title: Classification of ostrich sperm characteristics.
abstract: The success of assisted reproduction techniques is dependent on a sound foundation of understanding sperm characteristics to evaluate so as to improve semen processing. This study offers a descriptive basis for ostrich semen quality in terms of sperm function characteristics (SFC) that include motility, measured by computer assisted sperm analysis CASA (SCA(®)), viability (SYBR14/PI) and membrane integrity (hypo-osmotic swelling test). Relationships among these SFC's were explored and described by correlations and regressions. Certain fixed effects including the dilution of semen, season, year and male associated with semen collection were interpreted for future applications. The seasonal effect on sperm samples collected throughout the year suggested that it is prudent to restrict collections to spring and summer when SFC's and sperm concentration are maximized, compared to winter when these aspects of sperm quality are suppressed. Dilution of ejaculates helped to maintain important SFC's associated with fertilization success. The SFC's and sperm concentration varied among males, with specific males, having greater values for the percentage of motile (MOT) and progressively motile (PMOT) sperm, as well as sperm velocity (VCL, VSL, VAP) and linearity (LIN) variables. Males may thus be screened on these variables for inclusion in an artificial insemination (AI) programme to optimize fertility success rates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa. Electronic address: marna@appaloosastud.co.za.
authors.forename: A M J
authors.initials: AMJ
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bonato
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dzama
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; School of Animal Biology M085, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Malecki
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Sciences, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland 7602, South Africa; Directorate Animal Sciences, Elsenburg, Private Bag XI, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa.
authors.forename: S W P
authors.initials: SWP
authors.lastname: Cloete
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D012621:Seasons; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology; D055101:Semen Analysis / Q000662:veterinary; D013076:Sperm Count / Q000662:veterinary; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000145:classification* / Q000502:physiology; D020310:Struthioniformes / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Artificial insemination; Male variation; Seasonality; Semen dilution; Sperm function characteristics; Sperm variables; Struthio camelus