34 Sperm kinetic subpopulations in samples from Angus and Holstein bulls vary differentially in a longitudinal assay
E. Teran A B , Y. Pirosanto A , P. Tribulo C , M. Ramon D , A. Antonini A B , A. Molina E and S. Demyda-Peyrás B FA Instituto de Genética Veterinaria, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
B Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
C Instituto de Reproducción Animal Córdoba, Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
D Instituto Regional de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario y Forestal (CERSYRA-IRIAF), Castilla, La Mancha, España
E Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Córdoba, España
F Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Reproduction, Fertility and Development 35(2) 142-143 https://doi.org/10.1071/RDv35n2Ab34
Published: 5 December 2022
© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of the IETS
Heterogeneity is an intrinsic property of mammalian sperm, whose role in reproductive performance could be meaningful. Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) allows for the analysis of this diversity by determining the existence of subpopulations (Sp) with specific kinematic characteristics. Although such Sp can differ among individuals in batches, it has suggested the existence of specific patterns by breed. Thereby, we analysed and compared the sperm Sp patterns over time in post-thawed samples from Angus and Holstein breeds. We analysed 132 sperm samples from 35 Angus and 31 Holstein bulls (two replicates from different batches) in a longitudinal study at three different time points after thawing: T0 (five min), T1 (60 min), and T2 (120 min). Eight parameters were measured using a CASA system (AndroVision®): curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s), straight-line velocity (VSL, μm/s); average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), linearity (LIN, %: VSL/VCL), straightness (STR, %: VSL/VAP), wobble coefficient (WOB, %: VAP/VCL), mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm) and beat-cross frequency (BCF, Hz). Data obtained (446,836 motile sperm) were analysed by performing a two-step multivariate nonhierarchical/hierarchical analysis to determine Sp. Differences between Sp by breed and time were analysed using a Z-test. We identified four sperm Sp: Sp1 (rapid and highly progressive sperm with high-velocity values, high LIN, STR, WOB, BCF, and low ALH); Sp 2 (intermediate and progressive sperm that showed medium VCL, VSL, VAP, ALH, and BCF but high LIN, STR and WOB); Sp 3 (slow and nonprogressive sperm with the lowest values of VSL, VAP, BCF, LIN and WOB); and Sp 4 (highly active but nonprogressive sperm characterised by the highest VCL and ALH, high VSL, VAP, and BCF, but low LIN, STR and WOB). Sp 1 and Sp 2 were greater in Holstein, whereas Sp 3 and Sp 4 were greater in Angus (Table 1). Interestingly, at T1, the percentage of Sp 4 increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both breeds, decreasing to their lowest values in T2. In addition, we noticed differences in the Sp pattern by breed. For instance, Holstein sperm showed a more progressive movement than Angus sperm, whereas the latter showed an increased percentage of hyperactivated sperm; both characteristics previously related to higher field fertility. In conclusion, we were able to detect differences in the pattern of sperm Sp in the breeds studied. The relevance of this pattern on fertility should be studied in the field.
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The authors would like to thank the IRAC for allowing us to carry out the experimental work in their facilities and also CIALE Alta for providing the samples.
