1838
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm quality and the osteopontin (OPN) concentration in the prostates of Malakli shepherd dogs. Ejaculates were collected once by digital manipulation from 39 male dogs aged between 2 and 4 years and older. The [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm quality and the osteopontin (OPN) concentration in the prostates of Malakli shepherd dogs. Ejaculates were collected once by digital manipulation from 39 male dogs aged between 2 and 4 years and older. The first and third fractions of the ejaculate were centrifuged at 5000× g for 30 min, and supernatants were stored at −80 °C for further analysis of OPN using a double-antibody sandwich method (SEA899CA, Cloude-Clone Corp, Houston, TX, USA). Meanwhile, the second fractions were evaluated for sperm motility, concentration, viability, and rate of abnormal spermatozoa (head, acrosome, midpiece and tail abnormalities). The average concentration of OPN was 8.7 ± 5.2 ng/mL, and it differed significantly between the 1st 10.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL and 3rd 7.4 ± 5 ng/mL fractions. According to ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis, the OPN concentration had a better diagnostic ability for sperm motility (p < 0.001) than for the rate of abnormal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Additionally, the OPN concentration was negatively correlated with poor sperm morphology and motility. In conclusion, the OPN concentration in prostate-derived secretions may be a possible marker of sperm quality in dogs. Further research could explore the involvement of OPN in sperm motility during cryopreservation and in vivo fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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11 pages, 3699 KiB  
Article
The Use of Ovarian Fluid as Natural Fertilization Medium for Cryopreserved Semen in Mediterranean Brown Trout: The Effects on Sperm Swimming Performance
by Giusy Rusco, Michele Di Iorio, Stefano Esposito, Emanuele Antenucci, Alessandra Roncarati and Nicolaia Iaffaldano
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(3), 219; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10030219 - 13 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1626
Abstract
D-532 fertilization solution is generally used to replace the water or ovarian fluid during artificial reproductive practices in salmonids due to its ability to boost sperm motility and increase fertilization rates compared with natural activation media. However, the maintenance of ovarian fluid in [...] Read more.
D-532 fertilization solution is generally used to replace the water or ovarian fluid during artificial reproductive practices in salmonids due to its ability to boost sperm motility and increase fertilization rates compared with natural activation media. However, the maintenance of ovarian fluid in a reproductive microenvironment gives it the advantage of protecting the eggs from potential harmful factors from the external environment and simplifying the field operations related to its removal when D-532 is used alone. In light of this, the aim of the present study was to investigate in vitro, for the first time, the effect of ovarian fluid (OF 100%) on post-thaw sperm swimming performance of Mediterranean trout, comparing it with D-532 and a mixed solution of 50% D-532 and 50% ovarian fluid (OF 50%). The percentage of motile spermatozoa and movement duration was significantly increased in OF 100% and OF 50% compared with D-532. Sperm velocity was higher in D-532, but significant differences were recorded only with OF 100%. In conclusion, these results suggest that the presence of ovarian fluid alone or in combination with D-532 in an artificial microenvironment of reproduction represents a key factor in potentially increasing fertilization success when the frozen semen of Mediterranean brown trout is used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Animal Sperm Conservation Techniques for Better Fertility)
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