• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 1995

To investigate effect of seeding on post-thaw motility and viability of canine spermatozoa, the semen from male dogs which had been proved to be fertile in the past were frozen and seeded during freezing process. Post-thaw motility and viability of canine sperm which were frozen and seeded were investigated according to different seeding temperatures of $-5^{\circ}C$, $-10^{\circ}C$, or $-l5^{\circ}C$ and also according to different concentration of glycerol of 2%, 5% and 10%. In addition, post-thaw motility of canine sperm frozen by direct freezing in a deep freezer or programmed freezing in a programmed cell freezer was investigated. Post-thaw motility of canine sperm was compared according to different seeding temperatures : The sperm seeded at $-5^{\circ}C$ showed considerably higher post-thaw motility than that of non-seeding, and that seeded at $-10^{\circ}C$, or $-l5^{\circ}C$, respectively, in 2% and 5% glycerol groups on both 2 and 7day after freezing(p<0.05). In 10% concentration of glycerol, the sperm seeded at each seeding temperature showed considerably higher post-thaw motility than that of non-seeding group on day 7 after freezing(p<0.01). Post-thaw viability of canine sperm was compared according to different seeding temperatures : The sperm seeded at $-5^{\circ}$ showed significantly higher post-thaw motility than that of non-seeding, and that seeded at $-10^{\circ}C$, or $-l5^{\circ}C$, in 5% and 10% glycerol groups on day 7 after freezing(p< 0.05). In comparison of post-thaw motility of canine sperm seeded according to different concentration of glycerol, 5% glycerol group and 10% glycerol group showed considerably higher post-thaw motility than 2% glycerol group without difference between those two groups in all seeding temperatures($-5^{\circ}C$, $-10^{\circ}C$ and $-l5^{\circ}C$) on day 2 and 7 after freezing(p<0.01). In comparison of post-thaw viability of canine sperm seeded according to different concentration of glycerol, 5% glycerol group and 10% glycerol group showed the same considerably higher post-thaw viability than 2% glycerol group on each thawing day(p<0.01). The canine sperm frozen and seeded by programmed freezing method showed considerably higher post-thaw motility than that frozen by direct freezing method in all different seeding temperatures($-5^{\circ}C$, $-10^{\circ}C$ and $-l5^{\circ}$). These results indicated that the higher post-thaw motility and viability was obtained in the spermatozoa seeded than that of non-seeding, that among different seeding temperatures of $-5^{\circ}C$, $-10^{\circ}C$ and $-l5^{\circ}C$, the sperm seeded at $-5^{\circ}C$ showed higher post-thaw motility and viability than the other temperatures, also among different concentrations fof glycerol of 2%, 5% and 10%, the sperm frozen and seeded in 5% and 10% concentration of glycerol showed higher post-thaw motility and viability than that in 2% of glycerol, and that the sperm frozen and seeded by programmed freezing method showed higher motility than that by direct freezing method.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.486-492
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• 2007

Seminal plasma(SP) is usually removed from semen that is to be cryopreserved. However, some reports indicate that SP has beneficial effects on spermatozoa during chilling and freezing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SP on sperm survival by adding SP to the extender before cooling and freezing canine spermatozoa. In replicate experiments, ejaculates obtained from four healthy dogs(1-4 years old) of various breeds were pooled, centrifuged at $300{\times}g$ for 10 min at $25^{\circ}C$, and the supernatant of seminal plasma was decanted. Spermatozoa were suspended in egg yolk-Tris(EYT) buffer. The study comprised two experiments: [Exp 1] Sperm were suspended in EYT extender containing either 0, 20, 40, 80 or 100% SP and were slowly cooled to $4^{\circ}C$ for 2h or held at $25^{\circ}C$ as controls. Sperm concentration was adjusted to $2{\times}10^8/ml$. [Exp II] Sperm samples, each of which contained $1{\times}10^8/ml$, were assigned to nine groups to be frozen. In the first four groups, sperm in EYT containing either 20, 40, 80 or 100% SP were cooled to $4^{\circ}C$, then diluted to contain final concentrations of EYT+0.6M glycerol and then were frozen. The final concentrations of SP were 10, 20, 40 or 50%. In the other four groups, sperm in EYT alone were first cooled slowly to $4^{\circ}C$, then diluted to contain final concentrations of EYT+0.6M glycerol plus 10, 20, 40 or 50% SP and then were frozen. Spermatozoa, which chilled in EYT alone and diluted to contain final concentrations of EYT+0.6M glycerol without seminal plasma, and then frozen, was regarded as control. Spermatozoa were frozen at $25^{\circ}C/min$ of cooling rate in plastic straws that were suspended above liquid nitrogen and thawed in water at $38^{\circ}C$ for 1 min. Sperm survival was assayed by determining progressive motility and integrity of plasma and acrosome membranes. Progressive motility was determined by microscopic examination at $200{\times}$ magnification. Membrane integrity was assessed by use of a double fluorescent dye, and acrosome integrity by staining sperm with Pisum sativum agglutinin. The results of the first experiment showed that adding SP did not improve motility of spermatozoa compared to those incubated without SP regardless of temperature. The results of the second experiment showed that spermatozoa suspended in EYT+0.6M glycerol containing SP exhibited the higher progressive motility before being frozen(P<0.05). However, frozen-thawed spermatozoa that had suspended in EYT+0.6M glycerol containing SP showed the similar or lower viability(P<0.05). In summary, although seminal plasma did not affect spermatozoa that were chilled in EYT without cryoprotectant(CPA), addition of seminal plasma to EYT containing CPA did significantly improved progressive motility of canine spermatozoa that were chilled.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.345-350
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• 1993

Multiple ejaculates were collected from four male mongrel dogs. The second fraction and the small volume of third fraction from the ejaculates were divided and treated as follows : control; addition of the egg-yolk Tris extender to the semen at $37^{\circ}C$. group I; Removal of seminal plasma, group II; addition of the glycerolated extender at $4^{\circ}C$, group III Removal of seminal plasma and addition of glycerolated extender at $4^{\circ}C$. The semen cooled to $4^{\circ}C$ was equlibrated for 2hrs and preserved in refrigerator at $4^{\circ}C$. The preserved semen was evaluated for kinetics, morphology, motility and thermoresistance daily for 3 days. 1. The kinectics after preserved days 2 and 3 of group I was significantly higher than that of control(p<0.05). 2. There were no significant difference in abnormal morphology of each group between the periods of storage. 3. The motility after preserved day 1 and days 3 of group I was significantly higher than that of others(p<0.05), and the molity after preserved days 2 of group I and III was signficantly higher than that of others(p<0.05). 4. When the molity of preserved semen was measured during incubation at $37^{\circ}C$, the motility of four groups was declined at similar rates. There was no effect of removal of seminal plasma and glycerol addition on thermoresistance.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2003

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different freezing and thawing rates on the viability, motility and acrosomal changes of frozen canine spermatozoa. The ejaculated semen was extended with Tris-egg yolk buffer containing 8% glycerol and equilibrated for 60 min after cooled to 4$^{\circ}C$ for 58 min. The straws were cryopreserved gradually by slow-cooling at different distance(6, 10 and 17 cm, respectively) from the liquid nitrogen (L$N_2$) to achieve temperature rate of 3, 8.9 and 19$^{\circ}C$ /min. Thawing of the straws was performed in a water bath fur 2 min at 37$^{\circ}C$ and 55$^{\circ}C$ , respectively. The motility of frozen-thawed spermatozoa was assessed by phase-contrast microscopy. To assess their viability and acrosome content, spermatozoa were stained with a vital stain and Fluorescence conjugated lectin Pisum Savitum Agglutinin (FITC/PAS), respectively. Concentration of the ejaculated fresh semen was normal range of 3.44 $\times$ 10$^{8}$ /ml. Freezing temperature were reduced to -110, -70 and -35$^{\circ}C$, as higher distance from liquid nitrogen, 6, 10 and 17 cm, respectively. Freezing at 3$^{\circ}C$/min in distance of 17 cm from liquid nitrogen yielded better motility, viability and rate of intact acrosome than 8.9 or 19$^{\circ}C$/min and the optimal thawing was 37$^{\circ}C$ for 2 min.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.577-583
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• 2007

It is important to obtain semen with good quality for efficient fertilization and pregnancy. To obtain these semen, various methods have been developed but most of these methods are time consuming and require costly equipment. Therefore, the objective of this research is to investigate the usability of column filtration system as quick and simple method to get sperm with better quality. Ejaculates were obtained from 5 dogs and analyzed with basic quality parameters before each filtration. Sperm concentration was adjusted to $5{\times}10^7/ml$ after dilution. The experimental groups were divided into non-filtered group(control) and filtered groups(glass wool, Sephadex 5% and Sephadex 20%). Ejaculates were filtered through each filter system and assessed by recovery rate of sperm, motility, normal morphology, CFDA/PI stain and plasma membrane integrity(hypo-osmotic swelling test, HOST). The lowest recovery rate of spermatozoa was recorded in glass wool filtration group, followed by 20% Sephadex filtration group(p<0.05). There was no significant difference between control(non-filtered) and 5% Sephadex filtration poop. Also, there was no significant difference of sperm motility assessed under light microscope among experimental groups. Morphological normality of canine spermatozoa was the highest in the glass wool filtration group and the lowest in the 5% Sephadex filtration group with no significant differences versus 20% Sephadex filtration and control group, respectively(p<0.05). Viability of canine sperm assessed by CFCA/PI staining was the highest in the glass wool filtration poop with no significant difference versus the control group, and the lowest in the 20% Sephadex filtration group with no significant difference versus 5% Sephadex filtration group, respectively(p<0.05). HOS values of canine sperm was the highest in the 20% Sephadex filtration group with no significant difference versus 5% Sephadex filtration group, and the lowest in the control poop with no significant difference versus glass wool filtration group, respectively(p<0.05). Therefore, these results indicated that filtration treatment for extended canine sperm would be useful method to get sperm with better quality by trapping the damaged sperm, consequently filter would be physical barrier against injured or immotile sperm.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.115-118
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• 2008

Glycerol is the cryoprotectant most frequently used to freeze semen in several of species. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of three different glycerol concentrations (4, 6 or 8%, v/v) on frozen-thawed dog sperm survival rate. Ejaculates from 9 dogs collected by digital manipulation were pooled and assessed by macroscopic and microscopic criteria. Semen was divided into 3 aliquots, which were centrifuged and the sperm pellets rediluted with first Tris-glucose-citric acid extender. After 1 h cooling at $4^{\circ}C$, second extender containing 4, 6 or 8% glycerol was added, respectively. The semen was loaded into 0.25 ml straws and frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen and thawed. Sperm vigor, live:dead spermatozoa ratio using HOS test, and sperm morphology using $Spermac^{(R)}$ stain were evaluated. After thawing, there were no significant differences among groups in vigor, viability and morphology. In conclusion, the three glycerol concentrations (4, 6 or 8%) can be used successfully in cryopreservation of canine semen. Therefore the use of 4% glycerol in the extender has less toxic effect and reduces of freezing injuries.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.133-138
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• 2001

The aim of this study was to identify the method on extended canine semen exposed to freezing as assessed by motility, survival and acrosomal changes following different freezing ramp rates. Five ejaculates collected by digital manipulation twice weekly from three dogs (Shih-Tzu) were added Tris-Egg Yolk (TE) buffer and divided into 4 aliquots according to formulation of our laboratory. After cooling to 4$^{\circ}C$ by ramp rate of 0.6$^{\circ}C$/min, the samples frozen by ramp rates of 1.6$^{\circ}C$/min to -$25^{\circ}C$, 3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$, 8.9$^{\circ}C$/min to -7$0^{\circ}C$ and 19$^{\circ}C$/min to -11$0^{\circ}C$, respectively, and then stored in L$N_2$for 2days. Each sample was evaluated on their motility, survivability and acrosome integrity at different thawing temperature. The ramp rate of 3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$/h for freezing and thawing temperature of 37$^{\circ}C$ obtained the highest results to improve survivability, motile spermatozoa and intact acrosome appearance than other onditions. In conclusion, we may suggest freezing semen for canine artificial insemination is more efficient with freezing at a ramp rate of -3$^{\circ}C$/min to -35$^{\circ}C$ and thawing with a water bath adjusted to 37$^{\circ}C$.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.137-143
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• 2002

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of sugar kinds and combination of various sugars, and straw size and pre-freezing time on motility of post-thaw spermatozoa in canine. In general, the extender was supplemented with fructose or glucose for semen freezing. 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＋Xy1, Tre＋Xy1) and three combinations (Fru＋Tre＋Xy1). The motility after CASA analysis in Fru＋Tre＋Xy1 was higher than those in fructose, trehalose, xylose, Fru＋Tre, Fru＋Xy1, Tre＋Xy1 (69 vs. 58, 61, 50, 65, 20, 54). However, the progressive motility after CASA analysis in Fru＋Tre group was higher than those in fructose, trehalose, xylose, Fru＋Xy1, Tre＋Xy1, Fru＋Tre＋Xy1 (59％ vs. 47, 55, 42, 13, 49, 44％). The survival rate of post-thaw spermatozoa in 0.25 $m\ell$ straw for 10 min pre-freezing was significantly higher than those in 0.25 $m\ell$ straw for 10 min, 0.25 and 0.5 $m\ell$ for 5 min (80＋0.0 vs. 65＋7, 68＋16, 58＋8％; P＜0.05). The results indicated that the progressive motility of post-thaw spermatozoa in 70 mM Fru ＋Tre (two combination) following CASA analysis and 0.25 ml straw for 10 min pre-freezing time could be better for freezing of semen in canine.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.337-343
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• 1993

To determine the test conditions to enhance the use of hamster test in dogs, semen were collected from four dogs which had been proven to be fertile in the past and then preserved in BWW (Biggers, Whitten, Whittingham) medium for about 20 hours. The semen were given each different treatment according to the experimental design and coincubated with zona-free hamster ova for 5 hours. The ova were stained by lacmoid and examined under phase contrast microscope to investigate the rates of ova bound with sperm(sperm binding) and ova penetrated by sperm (penetration), and also numbers of both bound and penetrated sperm per ovum. In comparison of different concentrations of canine sperm, the rate of sperm binding was higher in $1.5{\times}10^8$, $1{\times}10^8$, and $5{\times}10^7$ sperm concentrations than $5{\times}10^5$ concentration(p<0.01), and also than $5{\times}10^6$ concentration(p<0.05), respectively. The number of bound sperm per ovum was considerably higher in $1.5{\times}10^8$ sperm concentration than $5{\times}10^7$, $1.5{\times}10^6$, and $5{\times}10^5$ concentrations(p<0.01). The rate of penetration was considerably higher in $1.5{\times}10^8$ and $1{\times}10^8$ sperm concentrations than $5{\times}10^5$ concentration,(p<0.01), and also the higher result of penetration was shown in $5{\times}10^7$ than $5{\times}10^5$ (p<0.05). The number of penetrated sperm per ovum was considerably higher in $1.5{\times}10^8$ sperm concentrations than $5{\times}10^5$(p<0.01), and also the higher number was shown in $1{\times}10^8$ than $5{\times}10^5$ (p<0.05). In comparison of the different preincubation period of canine spermatozoa, no difference was obtained in the results of hamster test among the preincubation periods of 4 hours, 18~24 hours and 48 hours. The canine spermatozoa in BWW medium with $Ca^{2+}$(1.3mM) and without FCS(fetal calf serum), with both $Ca^{2+}$(1.3mM) and FCS, with $Ca^{2+}$(2.6mM) and without FCS, and with both $Ca^{2+}$(2.6mM) and FCS showed no difference in the results of hamster test.These results indicated that the appropriate concentration of sperm should be given in hamster test for dog sperm.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.285-290
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the possibility of superfecundation by surgical intrauterine artificial insemination in dogs of confirmed genetic pedigree. Artificial insemination was performed on 3 days after ovulation with $1.3{\times}$ $10^8$ spermatozoa. Five puppies were delivered on 60 days after insemination. The ratio of the number of newborns to the number of corpora lutea was 83.3% (5/6). Parentage analysis with 10 canine-specific microstatellite markers demonstrated that one puppy was genetically relative to the sire-A family and four puppies were genetically relative to the sire-B. The present study demonstrated that two kinds of puppies with different genetic pedigree can be produced by surgical uterine insemination of semen of individual dog into each uterine horn of a bitch.