Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis for Assessing Initial Semen Quality and Changes During Storage at 5°C

¹ Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Computer-assisted sperm analysis equipment was used to evaluate bull sperm initially in a modified Tyrode's solution, in Cornell University extender, and in egg yolk-glycerol-Tris extender (following cooling and storage in the latter two extenders). Two ejaculates of semen were collected from each of eight bulls. Semen was divided into aliquots using a factorial arrangement. The semen, diluted to approximately 20 x 10⁶ sperm/ml, was loaded into two 20-µm chambers, and six microscope fields from each chamber were videotaped for each treatment of each ejaculate of semen. Eight sperm characteristics analyzed with the Hamilton Thorne integrated visual optical system (Hamilton Thorne, Beverly, MA) were reported, and some of these characteristics differed significantly among bulls. The initial values for motile sperm in modified Tyrode's solution, Cornell University extender, and egg yolk-glycerol-Tris extender were 87, 79, and 66%; little change followed cooling and storage at 5°C in the latter two extenders. Also, there was a small but significant decline in sperm velocity during 3 d of storage. Hyperactive sperm increased slightly during storage. The procedures used can rapidly and accurately measure many sperm characteristics in fresh semen and in semen stored in egg yolk extenders, and differences among bulls can be detected.

Key Words: bull sperm evaluation • egg yolk extenders

Submitted on February 23, 1996
Accepted on December 27, 1996