Authors : E.L. Atkins , H.D. Hupp , L.W. Grimes , C.E. Thompson and H.L. Higdon
Abstract: Traditionally, spermatozoa from yearling bulls have been evaluated manually as a part of a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE). Recent advances in computer technologies may allow for a more objective evaluation of spermatozoa. Our objective was to determine the relationship of bull spermatozoal characteristics generated by traditional methods under criteria established by the Society for Theriogenology (SFT) in 1993 to those generated by an automated semen analyzer. Semen specimens from 173 yearling beef bulls from five discrete bull test stations were evaluated by the traditional method (SFT 1993) and by an automated semen analyzer [Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System (IVOS) v.10, Beverly, MA]. The IVOS and manual methods were moderately correlated for motility (r = 0.64, P < 0.001). The minimum threshold of 30% motile spermatozoa, used with the manual method (SFT 1993), is applicable to the IVOS method. Correlations for normal morphology between the two methods were variable; the overall correlation was r = 0.26 (P < 0.001). The minimum threshold of 70% normal morphology, used with the manual method (SFT 1993), is not applicable to the IVOS method.
E.L. Atkins , H.D. Hupp , L.W. Grimes , C.E. Thompson and H.L. Higdon , 2003. Evaluating Bovine Spermatozoa Using the Hamilton-Thorne Integrated Visual Optical System (IVOS). Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 2: 385-391.