The Type and Primary Abnormality Level of Bulls Sperm at Several Artificial Insemination Centers in Indonesia

Abstract

Sperm abnormalities have long been associated with male infertility and sterility in most species studied. Therefore, it is very important to evaluate the level of sperm abnormalities in semen. The objective of this study was to investigate the type and sperm abnormality level (primary abnormality) of bull’s semen at several artificial inseminations centre (AIC) in Indonesia. A total of 164 bulls from 13 AI centers and AI laboratory were used in this study, comprised of 70 Simmental, 30 Limousine, 12 Brahman, 22 Bali, 3 Brahman-Angus cross, 2 Angus, 1 Ongole, 1 Ongole cross (PO), 1 Simmental-Brahman cross and 22 Friesian Holstein (FH) bulls, respectively. An ejaculate from each bull were smeared and stained with carbolfluchsin-eosin (well known as Williams staining method). The type of morphological abnormalities were recorded from 500 cells on each sample. There were found 13 types of primary sperm abnormalities such as: pearshaped, narrow at the base, narrow (tapered head), abnormal contour, underdeveloped, round head, variable size (macro and microcephalus), double head, abaxial, knobbed acrosome defect, detached head, and diadem. The level of primary sperm abnormalities affected by age in Simmental and Limousine bulls. The sperm abnormalities in bulls ≥9 years old was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to of those 2 and 4 years old. On the other hand, ages did not affect the level of sperm abnormalities in Brahman and Bali, as well as in dairy cattle (FH). It was observed that Bos taurus bulls showed higher level of primary sperm abnormality (p<0.05) compared to Bos indicus. However, no significant differences were found (p>0.05) on the total number of primary sperm abnormalities among Simmental, Limousine, FH, Brahman and Bali cattle bulls. However pearshape type of abnormality was the most frequently found in all sample, and showed higher (p<0.05) in Simmental bulls if compared to Bali cattle and FH bulls semen. Among AIC, the higher level of primary sperm abnormalities was ranging from1.58% (AIC: A) to 8.57% (AIC: H). Based on conception rate value, it was found a negative correlation between the level of primary sperm and fertility (r = -0.95, p<0.05). In conclusion, the level of primary sperm abnormality of bulls semen at AIC was remained low, but by individual evaluation, there were 11 bulls (6.7%) indicated ≥10% primary sperm abnormalities. It is suggested that evaluation on sperm morphology to detect sperm abnormality has to be performed prior to sperm production and distribution.