Sperm motility, kinematics, morphometry and morphology over two seasons in free-ranging African elephants (Loxodonta africana).
Reprod Fertil Dev
; 32(4): 425-438, 2020 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-31972123
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to address the lack of information on quantitative semen and sperm characteristics of free-ranging African elephants. Nineteen ejaculates were collected from 12 elephant bulls by means of electroejaculation in spring (Season 1, end of dry season, n=7) and in autumn (Season 2, end of rainy season, n=12). While most elephant cows are in oestrus in the rainy season, it is not evident whether sperm quality also improves during this period. Semen samples were assessed using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA), brightfield microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Seasonal differences and individual variation in sperm quality of bulls were apparent, with ejaculates collected during Season 2 revealing higher percentages for total motility, progressive motility, rapid-swimming spermatozoa and kinematic parameters compared with Season 1 (P<0.05). Although normal sperm morphology percentage was similar over the two seasons, more sperm tail defects were found in Season 2 (P<0.05). The baseline reference data and multivariate sperm parameter associations reported in this study can be used to predict elephant bull sperm quality and potential to fertilise. It is clear that CASA can detect subtle differences in sperm quality of African elephant ejaculates and should be the approach for future investigations.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Estaciones del Año
/
Motilidad Espermática
/
Espermatozoides
/
Elefantes
/
Análisis de Semen
/
Fertilidad
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Reprod Fertil Dev
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
Año:
2020
Tipo del documento:
Article