• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제27권10호
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• pp.1417-1425
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• 2014

The selection of morphologically normal spermatozoa is critical to obtain high breeding performances in boar breeding farms and artificial insemination (AI) centers. Parameters for the selection of semen mainly include total sperm motility, concentration, and morphology. However, these primary parameters are often not reliable for discriminating between normal and abnormal, non-fertilizable spermatozoa. The present study was designed to compare the motion characteristics, fertilization ability using in vitro fertilization (IVF), and acrosome formation of the semen from boars having low (boar number 2012) and normal (boar number 2004 and 2023) breeding performances. The ultimate goal was to identify additional simple and easy criteria for the selection of normal sperm. There was no significant difference between boar 2004 and boar 2023 sperm total motility in computer assisted sperm analysis. However, boar number 2012 semen presented a significantly reduced population of rapid moving spermatozoa and an increased population of slow moving spermatozoa compared to boar numbers 2004 and 2023. Analysis of detailed motion characteristics revealed that sperm from boar number 2012 had significantly reduced motility in progressiveness, average path velocity, straight-line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straightness, and linearity. The assessment of the fertilizing ability by IVF also showed that sperm from boar number 2012 showed a fertility rate of 3.4%, whereas sperm from boar number 2023 had a fertility rate of 75.45%. Interestingly, most of the sperm nuclei were found on the peripheral area of the oocytes, suggesting that the sperm from boar number 2012 lacked penetration ability into the oocyte zonapellucida. The acrosome formation analysis using Pisum sativum agglutinin staining demonstrated that the sperm from boar number 2012 had a defect in acrosome formation. Consequently, primary parameters for selecting semen before AI such as motility are not sufficient to select normal and fertilizable spermatozoa. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the acrosome staining and detailed motion characteristics such as progressiveness, VCL, and VSL should be included in determining semen quality together with primary parameters for successful AI and high breeding performance in the swine industry.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.287-291
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• 2016

For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility (MOT) is an important parameter because the movement of spermatozoa indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Estrogen receptors 2(ESR2) is involved in estrogen related apoptosis in cell cycle spermatogenesis, but their functions have not been confirmed in pig until now. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze their association with sperm motility and kinematic characteristics. DNA samples from 105 Duroc pigs with records of semen motility and kinematic characteristics [Total motile spermatozoa (MOT), Curvilinear velocity(VCL), Straight-line velocity(VSL), the ratio between VSL and VCL(LIN), Amplitude of Lateral Head displacement(ALH)] were analyzed. A SNP in coding region of ESR2 g.35547A > G in exon 5 was associated with MOT (p < 0.05) in Duroc population. Therefore, we suggest that the porcine ESR2 gene may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar semen quality, although its functional effects were not defined yet. These results might shed new light on the roles of ESR2 in spermatogenesis as candidate gene for boar fertility, but still the lack of association across populations should be considered.

• 한국가축번식학회지
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• 제26권1호
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• pp.9-16
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• 2002

돼지 인공수정센터에서 사육중인 인공수정용 종모돈을 이용하여 1995년부터 2000년까지 보존액 종류, 보존온도 및 보존기간에 따른 정액성상 변화와 번식성적을 조사하여 돼지 인공수정시 번식성적 향상과 실용화에 기여코자 본 연구를 실시하였다. 1. 돼지 액상정액의 보존액 종류에 따른 보존기간별 활력은 Androhep 보존액은 3일째부터, BTS 및 Modena는 5일째부터 현저하게 감소하는 경향을 보였고 (P＜0.05), pH변화는 6.24~7.06 범위에서 변이가 심하게 관찰되었으며 Androhep 보존액이 산도가 낮은 경향을 보였으나 전반적으로 규칙 적 인 경향을 나타내었다. 보존액 종류별 보존기간에 따른 분만율은 BTS, Modena 및 Androhep 보존액 모두 5일 보존까지 차이가 없었다. 보존액별 분만율은 Androhep 보존액이 BTS 보존액과는 차이가 없었으나 1일 보존과 5일 보존에서 Modena보존액 보다 우수하였다 (P＜0.05). 산자수는 보존 기간별 보존액간에 차이는 없었으나 Androhep 보존액은 3일 보존부터 산자수가 유의적으로 감소하였다 (P＜0.05). 2. 보존온도에 따른 액상정액의 운동성과 정상첨체 비율에서 17$^{\circ}C$ 보존정액의 운동성은 3일째부터, 정상 첨체율은 4일째부터 감소하였으나 5$^{\circ}C$ 보존정액은 4일 보존까지 정액성상의 변화가 크지 않은 것으로 나타났다. 17$^{\circ}C$에 보존한 액상정액이 5$^{\circ}C$에 보존한 것보다 분만율은 현저히 높았으나 산자수는 비슷한 경향을 보였고, 분만율은 보존 2일째부터 산자수는 3일째부터 감소하였다. 5$^{\circ}C$ 보존정액은 4일까지 분만율에 큰 변화가 없었으나 산자수는 다소 감소하는 경향을 보였다.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제49권5호
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• pp.585-592
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• 2007

본 연구는 풍산개 동결정액 제조기술을 정립하기 위하여 정액성상과 정액 동결 시 희석액에 첨가되는 Glycerol 농도, 동결속도, 융해온도와 시간에 따라 정액의 운동성과 생존율 및 CASA를 이용한 운동성 등에 대하여 조사하여 최적의 동결조건을 확립하기 위해 실시하였다.1.풍산개의 평균 정액량 5.9ml, 정액농도 116.3 ×106sperm/ml 총정자수 789.3×106sperm, 운동성 88.7±1.77% 및 생존율 87.6±1.85% 였다. 2.1차 희석액을 상온에서 희석 후 상온에서 4°C까지 하강시킨 후 glycerol 농도가 3%, 5% 및 7% 첨가된 2차 희석액을 희석 후 6일간 운동성을 측정한 결과 5일째 3%일 때 46.2±9.3%, 5% glycerol에서는 48.1±8.5% 및 7%일 때 52.7±8.2%로 glycerol 7%가 유의적으로 높은 운동성을 나타냈다.3. 각기 다른 glycerol 농도를 함유한 동결보존액에서 동결보존 후 융해하였을 때 7%의 glycerol 농도에서 각각 52.7%와 57.7±10.3%로서 다른 처리구에 비해 유의적인(P<0.01) 운동성 및 생존율을 나타냈다.4.정액을 동결함에 있어 예비동결시 57 및 10cm의 높이에서 정치시킨 후 동결을 실시하였을 때 액체질소의 표면 7cm의 높이에서 동결을 실시한 처리구에서 전체적으로 유의한 운동성과 생존율을 나타냈다.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.171-177
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• 2014

L-Carnitine is an antioxidant for the transport of fatty acids in mitochondria and breakdown of lipids for metabolic energy. Some studies have suggested that carnitine improves sperm motility in mammals. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on the characteristics in fresh semen of miniature pigs. The collected fresh semen was stored in modena B medium with L-carnitine (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg/ml) for 10 days at $18^{\circ}C$. The semen quality of viability, acrosome reaction and mitochondria integrity was analyzed on 0, 3, 7, and 10 day of semen storage. The percentages of live and dying sperm were not different among treatment groups with different concentrations of L-carnitine during the storage period. In acrosome reaction analysis, when the sperm stored for 7 day, the percentages of live sperm with acrosome reaction were significantly (p<0.05) lower in 1 ($9.0{\pm}0.9%$), 2 ($7.6{\pm}0.2%$) or 4 mg/ml ($7.9{\pm}0.8%$) L-carnitine-treated groups than the control group (0 mg/ml L-carnitine) ($11.12{\pm}0.2%$). However, there were no difference in percentages of live sperm with acrosome reaction for 3 and 10 days of storage with each concentrations of L-carnitine. When sperm was stored for 3 and 10 days, the percentages of live sperm with mitochondria integrity were significantly higher in 2 mg/ml of L-carnitine-treated group than control group (p<0.05). In conclusion, the L-carnitine has a positive effect on acrosome reaction and mitochondria integrity in liquid state of fresh semen in miniature pigs.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.85-94
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• 2000

These experiments were conducted to examine the effects of theophylline, pentoxifylline and heparin on frozen-thawed Hanwoo sperm for enhancing motility and viability of sperm. Frozen-thawed semen collected from one bull was treated in TALP(tyrode-albuminlactate-pyruvate) containing varous concentrations of theophylline and pentoxifylline. After incubated at 5% CO2 in air atmosphere for 6 hours, the motility of sperm after the treatments was characterized by CASA(computer aided semen analysis) system. When monitored notility(MOT) and curvilinear velocity(VCL), theophylline and pentoxifylline exerted their optimal action at the concentration of 30 mM and 3 mM, respectively. No difference of sperm motility was observed when the sperm was treated with both substances compared with a single treatment of each substance. Comparison was then made for evaluating the effect of theophylline and / or pentoxiophylline on the motility and viability of significant treatment effects of each substance, high MOT and VCL values were detected in sperm treated with theophylline. In the case of sperm viability examined by an eosin-nigrosin staining, however, a significant decrease was found after the combined treatment of theophylline+pentoxyphilline than after the treatment with heparin alone or no treatment(P<0.05). In conclusion, theophylline, pentoxiphylline or heparin can be used for enhancing the motional characteristics and viability of frozen thawed Hanwoo semen. Considering characteristics of these substances, theophyline may be useful in the artificial insemination system, which requires vigorous sperm motility. While, heparin supporting sperm viability in vitro can be effectively used for improving in vitro-fertilization system.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.293-297
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• 2016

For evaluating the boar semen quality, sperm motility is an important parameter because the movement of sperm indicates active metabolism, membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity. Phospholipase C zeta (PLCz) is important enzyme in spermatogenesis, but the effect has not been confirmed in pigs yet. Therefore, this study was aimed to analyze their association with sperm motility and kinematic characteristics. DNA samples from 124 Duroc pigs with records of sperm motility and kinematic characteristics [total motile spermatozoa (MOT), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), the ratio between VSL and VCL (LIN), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH)] were subjected. A SNP in non-coding region of PLCz g.158 A > C was associated with MOT (p < 0.05), VCL (p < 0.01), LIN (p < 0.01) and ALH (p < 0.05) in Duroc population. Therefore, we suggest that the intron region of the porcine PLCz gene may be used as a molecular marker for Duroc boar semen quality, although its functional effect was not defined yet. Whether the association is due to the candidate gene or not require further verification. Thus, it will be of interest to continue association studies in the regions surrounding those genes.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제11권4호
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• pp.445-449
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• 1998

Semen quality was compared between the local Katjang and the cross-bred (local Katjang ♀ ${\times}$ German Fawn ♂) bucks. There were on significant genotypic differences in semen characteristics of concentration (first ejaculate : $6.19{\pm}1.30$ -versus $6.33{\pm}1.40{\times}10^9/ml;$second ejaculate: $5.82{\pm}1.10$ - versus $5.68{\pm}1.45{\times}10^9/ml$, for Katjang and the cross-breds, respectively), percentage live (first ejaculate: $77.61{\pm}1.33%$ versus $77.81{\pm}0.53%$; second ejaculate: $81.97{\pm}1.59%$ versus $82.74{\pm}0.96%$, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively) and percentage of normal sperms (first ejaculate: $12.54{\pm}3.88%$ versus $26.45{\pm}3.83%$; second ejaculate: $38.68{\pm}3.65%$ versus $28.54{\pm}4.38%$, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively), with the exception of seminal volume and sperm motility. Means of all variables were within the values reported for other goat breeds, In contrast, the differences in semen characteristics between the first and second ejaculations of both genotypes were more distinct, the second ejaculations always had more volume, more normal sperms and better sperm motility but less sperm concentrations. Removing the seminal plasma and replacing it with tris-citrate buffer greatly prolonged the viability of sperms of both genotypes when stored at $5{^{\circ}C}$. Sperm motility seens to be a good indicator of sperm viability. However, the sperms of the corss-bred bucks withstood the washing process better and their swimming abilities were superior ($8.12{\pm}0.46mm/min$) when compared to those of the local Katjang breed ($5.42{\pm}0.49mm/min$). The higher content of calcium ions in their seminal plasma (first ejaculate: $10.5{\pm}0.8$ versus $10.6{\pm}0.8mg/100ml$;second ejaculate: $15.3{\pm}0.8$ versus $16.1{\pm}0.8mg/100ml$, for Katjang and cross-breds, respectively) means that in natural matings the sperms of the cross-breds would be at an advantage compared to those of the local Katjang, since calcium ions reportedly initiate acrosomal reactions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권7호
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• pp.924-929
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• 2004

The objective of this study were to investigate the effect of ejaculation frequency on semen characteristics and to establish a method for quick assessment of sperm concentration in TCC using packed cell volume (PCV) as the parameter (Trial 1). Eighty senior roosters, averaging 61 wk-old, were used and the sperm concentrations were determined using a hemacytometer. The PCV value was measured in a capillary (0.75 mm in inner diameter) by centrifugation. A simple linear regression analysis suggested that the sperm concentrations were significantly correlated with PCV values (r=0.62, p<0.001). Trial 2 was conducted to determine the optimal ejaculation frequency of TCC roosters in a weekly semen collection program. The male birds were subjected to 1, 2, 3 or 6 ejaculations per week for four consecutive weeks and semen characteristics including ejaculation volume (EV, mL), sperm motility (%), PCV (%), sperm concentration (ESC, $\times$10$^{9}$/mL), weekly sperm production (WSP, $\times$10$^{9}$/wk) and average motile sperm numbers (AMSN, $\times$10$^{9}$/ejac) were determined. Average EV was greater in the group with 3 ejac/wk than with only 1 ejac/wk in weeks 1 and 3 of the collection period. WSP increased with ejaculation frequency during the first 3 weeks of collection (p<0.05). Sperm motility was better in the birds with 6 ejac/wk than in single ejaculation group for the first 2 wk and no significant differences were found for the last 2 wk of study. In contrast, the PCV value showed a trend of reduction for the first 2 wks in the 6 ejac/wk group. Surprisingly, no significant differences were detected in the AMSN among treatment groups. The weekly motile sperm production (WMSP) increased with ejaculation frequency. Based on our observation, PCV values could be used for a quick estimation of sperm concentration and an intensive semen collection program enhanced weekly sperm production in TCC roosters.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권5호
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• pp.612-616
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• 2004

This study was carried out to compare the semen characteristics, frozen-thawed sperm viability and testosterone concentration and in vitro fertilization (IVF) and development of in vitro matured pig oocytes between two Yorkshire boars. Semen and blood samples were collected once per week from October to November 2002 from two adult Yorkshire boars at 18 months of age with 170 kg body weight. Sperm were deep frozen in 5 ml maxi-straws with lactose-egg yolk and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (LEN) diluent and stored in liquid nitrogen. Blood samples were obtained at 10 a.m. by inserting a 21 gauge, hypodermic needle attached to 10 ml syringe into surface veins in the ear. The concentration of testosterone was determined by Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay. Ovaries were collected from prepubertal gilts at a local slaughter house. Cumulus oocyte complexes were aspirated from antral follicles (3 to 6 mm in diameter). The medium used for oocyte maturation was modified TCM 199. After about 22 h of culture, oocytes were cultured without cysteamine and hormones for 22 h at $38.5^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ in air. For IVF, one frozen 5 ml straw was thawed at $52^{\circ}C$in 40 sec and was diluted with 20 ml Beltsville thawing solution at room temperature. Sperm were washed 2 times in mTLP-PVA and inseminated without preincubation after thawing. Oocytes were inseminated with $2{\times}10^7$/ml sperm concentration. Oocytes were coincubated for 6 h in 500 ${\mu}$l mTBM fertilization medium. At 6 h after IVF, oocytes were transferred into 500 ${\mu}$l NCSU-23 culture medium for further culture of 48 and 144 h. There were no significant differences in the semen volume, motility, normal acrosome morphology and sperm concentration of raw semen between A and B of Yorkshire boar. However, motility and normal acrosome of boar A were higher than those of boar B at 0.5, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h incubations of frozen-thawed sperm. Testosterone concentration (3.75 ng/ml) of boar A was higher than that (2.34 ng/ml) of boar B. The rate of blastocyst formation (15.1%) of boar A was higher than that (10.4%) of boar B. In conclusion, serum testosterone concentration of boar showed very important role for the frozen-thawed sperm viability and the blastocyst formation of pig oocytes matured in vitro.