Seasonal variation in reproductive physiological status in the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) and its relationship with sperm freezability |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Heath, University of Liverpool, The Farr Institute@HeRC, Waterhouse Building, 1-5 Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GL, UK;2. Moredun Research Institute, Pentlands, Science Park, Bush Loan, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0PZ, UK;3. SRUC (Scotland''s Rural College), West Mains Road, Edinburgh, Scotland EH9 3JG, UK;4. Centre for Immunity, Infection and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Ashworth Laboratories, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL, UK;5. Department of Infection Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Heath, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZJ, UK;6. School of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston CH64 7TE, UK;1. Dpto. de Anatomía e Histología Humanas, Universidad de Zaragoza, C/Domingo Miral S/n, 50009, Zaragoza, Spain;2. Centro de Encefalopatías y Enfermedades Transmisibles Emergentes, C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain;3. Instituto Agroalimentario de Aragón – IA2 (CITA-Universidad de Zaragoza), C/ Miguel Servet 177, 50013, Zaragoza, Spain;4. Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria (CITA) de Aragón, Avda. Montañana 930, 50059, Zaragoza, Spain;1. One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, California, USA;2. Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Biodiversidad, Universidad de Los Lagos, Osorno, Chile;3. Instituto de Ecología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile;4. Conserlab, Departamento de Medicina Preventiva Animal, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile |
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| Abstract: | The present work examines the relationship between seasonal changes in testicular function, accessory gland size, and horn growth in Iberian ibexes, as well as the relationship between these changes and the resistance of ibex spermatozoa to freezing-thawing. The size of the bulbourethral glands and seminal vesicles showed pronounced monthly variation (P < 0.001), which was correlated positively with the plasma testosterone concentration (P < 0.001) and scrotal circumference (P < 0.001). The size of the accessory sex glands peaked during the autumn. Overall, semen quality was markedly improved during autumn and winter. When horn growth was at a minimum during autumn and winter, semen quality and accessory gland size were all increased compared to in spring and summer. However, increased plasma testosterone levels in the autumn were strongly associated with reduced sperm freezability; thus, the cryosurvival of spermatozoa collected during the autumn was poorer than at other times of the year. In winter, however, when the plasma testosterone concentration fell to baseline, the negative effects of cryopreservation on the percentage of motile spermatozoa and on the integrity of the plasma membrane of frozen-thawed sperm cells were significantly less intense (P < 0.05). These findings show a clear relationship between the functional and morphological status of the different parts of the reproductive tract that optimises reproductive function during the breeding season in the ibex male. They also show that winter is the most suitable season for the collection and cryopreservation of ibex spermatozoa. |
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