[The incidence of agglutination and its influence on sperm quality and fertility of boar semen].
The aim of this study was to examine the incidence of sperm agglutinations and their relationships with sperm quality and fertility. Semen samples of 40 boars of an AI-station were investigated. Nineteen of the 40 investigated boars showed a constantly low (< 10% agglutinated sperm), 3 an intermediate (10-20%) and 6 boars a high level (> 20%) of agglutination in raw semen. The degree of agglutination in sperm samples of 12 boars varied distinctly during the investigation period. During summer more (P < 0.05) agglutinated sperm were observed (11.0 +/- 11.6%) than during winter (6.2 +/- 7.3%). There was no association between bacterial contamination and incidence of agglutinations (P > 0.05). After dilution in extender the percentage of agglutinated sperm decreased from 6.2 +/- 7.3% to 1.1 +/- 1.4% (P < 0.0001). Twenty-four hours after dilution the percentage of progressively motile sperm was 7.4% lower (P < 0.05) in ejaculates with an initially high degree of agglutination (> 20% agglutinated sperm) compared to samples with an initially low degree of agglutinated sperm (< 10%). Plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, acrosome reaction and chromatin structure were independent (P > 0.05) from the level of agglutination. Fertility data did not differ (P > 0.05) between boars with low and high numbers of agglutinated sperm in raw semen. The results show that there are individual, ejaculatory and seasonal variations in the incidence and degree of agglutination. Agglutinations have a negative effect on motility of sperm and disappear to a large extent after dilution in sperm extender. They have no negative consequences on fertility.
Bollwein
Heinrich
H
Klinik für Rinder der Tierärztlichen Hochschule Hannover. Heinrich.Bollwein@tiho-hannover.de
Petschow
Karola
K
Weber
Frank
F
Leiding
Claus
C
Stolla
Rudolf
R
D000818:Animals; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D012661:Semen; D013073:Sperm Agglutination / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D013552:Swine / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*