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Influence of In Vivo Aging of Rabbit Spermatozoa Caused by Infrequent Collection on Fertility and Embryonic Mortality

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign²

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the possibility of an in vivo aging effect on fertility and embryonic mortality in the rabbit. Semen was collected from male rabbits of proven fertility at intervals of 2, 20 and 40 days. The semen samples were microscopically evaluated for percent motile spermatozoa and rate of progressive motility. Spermatozoan concentration was determined, the semen extended with physiological saline, and a constant number of spermatozoa inseminated into Human Chorionic Gonadotropin injected does. The results showed no statistically significant differences in semen quality, fertilization rate, or embryonic mortality due to collection interval. The continual elimination of unejaculated spermatozoa from the male tract and the inability of aged spermatozoa to compete with fresh spermatozoa in fertilizing eggs may be factors protecting against in vivo aging effects.

¹ Present address: 301 S. Michigan Ave., Hastings, Michigan 49058.

² Department of Dairy Science.