• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.7
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• pp.1177-1184
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• 2024

Objective: Semen cryopreservation is an effective method of preserving genetic material, particularly in native chicken breeds facing a substantial decline. In this study, we evaluated the quality of frozen/thawed rooster semen treated with different concentrations of oral administrations of black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora: KP) extract and determined its fertility. Methods: Thirty-two Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum, 42 weeks old) were used in this study. The treatments were classified into four groups according to the concentration of KP extract administered to the roosters: 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The quality of fresh semen was analyzed before cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential were determined. Also, lipid peroxidation was determined. Results: The results showed that sperm concentration and movement increased in roosters treated with 200 mg/kg of KP extract (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roosters receiving 200 mg/kg KP extract was lower than that in the other but had an insignificant difference within the KP treatment groups (p>0.05). The highest MDA levels were observed in the control group (p<0.05). The percentage of motile sperm (total motility and progressive motility) after semen thawing was higher in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). MDA levels decreased significantly in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). Fertility and hatchability were greater in the KP150 and KP200 groups than in the KP100 and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The optimal amount of KP extract influencing initial sperm quality was determined to be 200 mg/kg. However, 150 mg/kg was the optimal low dosage of KP extract administration that maintained sperm quality and fertility following semen cryopreservation.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2003

The aim of this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sugar kinds and combination of various sugars on acrosome damage of post-thaw spermatozoa in canine. The extender used in this study was Tris-citric acid extender (Tris-buffer) supplemented with 20% Egg-yolk, 8% glycerol, 1% Equex STM paste, and 70 mM sugars such as monosaccharide (fructose and xylose) and disaccharide(trehalose). To evaluate of sugar combination, the sugars supplemented in Tris-buffer were combined such as control (fructose, xylose, trehalose), two combinations (Fru+Tre, Fru+Xyl, Tre+Xyl) and three combinations (Fru+Tre+Xyl). The acrosome damage rate of post-thaw spermatozoa in Eosin B & Fast Green stain in Fruc+Tre was higher than those in fructose, trehalose, xylose, Fruc+Xyl, Tre+Xyl, Fruc+Tre+Xyl (83.0$\pm$5.6 vs. 82.3$\pm$3.1%, 81.7$\pm$2.1%, 72.0$\pm$2.0%; 80.3$\pm$4.5%, 76.7$\pm$3.8%, 81.0$\pm$5.6). The motility after CASA analysis in Fru+Tre was higher than those in Fru+Tre+Xyl, Tre+Xyl, Fru+Xyl, Xylose, Trehalose, Fructose(79$\pm$6 vs 75$\pm$3, 74$\pm$8, 71$\pm$11, 70$\pm$4, 66$\pm$15, 63$\pm$ 12%). However, the progressive motility after CASA analysis in Fru+Tre group was higher than those in Fru+Tre+Xyl, Tre+Xyl, Fru+Xyl, Xylose, Trehalose, Fructose (67$\pm$7, 64$\pm$3, 62$\pm$6, 61$\pm$8, 60$\pm$2, 57$\pm$13, 53$\pm$10%). The results indicated that the acrosome damage & progressive motility of post-thaw spermatozoa in 70 mM Fruc+Tre (two combination) following Eosin B & Fast Green stain and CASA analysis.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2011

Semen cryopreservation induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the ROS cause sperm damage. We aimed to investigate the effects of the antioxidative enzyme catalase (CAT) on sperm quality and ROS during cryopreservation. Sperm rich fractions collected from five Duroc boars were cryopreserved in freezing extender with (200 or 400 U/mL) or without CAT (control). After thawing, sperm motility, viability, normal morphology, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial function and intracellular ROS were evaluated. CAT significantly improved total sperm motility at a concentration of 400 U/mL (P < 0.05), but didn't improve progressive sperm motility, viability, morphological defects, plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial function in frozen-thawed boar sperm. In evaluation of ROS, CAT had no effect on reduction in ${\cdot}O_2$, but scavenged $H_2O_2$ in viable frozen-thawed boar sperm at concentrations of 200 and 400 U/mL (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CAT was not enough to improve quality of frozen-thawed sperm, but can reduce $H_2O_2$ generation in viable boar sperm during cryopreservation.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the concentration of seminal plasma in aerobic and anaerobic conditions on the total motility(TM) and the progressive motility(PM) of spermatozoa in long term preservation of cooled equine semen. We also examine the pregnancy rates after artificial insemination using fresh, cooled or frozen semen, and different durations of cooled-preserved equine semen. In the aerobic state of cooled-preserved semen, As the increase of preserved duration to 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h, TM tended to decrease in each of different concentrations of formalin-containing experimental group, TM tended to decrease regardless of the concentrations of SP. In different concentrations of SP, TM of without seminal plasma(SP W/O) group tended to be higher than that of SP 20%, SP 33% and SP 50%, especially TM of SP W/O group was significantly higher than other groups at 96 h (p<0.05). PM was higher in the groups of SP W/O and SP 20% than in the groups of SP 33% and SP 50% from 24 h to 72 h in cooled-preservation, especially PM of SP W/O group was significantly higher than other groups at 96 h (p<0.05). In the anaerobic condition of cooled-preserved semen, the results of TM and PM at different concentrations of SP were similar to the results in the aerobic condition although there was a difference in the ratio. The pregnancy rates of fresh-cooled, cooled-preserved and frozen semen were 66.3%, 60.7% and 34.5%, respectively, and the pregnancy rate of frozen semen was the lowest. We also found that it is possible to pregnancy after artificial insemination using 72 h cooled-preserved equine semen. There was similar of the pregnancy rates in the different month from April to August.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.196-199
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• 2008

The interstitial cells of Cajal are the pacemakers in the gastrointestinal tract that modulate gastrointestinal motility. A case of a neonate with intestinal pseudo-obstruction caused by a decreased number of the interstitial cells of Cajal is presented. A premature male infant born at 32 weeks of gestation showed progressive abdominal distention beginning 3 days after initiation of enteral feeding at 15 days of life. No etiologic factors were identified on radiologic studies, a gastrographin enema, and an intestinal biopsy other than a markedly decreased number of the intestinal cells of Cajal. An ileostomy, followed by repair of the ileostomy was done, which resulted in but a limited improvement of the abdominal gas pattern. Respiratory distress, pancytopenia, and abdominal distention persisted, and the infant expired on 142 days of life.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of growing stages of the Korean Native Striped Bull (KNSB) on the freezability and fertility of frozen-thawed semen. First, we investigated the total motility (TM) and progressive motility (PM) according to the diluent used for semen freezing. Second, we examined the effect of the age of KNSB on semen volume, TM and PM of fresh and frozen-thawed semen. Third, we examined the effect of frozen semen from the different age of KNSB on the $in-vitro$ fertilization rate, and the artificial insemination pregnancy rate. The diluents used in this experiment were Triladyl$^{(R)}$ and Tris-egg yolk extender (EYE). Semen was collected from 5 KNSB in the growing stage (15 months) and 5 adult KNSB (36 months). When Triladyl or Tris-EYE extender was used for semen freezing, there was no difference of the mean TM and the mean PM. However, the mean TM was significantly higher in Bull No. 1885 than Bull No. 4283 ($p$ <0.05). The mean volume of semen collected from the 15-month-old bulls (2.3 ml) was significantly lower ($p$ <0.05) than that from the 36-month-old bulls (5.0 ml). The mean semen concentration was similar for the 15-month-old ($2.1{\times}10^9$ spermatozoa/ml) and 36-month-old ($1.8{\times}10^9$ spermatozoa/ml) bulls. For the 15-month-old and 36-month-old bulls, the mean TM of fresh semen were 93.7% and 88.3%, respectively, and the mean PM were 97.0% and 88.3%, respectively; the 15-month-old bulls showed a particularly high PM ($p$ <0.05). For the 15-month-old and 36-month-old bulls, the mean TM (56.0% and 58.0%, respectively) and the mean PM (64.0% and 70.7%, respectively) of frozen-thawed semen did not differ. The development rates of embryos after $in-vitro$ fertilization and the pregnancy rate after artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen did not differ according to the bull's age. In summary, semen volume differed according to the bull's age, but semen concentration and survival rate, the $in-vitro$ fertilization rate, and the pregnancy rate did not differ according to the stripe bull's age. Accordingly, semen from bulls in the growing stage can be collected and frozen for the preservation and multiplication of rare livestock.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.168-179
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• 2020

Objective: This study investigated testicular oxidative stress status and physiomorphological function in Wistar rats fed with yaji and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂). Methods: Sixty male albino Wistar rats (12 per group) were randomly assigned to five groups: group I (control), group II (300 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group III (500 mg/kg.bw of yaji), group IV (2.5 mg/kg.bw of CdCl₂), and group V (2.5 mg/kg.bw of yaji+4 mg/kg.bw omega-3). Each group was evenly subdivided into two subgroups and treatment was administered for 14 days and 42 days, respectively. Semen quality (sperm count, progressive motility, normal morphology, and gonadosomatic index), hormones (testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone), testicular oxidative stress markers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and malonaldehyde) and testicular histomorphological features were examined. Results: Yaji caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent reductions in semen quality, the gonadosomatic index, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. Yaji also caused significant (p< 0.05) dose- and duration-dependent decreases in superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, as well as increased testicular malonaldehyde levels. Yaji induced distortions in the testicular histological architecture. CdCl₂ damaged testicular function by significantly (p< 0.05) reducing semen quality, reproductive hormone levels, and oxidative stress markers in albino Wistar rats. CdCl₂ also altered the histology of the testis. Conclusion: This study shows that yaji sauce has similar anti-fertility effects to those of CdCl₂, as it adversely interferes with male reproduction by impairing oxidative stress markers and the function and morphological features of the testis.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.17.1-17.4
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• 2014

Puberty is a stage of sexual development determined by the interaction of many loci and environmental factors. Identification of genes contributing to genetic variation in this character can assist with selection for early pubertal bulls, improving genetic progress in livestock breeding. Thyroid hormones play an important role in sexual development and spermatogenic function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in thyroglobulin(TG) gene with age of puberty in Angus bulls. Four SNPs were genotyped in 273 animals using SEQUENOM technology and the association between markers and puberty age was analyzed. Results showed a significant association (P < 0.05) between these markers and puberty age estimated at a sperm concentration of 50 million and a progressive motility of 10%. This is the first report of an association of TG polymorphisms with age of puberty in bulls, and results suggest the importance of thyroidal regulation in bovine sexual development and arrival to puberty.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.327-335
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• 2010

We reported previously that the administration of Korean red ginseng water extract (KRG-WE) protected the guinea pig testis against damage induced by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (a potent endocrine disruptor). We also found that crude saponin from ginseng was the active ingredient responsible for this protection. Here, we examined the biological role of KRG-WE in an animal model of age-induced dysfunction of spermatogenesis. Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley (six 2-month-old and eighteen 12-month-old) rats were used. The young and old control groups received only vehicle. The ginseng saponin (GS)- and KRG-WE-treated groups received GS (40 mg/kg body weight/day) and KRG-WE (200 mg/kg body weight/day), respectively, for 4 months. The number of cells, Sertoli cell index, Johnsen's score, and sex hormone levels decreased significantly with age. However, the administration of KRG-WE and GS markedly improved the number of germ cells, seminiferous tubular size, and Johnsen's score in the old rats. Ginseng produced a distinct testicular histological improvement in old rats. KRG-WE and GS elevated testosterone levels, while attenuating the aberrant increase in follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels. Sperm kinematics evaluated by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer demonstrated improvement in the percentage of motile sperm, progressive sperm motility, and curvilinear velocity associated with sperm quality, supporting the beneficial role of red ginseng in senile spermatogenesis. Overall, the total water extract had a more potent effect than the corresponding saponin fraction. In conclusion, Korean red ginseng rejuvenated age-induced testicular dysfunction. Additionally, the total water extract was more potent than the corresponding saponin fraction.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.844-854
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• 2021

Objective: The potential of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), betaine (BET), and ginger (GIN), as natural antioxidants, in reducing negative effects of heat stress on physiological responses, antioxidant capacity, semen quality and fertility of bucks under heat stress were investigated. Methods: Forty adult Animal Production Research Institute line rabbit bucks were distributed randomly into four experimental treatments of ten rabbits each. The first treatment was fed the commercial pellet diet (CPD) without supplementation and served as a control. The other three treatments were fed CPD supplemented with EVOO (300 mg), BET (1,000 mg), and GIN (200 mg) per kg diet for 3 consecutive months during the summer season. Results: Supplementation of EVOO, BET, or GIN improved (p<0.05) the sexual desire, progressive motility, vitality, intact acrosome and membrane integrity, sperm cell concentration, sperm outputs and fertility. Seminal plasma total proteins, globulin, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione and glutathione S-transferase, and initial fructose increased (p<0.05), while total lipids, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and malondialdehyde decreased (p<0.05) compared with the control. In comparing the natural antioxidants treatments, GIN evoked the largest improvement. Conclusion: The inclusion of GIN (200 mg/kg diet) appeared to improve the sexual desire, semen quality and oxidative stress of bucks. This may be a beneficial supplement for the management of rabbit bucks used in natural mating or artificial insemination.