The use of anogenital distance as a non-invasive predictor of seminal quality in captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri collinsi Osgood 1961).

BACKGROUND: Anogenital distance is considered a non-invasive measure to assess the development and functionality of sexual organs in different animal species. Hence, this measurement could potentially be used during the selection of non-human primates for reproductive biotechnology programs. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between anogenital distance and reproductive parameters in captive Saimiri collinsi. METHODS: Eight mature S. collinsi males were evaluated. Body weight, reproductive hormone levels, testicular volume, and seminal parameters were determined, and their relationship with anogenital distance measurements was assessed. RESULTS: Anogenital distance was correlated with seminal volume, sperm motility, vigor, and plasma membrane integrity, but not with body weight, reproductive hormones, and testicular volume. CONCLUSION: The determination of anogenital distance is a non-invasive method to predict seminal quality. This procedure has the advantage of providing andrologic information without a negative impact on animal welfare.

Effects of exposure to zearalenone on porcine oocytes and sperm during maturation and fertilization in vitro.

The influence of acute exposure to zearalenone (ZEN) on porcine oocyte maturation, fertilization or sperm penetration ability during both in vitro maturation and fertilization was evaluated. First, oocytes were cultured in ZEN-containing (0-1000 µg/l) maturation medium and then fertilized. The oocytes maturing in vitro without ZEN were then fertilized in ZEN-containing fertilization medium. The maturation rates of oocytes and penetration ability of sperm decreased significantly in the presence of 1000 µg/l of ZEN. However, neither increases in the rates of degeneration and DNA fragmentation of oocytes nor reductions in normal and polyspermic fertilization were observed. ZEN did not affect the sperm penetration rates; however, 1000 µg/l ZEN had positive effects on normal and polyspermic fertilization rates. Therefore, it can be suggested that an acute exposure of porcine oocytes during maturation and of oocytes and sperm during fertilization to ZEN up to 1000 µg/l may not affect the fertility of the oocytes.