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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #66124
Title: A NEW METHOD FOR RAPID DETERMINATION OF SPERM CONCENTRATION IN TURKEY SEMEN

Author
item Donoghue, Ann - Annie
item THISTLETHWAITE, D - ANIM REPROD SYSTEMS, CA
item DONOGHUE, D - FDA
item KIRBY, J - UNIV OF ARKANSAS

Submitted to: Journal Of Poultry Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/19/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: We calibrated and modified a microprocessor controlled semen analyzer (Densimeter, Model 534-B-Mod1, Animal Reproductive Systems) for determination of sperm concentration in turkey semen. Sperm concentration in diluted samples was determined by hemacytometer counts. The hemacytometer counts then were used to develop an equation for estimating sperm concentration from the semen analyzer's absorbance readings and the equation programmed into the instrument. The newly developed program on the semen analyzer was subsequently validated by comparing instrument values for sperm concentrations with concurrent hemacytometer counts, which compared well to concentrations determined by a previously calibrated photoelectric colorimeter (Klett). Correlation coefficients were r=.996 and r= .992, respectively (P<.001). The semen analyzer was accurate, precise and could be beneficial to commercial turkey AI programs because it tis easy to use, requires limited technological skills and provides results for determining sperm concentration and AI dose in approx. 1 min.

Technical Abstract: Methods for estimating sperm numbers in laboratory settings are not practical for use in turkey breeding facilities. We calibrated and modified a semen analyzer to determine sperm concentration in turkey semen and also provide information on the required dilution for a constant AI dose. Hemacytometer counts then were used to develop an equation for estimating sperm concentration from the semen analyzer's absorbance readings and the equation programmed into the instrument. The newly developed program on the semen analyzer was subsequently validated by comparing instrument values for sperm concentrations with concurrent hemacytometer counts, which compared well to concentrations determined by a previously calibrated photoelectric colorimeter (Klett). The semen analyzer was accurate, precise and could be beneficial to commercial turkey AI programs because it is easy to use, requires limited technological skills and provides results for determining sperm concentration and AI dos in approx. 1 min.