New paper accepted for publication in Animal Reproduction Science

A new paper with Ákos as a co-author was accepted for publication in Animal Reproduction Science. The work was a collaborative effort of our Polish colleagues of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn and the Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn and members of our Department. Thanks to our Polish friends for making this possible.

Effect of urine contamination on semen quality variables in Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis L.

Jarosław Król, Daniel Żarski, Gergely Bernáth, Katarzyna Palińska-Żarska, Sławomir Krejszeff, Artur Długoński, Ákos Horváth

Animal Reproduction Science 2018, 197:240-246

Abstract

The objectives of the present study were to determine values for semen quality variables in the Eurasian perch (i.e., osmolality of seminal plasma as well as sperm motility characteristics analyzed with CASA system) in response to (1) the method of milt collection (stripping or catheterization) and (2) experimental contamination of catheterized semen with urine (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% of contamination). Additionally, the effect of short-term chilled storage of experimentally contaminated semen (during the 24 h post semen collection period) on motility characteristics was investigated. Use of a typical stripping procedure resulted in about 5%–10% contamination of semen with urine, what is much less compared with other species. Markedly lesser values of straight line velocity (VSL) and consequently less linearity of spermatozoa movement (LIN) in perch semen, however, occurred as a result of stripping (46 ± 4 μm/s and 38 ± 4% for VSL and LIN, respectively), when compared to sperm collected by catheterization (87 ± 5 μm/s and 77 ± 2% for VSL and LIN, respectively), indicate that even a 10% contamination of semen with urine may have negative effects on quality. Exposure of semen to urine resulted in a significant dose-dependent decrease in the percentage of motile spermatozoa (MOT) and both velocity variables (VSL and VCL). Amount of urine contamination also affected MOT, VCL, VSL and LIN value during short-term storage. In conclusion, it is important to avoid semen contamination by urine when using the stripping procedure in the Eurasian perch, either for controlled reproduction or sperm preservation.