不同禁欲时间对少精、弱精精液质量的影响

目的:了解不同禁欲时间对少精、弱精精液质量的影响,为临床治疗不育提供参考。方法:对正常精液、少精症、弱精症患者分别根据禁欲天数随机分成两组,禁欲2-4天为A组,禁欲5-7天为B组,对上述各组进行精液分析。结果:在正常组、少精组及弱精组中,A组的精液量、精子密度及精子总量低于B组,A组a b级精子百分率高于B组,差异有统计学意义。在少精组及弱精组中A组精子正常形态率高于B组,差异有统计学意义。结论:正常精液及弱精症患者禁欲2-4天的精液质量最好,少精症患者禁欲5-7天的精液质量最好。     

人类精浆中发现免疫活性促黄体生成素释放激素

八十年代以来,已在大鼠卵巢、睾丸和猴曲细精管中分离出促黄体生成素释放激素(LHRH)样物质,在性腺组织中也发现了特异性高亲和力的LHRH受体。但人类精浆中是否存在LHRH样物质则很少报道。日本研究者以放免法检验人精浆中是否存在LHRH样物质,并研究了它与精子质量的关系。103份精浆都取自不育者,LHRH浓度范围从410.5pg/ml直至不能检出(<25.0pg/ml),均值为77.0±7.6pg/ml。将所有样品按精子密度和活动力分成四组,即高密度和活动力佳组(其中包括精子正常者)、高密度和活动力不佳组、低密度和活动力佳组以及低密度和活动力不佳组。高密度为精子密度达40×     

原鸡采精技术与精液品质研究

以原鸡滇南亚种为研究对象,利用性欲反射强度、精液采集量等评判指标,探索适合于原鸡的人工采精技术.通过对精液感官评定和显微镜检,构建精液常规生理指标;在精液中,分别添加NaCl(0.9%、1%)、葡萄糖(5%、5.7%)、卵黄液(10%、13%)、蔗糖液(11%、13%)等4种稀释液,测量不同处理精子的活力、畸形率、质膜完整性、存活时间和生存指数,探讨稀释液、不同季节及二者交互作用对精液品质的影响,筛选新鲜精液的最优稀释液.结果表明:改进后的人工采精技术可使采精量增至0.16 ml、成功率达96%以上.精液中性微偏酸性(pH∶ 6.7～7.0),呈现"有云雾状"特性、春秋季较明显,呈乳白色或乳黄色,略带腥味.精液量为(0.13±0.02) ml (0.10～0.16 ml),精子密度为(15.03±4.46)×10~8个/ml(11.61×10~8～22.16×10~8个/ml),活力为(93.91±0.08)%(93.20%～95.00%),质膜完整性为(93.75±2.71)%(91.60%～95.64%),畸形率为(5.53±1.59)%(4.55%～6.48%).NaCl(0.9%、1%)、葡萄糖(5%、5.7%)和11%蔗糖液均可作为新鲜精液稀释液,其总存活时间达32 h以上,考虑对畸形率、活力和质膜完整性等影响,以1%NaCl处理效果相对最佳.就精子活力和质膜完整性而言,原鸡采精的季节(月份)对稀释液具有一定选择性.     

男性精浆中IL-6 和sICAM-1 与免疫性不育的关系研究

目的:探究男性精浆中白细胞介素-6(IL-6)和可溶性细胞黏附分子-1(sICAM-1)与免疫性不育的关系。方法:选择2014年6月至2015年12月我院收治不育症患者189例及100例健康体检者为研究对象,根据患者精子混合抗球蛋白反应实验(MAR)结果将不育症患者分为免疫性不育组(88例)和非免疫性不育组(101例);免疫不育组患者按照精液白细胞过氧化物酶染色情况分为免疫性阳性白细胞组(WBC≥1×10~6/mL)36例和免疫性阴性白细胞阴性组(1×10~6/m L)52例,分析并比较各组间精子质量、IL-6和sICAM-1水平。结果:免疫性不育组与非免疫性不育组患者精液精子向前运动比率、存活率均低于对照组(P0.05);免疫性不育组与非免疫性不育组精液各项参数均不存在差异(P0.05);免疫性不育组患者IL-6、sICAM-1水平均高于非免疫性不育组及对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);非免疫性不育组IL-6、sICAM-1水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。相关性分析显示,精子被Ig G黏附数比例与研究对象精液IL-6、sICAM-1水平呈正相关关系(r=0.438,0.561;P0.05);免疫性阳性白细胞组患者精液IL-6与sICAM-1水平均高于免疫性阴性白细胞组(P0.05)。结论:免疫性不育症患者精子质量下降,男性精液中IL-6和sICAM-1水平表达越高,MAR阳性率越高,男性免疫性不育发生的可能性越大。     

人类精浆和卵泡液中有胸腺素α_1

过去已在胸腺中分离到几种激素样因子,胸腺素α_1(Tα_1)为其中的一种,它位于胸腺上皮细胞。美国Naz 等首次报告人类精浆和卵泡液中存在高浓度 Tα_1。19名男性精浆中 Tα_1浓度变异范围为614-2604pg/ml(均值±SD 约为1682±454 pg/ml)。Tα_1浓度与射出精液中精子总数和精液体积间都显示相关。不育男性 Tα_1浓度低,精子数目少,精子运动减少,精浆体积小。取自10名不育女性24个卵泡的卵泡液中,Tα_1浓度变异范围为1019至6384pg/ml(均值±SD     

不同稀释液对圈养黑熊精液品质的影响

对23头圈养黑熊进行63次电刺激采精,并在对精液进行品质检查的基础上,通过对3种稀释液4℃保存精液结果的筛选比较试验,得出以下结果:圈养黑熊采精量平均为1.06±0.93ml,pH值为6.71±0.44,精子密度为(3.23±1.68)×108个/ml,精子畸形率为(23.48±7.95)%,顶体完整率为(88.58±3.86)%,精子活率和活力分别为(76.30±13.91)%和(63.91±18.53)%;Tris-柠-果-葡-卵稀释液保存圈养黑熊精液效果最好,可作为进一步研究优化的首选。     

达氏鲟精子的主要生物学特性

达氏鲟(Acipenser dabryanus)属淡水定居性鲟鱼类,为我国特有种,主要分布在长江上游干流及金沙江下游。长期人为过度捕捞及其生存环境的持续污染和水利工程的影响,使得达氏鲟自然种群资源遭到严重破坏,其配子质量的下降己经成为限制其规模化人工繁殖成功的关键因素之一,因此为解决达氏鲟规模化人工繁殖过程中存在的关键性技术点,作者从达氏鲟精液基本特征、精浆元素组成以及不同水体和Na+、K+对达氏鲟精子活力的影响、精子超微结构方面入手,对达氏鲟精子的生理生态特性进行了研究。结果显示,达氏鲟精子平均密度为1.52×109个/ml;精浆元素以Na+含量最高,其次是K+,之后为Ca2+、Mg2+、Cu2+、Zn2+,其中Na+、K+、Zn2+在达氏鲟精浆中的含量有极显著性差异(P0.01),Ca2+、Cu2+、Mg2+差异不明显;精子在江水中的活力最高;在Na+浓度为20 mmol/L时,精子活力最高,精子快速运动时间(FT)和寿命(LT)分别为(66.7±7.1)s和(177.0±14.9)s;达氏鲟精子对K+浓度变化较为敏感,在K+浓度为0.05 mmol/L时,精子FT和LT最长,分别为(109.0±16.1)s和(189.3±12.4)s,K+浓度超过0.05 mmol/L后精子FT和LT急速下降,当K+浓度达到0.5 mmol/L以上时,精子活力立即受到抑制;达氏鲟精子细胞核长(5.67±0.20)μm,鞭毛长(63.16±2.79)μm,全长为(70.35±2.92)μm。     

不同程度精索静脉曲张对不育男性精浆生化标志物及精子DNA完整性的影响

摘要 目的：探讨不同程度精索静脉曲张（varicocele,VC）对不育男性精浆生化标志物及精子DNA完整性的影响。方法：选取2017年8月至2020年9月至我院生殖医学中心男性专科门诊就诊并进行精浆生化及精子DNA完整性检查的不育患者138例,按照有无VC分为VC不育组62例,非VC不育组76例,选取同期就诊无VC的正常生育者60例作为本研究的对照组,根据精索静脉曲张程度将VC不育组患者分为VCⅠ度组、VCⅡ度组、VCⅢ度组。比较VC不育组、非VC不育组与正常生育组精浆生化标志物及精子DNA碎片率（DNA fragmentation index,DFI）,分析比较VC不育各亚组间精浆生化标志物及精子DFI变化情况。结果：精浆生化标志物分析：VC不育组精浆α-葡萄糖苷酶较非VC不育组及正常生育组明显减低（P＜0.05）,且VC不育各亚组间精浆α-葡萄糖苷酶水平依次减低,三组间两两比较有显著性差异（P＜0.05）;精浆锌、柠檬酸、果糖在VC不育组、非VC不育组与正常生育组比较无统计学差异（P＞0.05）,在VC不育各亚组间比较均无显著性差异（P＞0.05）;精子DFI分析：VC不育组精子DFI较正常生育组升高（P＜0.05）,非VC不育组精子DFI较正常生育组升高（P＜0.05）,VC不育组精子DFI较非VC不育组比较未见明显差异（P＞0.05）;VC不育各亚组间精子DFI逐渐升高,三组间两两比较精有显著性差异（P＜0.05）。结论：VC的发生与进展程度与精子DFI及精浆α-葡萄糖苷酶水平异常具有相关性,其二者可作为评价VC的有效指标,并为VC的分度提供一定的依据。     

男性不育患者精液细菌感染对精液常规指标及动态学参数影响的研究

目的 了解男性不育患者精液细菌感染率及菌群分布、细菌感染对精液常规指标及动态学参数的影响、精液白细胞(WBC)数与细菌感染率的相关性.方法 对405例我院男科门诊就诊的不育患者进行精液细菌培养鉴定,并采用SQIAS-2000精子质量图文分析系统对精液进行常规分析,采用正甲苯胺蓝过氧化物酶法对精液中WBC进行定量分析.结果 男性不育患者精液细菌感染率为43.2％,其中革兰阳性菌占86.3％,以葡萄球菌属细菌为主;细菌感染组与对照组的精液相关参数在精子密度、精子活率、a+b级精子活力、畸形精子率、曲线速度、直线速度、平均路径速度、平均移动角度、直线性、前向性、鞭打频率等方面差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05);当精液WBC≥5×106/mL时,细菌感染率为91.3％.结论 男性不育患者精液细菌感染率较高,且细菌感染可引起精子数量减少、运动质量和能力减弱,进一步证实了生殖道细菌感染是男性不育的重要原因.     

男性不育与Y染色体

目的:观察精子数目异常与小Y染色体及内分泌性腺激素水平。方法:对262名少精及无精症患者检测染色体,并对其中11例小Y染色体及随机抽取的15例Y染色体正常的患者运用磁性分离酶免疫测定法分别检测性腺激素。结果:小Y染色体检出率为4.19%(11/262),其内分泌性腺激素均呈高卵泡刺激素、高黄体生成素和低睾酮水平,与Y染色体正常的无精及少精症患者相比较,差异有显著性(P<0.05)。而小Y染色体不同精子数组各内分泌性腺激素比较,差异无显著性(P>0.05)。结论:精子数目异常可能与小Y染色体有关,小Y染色体基因改变可能是导致其内分泌性腺激素的变化因素。     

The impact of blood and seminal plasma zinc and copper concentrations on spermogram and hormonal changes in infertile Nigerian men

Zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) concentrations in sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligozoospermic and 20 azoospermic) and 40 males with evidence of fertility (normozoospermic; controls) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results were correlated with the subject's spermogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentration of zinc was significantly (p<0.01) higher in oligozoospermic males when compared to azoospermic subjects and controls. The ratios of serum Zn to seminal plasma Zn were 1:1, 1:3 or 1:4 in oligozoospermic, normozoospermic or azoospermic subjects, respectively. While the mean Cu concentration was significantly higher in serum than seminal plasma in all groups, the Zn concentration was significantly (p<0.05) higher in seminal plasma than serum. The Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma was significantly (p<0.01) higher in controls compared with other groups. A significant (p<0.01) inverse correlation was observed between serum Zn and sperm counts. Similarly, seminal plasma Zn negatively correlated with spermatozoa viability. In conclusion, the measurement of serum Zn level, apart from being a good index of the assessment of prostatic secretion and function, may be considered a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male infertility. Also, a lower Cu/Zn ratio in seminal plasma may serve as a supportive tools in assessing male infertility.     

Impact of seminal and serum zinc on semen quality and hormonal status: A population-based cohort study of Russian young men

BackgroundTrace elements are important factors in human reproductive health. Among them, special attention is paid to zinc, which is an essential trace element and is necessary for the normal functioning of the male reproductive system and the process of spermatogenesis. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between seminal and serum zinc concentrations and semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in population of Russian young men.MethodsThe study population consisted of 626 young Russian men (median age 22.5 years), recruited from the general population, regardless of their fertility status. Each participant provided semen and blood sample, information about his lifestyle and ethnicity. Semen quality (sperm concentration, motility and morphology), reproductive hormone levels (testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH and inhibin B), and serum and seminal zinc concentrations were evaluated. The semen samples were analyzed according to the WHO laboratory manual (WHO, 2010). Serum hormones were measured by enzyme immunoassay, zinc concentrations were determined using spectrophotometry and direct colorimetry without deproteinization.ResultsZinc was present in the seminal plasma in a significantly higher concentration than in the blood serum (median serum Zn concentration was 23.6 μmol/L vs seminal Zn concentration 1571.8 μmol/L). The seminal zinc concentration was positively related to the total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility and normal morphology (Spearman’s test: 0.221; 0.286; 0.269; 0.183, respectively, p < 0.001), while the serum Zn concentration was negatively related to serum testosterone and estradiol levels (r = −0.249 and r = −0.096, respectively, p < 0.001−0.05). It was found that the seminal Zn content in men with normal semen quality was higher compared to men with lowered semen quality (means: 6.37 and 5.03 μmol/ejaculate, respectively, p < 0.001). Similarly, the semen volume, total sperm count, sperm concentration, progressive motility, normal morphology and the serum testosterone level in men with the seminal Zn deficiency were lower than in men with the normal seminal Zn content.ConclusionBased on the results of our population-based study, seminal Zn levels were closely associated with semen parameters in young men, so Zn deficiency may be an important risk factor for lowered semen quality. Seminal Zn determinations should be considered as a useful tool in addition to other parameters in assessing male fertility.     

Evaluation of the Relationship Between Height and Zinc,Copper, Iron,Calcium, and Magnesium Levels in Healthy Young Children in Beijing,China

Studies suggest a relationship between semen quality and the concentration of trace elements in serum or seminal plasma. However, trace elements may be linked to DNA and capable of altering the gene expression patterns. Thus, trace element interactions with DNA may contribute to the mechanisms for a trans-generational reproductive effect. We developed an analytical method to determine the amount of trace elements bound to the sperm DNA, and to estimate their affinity for the sperm DNA by the ratio: R = Log [metal concentration in the sperm DNA/metal concentration in seminal plasma]. We then analyzed the concentrations of 15 trace elements (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, Zn, As, Sb, and Se) in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA in 64 normal and 30 abnormal semen specimens with Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This study showed all trace elements were detected in the seminal plasma and only metals were detected in the sperm DNA. There was no correlation between the metals’ concentrations in the seminal plasma and the sperm DNA. Al had the highest affinity for DNA followed by Pb and Cd. This strong affinity is consistent with the known mutagenic effects of these metals. The lowest affinity was observed for Zn and Ti. We observed a significant increase of Al linked to the sperm DNA of patients with oligozoospermia and teratozoospermia. Al’s reproductive toxicity might be due to Al linked to DNA, by altering spermatogenesis and expression patterns of genes involved in the function of reproduction.     

Effects of Vitamins, Probiotics, and Protein Level on Semen Traits and Some Seminal Plasma Macro- and Microminerals of Male Broiler Breeders After Zinc-Induced Molting

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin E, vitamin C, probiotics, dietary protein level, and their combination on semen traits and seminal plasma macro- and microminerals in 65-week-old male broiler breeders after zinc-induced molting. One hundred eighty birds were induced to molt by mixing zinc oxide (3,000 mg/kg) in the diet. The birds were divided into six groups (five replicates) by completely randomized design. One group was kept as control (16% CP), while the other five were supplemented with vitamin E (100 IU/kg feed), vitamin C (500 IU/kg feed) probiotics (50 mg/L), protein level (14% CP), and their combination. Semen samples were weekly collected for determination of semen volume, sperm concentration, motility, and dead sperm percentage. Analyses of Na, K, Ca and Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in seminal plasma were also performed. Overall, mean semen volume was significantly high in vitamin E and C supplemented groups compared to control. Overall mean sperm motility was significantly higher in vitamin E supplemented group, whereas dead sperm percentage was significantly lower in the vitamin C group compared to control. Mineral analyses revealed that overall mean seminal plasma Mg increased significantly in vitamin E and C supplemented groups compared to control. Similarly, significantly high overall mean seminal plasma Cu concentration was observed in vitamins E and C and combination groups. It can be concluded that vitamins have a vital role in improving semen quality and bioavailability of Mg and Cu in seminal plasma of the post-molt cockerels.     

Relationship between sperm count, serum gonadotropins and testosterone levels in normo-, oligo- and azoospermia

In 92 men with normozoospermia (greater than 40 X 10(6)/ml), 105 with slight oligozoospermia (greater than 10 X 10(6)/ml), 100 with severe oligozoospermia (less than 10 X 10(6)/ml) and 56 with azoospermia, serum testosterone, LH and FSH were measured radioimmunologically. With an increasing degree of reduction of spermatozoa, a decreasing testosterone level and increasing LH and FSH levels could be demonstrated. In normozoospermia, between 40 and 140 X 10(6)/ml, a direct correlation was found between FSH and sperm count, and, in the group between 40 and 100 X 10(6)/ml, a direct correlation between T and sperm count. A disturbed LH:T balance is often observed which beside decreased serum T levels demonstrates a testicular deficiency in androgen production.     

Selenium,Copper and Zinc in Seminal Plasma of Men with Varicocele,Relationship with Seminal Parameters

Varicocele has been associated with decrease in seminal parameters. Selenium (Se), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are trace elements essential for normal spermatogenesis of mammals and play a critical role as antioxidant defense system enzymes. Se, Cu, and Zn are associated with sperm quality in fertile and infertile men. However, there is little information about Se, Cu, and Zn concentrations in semen in patients with varicocele and its association with seminal parameters. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of Se, Cu, and Zn in semen of patients with varicocele and the relationship with seminal parameters. Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence was used for the fist time in the seminal fluid analysis. The concentration of selenium in men with varicocele was smaller than the normozoospermic group, while no differences were observed for both concentrations of zinc and copper. A significant positive correlation between zinc and selenium concentration was observed. Selenium in seminal plasma correlates with a good spermatozoa concentrations, motility, and morphology. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between zinc levels and sperm count. In conclusion, a decrease in selenium concentration was associated with detriment of seminal parameters. A study should be conducted to evaluate the benefits of both zinc and selenium supplementation to improve seminal parameters in patients with varicocele.     

Association of prostate cancer susceptibility variant (MSMB) rs10993994 with risk of spermatogenic failure

β-Microseminoprotein (MSMB) is one of the most abundant proteins in human seminal plasma. It has been identified that MSMB increased significantly in oligoasthenoteratozoospermic patients compared with fertile controls. We hypothesized that the functional polymorphism (rs10993994) of MSMB gene could be a risk factor for spermatogenic failure. For this study, 338 patients with idiopathic oligozoospermia or azoospermia and 382 fertile controls were recruited from an infertility clinic. Semen analysis was performed by computer-assisted semen analysis system. The functional polymorphism of MSMB gene was genotyped using TaqMan method. Sixty three seminal plasma samples were used to test the expression of MSMB by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The TT genotype and T allele were associated with an increased risk of idiopathic infertility with azoospermia (TT genotype: OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.03–2.95; T allele: OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.75). However, no differences were found in risk for the TT genotype or T allele among men with oligozoospermia. In addition, idiopathic infertile males have significantly higher MSMB expression levels than fertile controls. We present the first epidemiologic evidence supporting the involvement of common genetic polymorphism in MSMB gene in spermatogenic failure. These results suggest that men carrying the variant have an increased risk of spermatogenic failure associated with male infertility. Further studies are needed to confirm the roles of the polymorphism in idiopathic azoospermia and investigate the biological mechanism of elevated MSMB expression in infertile males.     

Selenium status of idiopathic infertile Nigerian males

Selenium concentration in the sera and seminal plasma of 60 infertile males (40 oligospermia and 20 azoospermia) and 40 males with proven evidence of fertility (normospermia; control group) were estimated using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results were correlated with spermatogram and hormonal levels in order to determine their relationship and significance in male infertility. The mean serum concentrations of selenium was found to be significantly increased in oligospermic compared to azoospermic subjects and controls (p<0.01), whereas the seminal plasma level was significantly higher in azoospermic compared to oligospermic subjects and controls (p<0.001). Thus, the ratio of serum selenium to seminal plasma selenium was 1∶1 in controls, 4∶1 in oligospermia, and 1∶2 in azoospermic subject. A significant inverse correlation was observed between serum selenium level and sperm count (p<0.01). Similarly, seminal plasma selenium correlated with spermatozoa motility, viability, and morphology. Serum selenium level shows positive correlation with the serum testosterone level (p<0.01). In conclusion, there appears to be a physiological balance in the distribution of selenium in serum and seminal plasma compartment of control males. A disturbance in this balance has a significant influence on spermatogenesis. Selenium appears to have a positive influence on Leydig cells, thus influencing the secretion of testosterone.     

Immunologically reactive albumin-like protein in human testis and seminal plasma

An immunologically reactive albumin-like protein (albumin) was localized, by an immunostaining technique, in the testis of infertile men (normal spermatogenesis, obstructive azoospermia) at the level of the Sertoli cells and in some cells of the germinal epithelium (secondary spermatocytes and early spermatids). No positive reaction was detectable in prepubertal testis. In vasectomized men, mean seminal albumin values were drastically reduced (by about 80%) in comparison to fertile controls, indicating a probable testicular origin. Mean seminal albumin values were also decreased in patients affected by azoospermia due to a seminiferous tubular lesion (about 40%) and in oligozoospermic patients (about 30%). In the same seminal samples transferrin, an index of Sertoli cell function, was also measured. Albumin and transferrin results were well correlated in the seminal plasma of each group (with the exception of vasectomized subjects), including a group of men with abnormally high concentrations of seminal transferrin. A weak correlation was found between seminal albumin and sperm count. We suggest that the presence of albumin in the human adult testis and in seminal plasma could be related to its ability to transport androgens.     

Effect of different levels and sources of zinc supplementation on quantitative and qualitative semen attributes and serum testosterone level in crossbred cattle (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) bulls

An experiment was conducted on 16 crossbred bulls (about 2 years of age, 316.2+/-0.77 kg average body weight), divided into groups I, II, III and IV to study the effect of different levels of Zn supplementation from inorganic and organic sources on semen quality. The animals in the first 3 groups were supplemented with 0, 35 and 70 ppm Zn from Zn sulfate, respectively and the animals in-group IV were supplemented with 35 ppm Zn as Zn propionate. Semen collection and evaluation was done in the first month (to assess semen quality at the start of the experiment) and 7th, 8th and 9th month of experimental feeding to evaluate the effect of supplemental Zn on semen attributes. We gave 6 months for Zn feeding, so that 3 sperm cycles of spermatogenesis had passed and the collected semen reflected the complete effect of Zn supplementation. Six ejaculates from each bull were collected and evaluated for semen quantitative (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm number per ejaculate) and qualitative characteristics (semen pH, mass motility, individual motility, sperm livability percent and abnormal sperm percent, percent intact acrosome, bovine cervical mucus penetration test, hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test) and activity of seminal plasma enzymes i.e., alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, GOT and GPT. Testosterone level in the blood serum of crossbred bulls was also estimated. Mean values of semen quantitative and qualitative characteristics at the start of the experiment were statistically non significant (P > 0.05) in all the crossbred cattle bulls, however, there were statistically significant differences among the bulls of different groups after 6 months of zinc supplementation. Mean ejaculate volume (mL) was 2.37, 4.70, 5.86 and 6.38, respectively in groups I to IV, indicating a statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher semen volume in Zn-supplemented groups as compared to the control group of bulls. Similarly, sperm concentration (million.mL(-1)), live sperm (%) and motility (%) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in Zn-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. The results of BCMPT and HOSST revealed a significant improvement in sperm functional ability in all the groups supplemented with Zn as compared to the control group. The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase in seminal plasma was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Zn-supplemented groups, whereas GOT and GPT activities in seminal plasma were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the Zn propionate supplemented group as compared to the control group. Testosterone concentration (ng.mL(-1)) in blood serum was significantly higher in animals of groups III and IV, as compared to control group. It may be concluded that Zn supplementation either in the inorganic or organic form in the diet of crossbred bulls improved the qualitative and quantitative attributes of semen; however, the number of sperm per ejaculate, mass motility and semen fertility test like bovine cervical mucus penetration was significantly higher in bulls given Zn in an organic form (Zn propionate) as compared to an inorganic form (Zn sulfate).