In vivo fertilizing ability of stallion spermatozoa processed by single layer centrifugation with Androcoll-ETM

Abstract EN

A colloid with a species specific silane-coated, silica-based formulation, optimized for stallion (Androcoll-ETM), enables a better sub-population of spermatozoa to be selected from stallion ejaculates.

However, such a practice has not been critically evaluated in stallions with fertility problems.

In this study we evaluate whether single-layer centrifugation (SLC) through Androcoll- ETM could be used to enhance fertility rates in a subfertile stallion.

Ejaculates were obtained from two different stallions, one Lusitano (fertile) and one Sorraia (subfertile), with distinct sperm characteristics and fertility.

Motility, morphology, plasma membrane structural (eosin-nigrosin) and functional integrity (HOS test), mitochondrial functionality (Dwm; JC-1) and longevity (motility after 72 h cooling) after centrifugation in Androcoll-ETM, as well as pregnancy rates obtained after artificial insemination (AI), with and without (control group) SLC-treated sperm were assessed.

The effect of SLC on sperm characteristics, and fertility results were evaluated by ANOVA and Fisher procedures, respectively.

Our results showed that SLC-selected sperm did not differ from the raw semen in terms of viability, morphology, response to hypo-osmotic conditions (HOS test) and mitochondrial membrane potential ("DWmit; JC-1).

Sperm motility in cooled samples was not improved.