Biophysical and biochemical characteristics of bactrian camel semen collected by artificial vagina

Seminal characteristics were investigated in Bactrian camel in this study. Semen samples from ten mature Bactrian camel bulls were collected using a modified bovine artificial vagina. The biophysical parameters including volume, color, sperm concentration and fast forward progressive motility, percentage of live sperm and the biochemical parameters including osmolarity, pH, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, triglycerides, phospholipids, total protein, albumin and non-protein nitrogen concentrations in seminal plasma were measured. The mean time for semen collection was 5.3 +/- 0.29 min. The volume of semen varies from 1.2 to 26 (8.2 +/- 0.7 mls). The majority of semen samples (83.6%) were milky in color and consistency. The average osmolarity of semen was 316.1 +/- 1.48 mOsm/kg H(2)O. The pH of semen was slightly alkaline (7.4 +/- 0.03). The mean concentration of spermatozoa was 414.8 +/- 25.04 x 10(6)cells/ml. The fast forward progressive motility of spermatozoa was 62.4 +/- 1.57%. The percentage of live spermatozoa was 85.6 +/- 1.15. Seminal plasma concentration of glucose was 35.8 +/- 0.9 mg/dl. Non-protein nitrogen, total protein and albumin were 32.5 +/- 2.5, 2200 +/- 100 and 1100 +/- 100mg/dl, respectively. The average concentrations of phospholipids and triglycerides in seminal plasma were 36.4 +/- 2.1 and 101.6 +/- 5.5mg/dl, respectively. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and chloride were 8.2 +/- 0.1, 2.9 +/- 1.7 mg/dl and 97.9 +/- 2.9 mEq./l, respectively.     

Seminal prostaglandins in men with subnormal sperm motility and therapeutic treatment

The contents of prostaglandins in seminal plasma from a total of 73 men were evaluated. The subjects were grouped as follows: normospermic men, patients with impaired motility, patients with small untreated varicocele and patients with impaired motility and Kallikrein therapy. Sperm density, morphology and motility were examined. High performance reversed phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) in combination with specific radioimmunoassays were used for the determination of PGE2, PGI2 and PGF2 alpha. There was a significant difference (p less than 0.025; F-test) between the PGI2 concentrations in patients with impaired motility (5.6 +/- 1.4 pg/mg protein) and normal men (8.8 +/- 3.7 pg/mg protein). PGE2 and PGF2 alpha were significantly different in patients with varicocele (p less than 0.025, F-test). Wide ranges of prostaglandins occurred in the Kallikrein-group with no significant differences. We conclude that: a) PGI2 is an additional prostaglandin compound in seminal plasma, b) its measurement may not be useful as diagnostic parameter in subfertile men and c) Kallikrein has no influence on the prostaglandin content in seminal plasma and other seminal parameters as motility, motility index and sperm counts.     

Ten-Year-Replicated Circadian Profiles for 36 Physiological, Serological and Urinary Variables in Healthy Men

At 3-hr intervals over a 24-hr span, 36 systemic, serologic and urinary variables were examined in 7 men in their mid 20's in the Spring of 1969, and again in the same 7 men in the Spring of 1979 under a similar chronobiologic protocol, using the same chemical and numerical analytical procedures. The variables examined for rhythms by cosinor were: vital signs--blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, pulse pressure and mean arterial pressure), heart rate, intraocular pressure (left and right), oral temperature; serum components--albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total bilirubin, calcium, carbon dioxide, chlorides, bilirubin, cholesterol, globulin, glucose, potassium, sodium, sodium/potassium ratio, transaminase, triglycerides, total protein, urea nitrogen; and urine components--calcium, calcium/magnesium ratio, creatinine, magnesium, pH, potassium, sodium, sodium/potassium ratio, urea clearance, urea nitrogen, volume and zinc. Although all subjects appeared clinically healthy in 1969 and in 1979, certain inter-study differences were observed in a number of rhythm parameters of different variables. Statistically significant increases in mesor for the group as a whole were observed for serum Ca, cholesterol, Cl, CO2, K, Na, and while statistically significant mesor decreases for a group as a whole were noted in serum glucose and transaminase. Statistically significant increases in amplitude for the group as a whole were observed in serum chloride and urinary Na/K ratio, while statistically significant decreases were observed in amplitude for blood pressure, heart rate, serum albumin, A/G ratio, globulin, glucose, protein, sodium and transaminase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Determination of some enzymes and macro- and microelements in stallion seminal plasma and their correlations to semen quality

Seminal plasma is very important for sperm metabolism as well as sperm function and survival and transport in the female genital tract. Analysis of enzyme activities and concentrations of elements can estimate integrity and function of sperm cell membranes. In man much data are available about biochemical analyses of seminal plasma. However, not many studies have been conducted in horses yet. We collected ejaculates from 72 stallions, measured the volume, obtained seminal plasma by centrifugation and examined spermatozoa with light microscopy for motility, concentration, for dead sperm and morphology. Of seminal plasma fluid, we measured activities of aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AlP), acid phosphatase (AcP) and lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as concentrations of sodium (Na(+)), potassium (K(+)), total and ionised calcium (Ca(TOTAL)/Ca(2+)), magnesium (Mg(2+)), phosphate (P), chloride (Cl), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). In addition, correlations among different parameters in light microscopy and seminal plasma were statistically examined by using the Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Median enzyme activities for AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH were 80.0, 7,500, 30,200, 20.0, 81.0 IU/L, respectively. Concentrations of Na(+), K(+), Ca(TOTAL), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), P, Cl were 110.5, 22.1, 2.9, 1.7, 3.1, 1.1 and 114.5 mmol/L, and of microelements Cu, Fe and Zn were 17.8, 1.9 and 13.2 micromol/L, respectively. Furthermore, we found significant correlations between semen volume as well as sperm concentration and AST, GGT, AlP, AcP and LDH as well as Fe and Zn. This made us propose a primary testicular and epididymal origin of these parameters. Significant correlation between GGT and motility may be a sign for its function for cell protection against free radicals. LDH activity significantly correlates with motility and progressive motility, live:dead-ratio and pathomorphology. In our study, LDH seems to be the most predictive enzyme for semen quality. This is the first report about GGT, AcP and LDH activities as well as iron in equine seminal plasma.     

The motility of ram and bull spermatozoa in dilute suspension

1. Ram and bull spermatozoa suspended in a glucose-sodium chloride solution rapidly lose motility at relatively high dilutions. The substitution of chloride-free diluents does not alter the phenomenon. 2. The rapid immobilization of ram and bull spermatozoa due to high dilution may be partially prevented by the addition of supernatants of either ram or bull semen, although motility is not maintained at the same level as in a more concentrated specimen. Various other substances which also partially protect spermatozoa are egg albumin, plasma albumin, plasma gamma globulin, starch, and glycogen. 3. Washing ram spermatozoa six times greatly reduces motility. This is not restored by the addition of ram seminal plasma which, however, reverses the concurrent head agglutination. 4. Washing ram and bull spermatozoa four times results in considerable loss of motility and head agglutination both of which may be reversed by the addition of seminal plasma. 5. Potassium chloride at 0.005 M concentration partially restores the motility of four times washed ram spermatozoa at 24 degrees C. or 37 degrees C. but not that of similarly treated bull spermatozoa.     

The maintenance of motility and the surface properties of epididymal spermatozoa from bull, rabbit and ram in homologous seminal and epididymal plasma.

Epididymal spermatozoa from bull, rabbit and ram were incubated in homologous epididymal plasma or seminal plasma in a buffered saline-based medium with or without serum albumin. The spermatozoa were either diluted directly into the medium or were washed first. No effect of washing was observed on the subsequent reaction of the cells to the different media. A considerable proportion of the populations of epididymal spermatozoa survived (i.e. continued to exhibit motility) for up to 22 h at 30 degrees C in the simple saline-based medium. Initially epididymal plasma had a slight stimulatory effect on sperm motility in ram and bull but it had no effect on sperm survival in any of the 3 species. Seminal plasma stimulated motility markedly in ram initially, but in all 3 species seminal plasma was detrimental to survival: in ram even a 15-min exposure to the fluid reduced survival. Serum albumin also stimulated motility; it delayed, but did not prevent, the detrimental effect of seminal plasma, although it had no effect itself on survival. The effects of epididymal plasma, seminal plasma and serum albumin on surface properties of epididymal spermatozoa, i.e. agglutination, sticking-to-glass and eosinophilia, were also noted. These varied between species and there was no correlation between these effects and the effects on motility and survival.     

Baseline blood chemistry determinations in the squirrel monkey (SAimiri sciureus).

Sera from 129 squirrel monkeys, Saimiri sciureus, were analyzed for 15 chemical constituents. The values obtained were then analyzed for statistical significance causing the following sets of variables: (1) colony-bred versus noncolony-bred, (2) karyotype (3) vendor, (4) sex and (5) dietary iodine supplementation versus nonsupplementation. Calcium, inorganic phosphorous, albumin, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, alkaline phosphatase and potassium were high in colony-bred animals. Cholesterol, total protein and chloride were lower in colony-bred animals than in noncolony-bred animals. No differences were seen in total bilirubin, lactic dehydrogenase, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and sodium. When the noncolony-bred animals were separated by karyotype, total protein was higher and chloride was lower between animals from Peru versus from Guyana. Colombian animals had total protein values lower than Peruvian and lactic dehydrogenase values higher than Peruvian. Colony-bred Peruvian monkeys had serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values higher than colony-bred Colombian monkeys. No differences were observed between monkeys from different vendors. Chemical constituents higher between noncolony-bred males and females were calcium and alkaline phosphatase. There were no differences observed for colony-bred males and females. Dietary iodine supplementation appeared to increase both total bilirubin and calcium.     

Hematology and serum chemistry of cottontail rabbits of southern Illinois.

In 1983 and 1984 blood was collected from 79 cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) confined to an outdoor enclosure in southern Illinois to establish reference values for hematology and serum chemistry. Packed cell volume, sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, calcium, carbon dioxide, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, total protein, albumin/globulin ratio, and osmolality were measured. Sex and age (adult versus juvenile) of rabbit as well as season (June to September versus October to May) and method of capture (trap versus shot) variously affected most hematology and serum chemistry variables.     

Plasma biochemistry changes in thoroughbred foals during the first 4 weeks of life.

Changes in plasma sodium, potassium, chloride, total carbon dioxide, urea, creatinine, glucose, total bilirubin, iron, total protein, albumin, alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartate amino transferase (AST), calcium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides were studied in 45 Thoroughbred foals 15 min to 28 days after birth. The results were analysed in 3 groups; Group 1 (0--12 h), Group 2 (12--36 h), Group 3 (1--4 weeks). When Group 2 was compared to Group 1, there were significant reductions of sodium, creatinine, iron and calcium and elevations of total protein and bilirubin. When Group 3 was compared to Group 1 there were significant reductions of sodium, chloride, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, iron and AP. Significant elevations occurred in glucose, total protein, AST, inorganic phosphorus and triglycerides.     

Effect of season on seminal traits and serum hormone concentrations in captive male Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris)

Electroejaculates and serum samples were collected throughout the year from 5 male Siberian tigers. Semen quality, seminal plasma chemistry and serum hormone concentrations were evaluated and analysed as a function of season. Semen volume, concentration, motility, viability and morphology were not influenced by season. The ability of spermatozoa to undergo capacitation and penetrate zona-free hamster eggs did not differ due to season. Season had no influence on seminal plasma concentrations of acid phosphatase, calcium, glucose, potassium and phosphorus. Serum values of thyroxine and triiodothyronine were lowest (P = 0.002 and P = 0.03, respectively) during the summer months while cortisol showed no seasonal variation. Serum testosterone concentrations were higher in fall and early winter (P less than 0.001) than at other times of the year but were not correlated with semen quality. These results demonstrate that season has no effect on the semen production and quality of captive male Siberian tigers.     

The influence of macro and trace elements on sperm quality

The aim of this study was to examine the association between combined concentrations of macro and trace elements and markers of oxidative stress and antioxidative defense system function together with selected cytokine levels. Based on the combined medians of the seminal plasma levels of calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, and selenium, the study subjects (88 fertile male volunteers) were divided into the following two subgroups: the Me-L group (low level of metals) and the Me-H group (high level of metals). There was a tendency toward reduced motility in the Me-H group compared to that in the Me-L group. The total protein, albumin, and total oxidation status (TOS) levels were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. The total superoxide dismutase (SOD), Mn-SOD, and CuZn-SOD, activity in spermatozoa were significantly lower in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group. In seminal plasma, the Mn-SOD activity was significantly higher in the Me-H group, whereas the CuZn-SOD activity was significantly lower. Additionally, the activity levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were lower in the Me-H group. The medians of IL-1β, IL-10, and IL-12 were significantly higher in the Me-H group than in the Me-L group, whereas the medians of IL-2, IL-5, and IL-13 were significantly lower. Higher levels of macro and trace elements in the seminal plasma of fertile males may be associated with decreased motility. Higher levels of the examined metals are associated with elevated oxidative stress accompanied by decreased activities of some of the antioxidant enzymes and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.     

Effect of glycerolization procedure and removal of seminal plasma on post-thaw survival and got-release from Boer goat spermatozoa

Forty ejaculates (20 for each of 2 experiments) were collected from 4 Boer goat bucks at weekly intervals to study the effect of glycerolization procedure and removal of seminal plasma on progressive motility, percent live spermatozoa and release of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) before and after the freezing of semen. Stepwise glycerolization at 37 degrees C gave higher progressive motility and percentage of live spermatozoa both before freezing and after thawing than onestep glyceroliza-tion at 37 degrees C or stepwise extension with glycerol being added after cooling to 5 degrees C. The GOT-release was reduced before freezing and after thawing of semen with stepwise glycerolization (P < 0.05). Progressive motility and the percentage of live spermatozoa were higher (P < 0.05) after the freezing of whole semen than in washed spermatozoa. The concentration of GOT in the extra-cellular fluid was lower in washed spermatozoa prior to freezing (P < 0,05); but after thawing, the washed spermatozoa released more GOT than spermatozoa in whole semen. Removal of seminal plasma prior to freezing spermatozoa in an extender containing egg yolk had an unfavorable effect on their post-thaw motility and integrity.     

Seminal prostaglandins in men with subnormal sperm motility and therapeutic treatment

The contents of prostaglandins in seminal plasma from a total of 73 men were evaluated. The subjects were grouped as follows: normospermic men, patients with impaired motility, patients with small untreated varicocelle and patients with impaired motility and Kallikrein therapy. Sperm density, morphology and motility were examined. High performance reversed phase liquid chromatography (HPLC) in combination with specific radioimmunoassays were used for the determination of PGE₂, PGI₂ and PGF_2α. There was a significant difference (p < 0, 025; F-test) between the PGI₂ concentrations in patients with impaired motility (5,6 ± 1,4 pg/mg protein) and normal men (8,8 ± 3,7 pg/mg protein). PGE₂ and PGF_2α were significantly different in patients with varicocele (p < 0,025, F-test). Wide ranges of prostaglandins occured in the Kallikrein-group with no significant differences. We conclude that: a) PGI₁ is an additional prostaglandin compound in seminal plasma. b)its measurement may not be useful as diagnostic parameter in subfertile men and c) Kallikrein has no influence on the prostaglandin content in seminal plasma and other seminal parameters as motility, motility index and sperm counts.     

Immobilization of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) with a tiletamine hydrochloride/zolazepam hydrochloride combination and subsequent evaluation of selected blood chemistry parameters

A tiletamine hydrochloride/zolazepam hydrochloride combination was used successfully to immobilize captive untamed wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) (n = 16) at dosage rates ranging from 2.3 to 32.3 mg/kg. Animals remained immobilized for periods ranging from 35 min to 24 hr 14 min. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.85, P less than 0.01) between dosage rate and the time immobilized. Profuse salivation and intermittent mild myoclonal contractions were observed in some wild dogs. Mildly reduced partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures as well as reduced concentrations of bicarbonate were observed in arterial blood at 10 and 20 min after administration of the drug. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, urea, creatinine, glucose, proteins, albumin, gammaglutamyltransferase, creatinine kinase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, insulin, cortisol and thyroxine are presented. These concentrations were found to be in agreement with values previously reported for wild dogs.     

Tissue kallikrein activity in seminal plasma of bovine ejaculates with different quality

Tissue kallikrein activity was monitored in seminal plasma from 3 groups of bovine ejaculates: those with normal total sperm motility (78.43%), with reduced sperm motility (49.29%), and with reduced sperm count (0.68 x 10(9) cells/ml). The tissue kallikrein activity was measured spectrophotometrically by using the specific chromogenic substrate S-2266. It was found that the semen samples with normal sperm motility manifested 1.083 microkat/L, on an average, or 29% higher than the activity recorded in ejaculates with reduced sperm motility (P < 0.05). After storage of a group of ejaculates of normal quality for 5 h at room temperature, sperm motility dropped by approximately 80%, expressed as a percentage of the initial motility, while the tissue kallikrein activity in the respective seminal samples decreased by 23%. No significant differences were found in kallikrein activity between ejaculates with normal and reduced sperm counts. It is concluded that a relationship exists between the level of tissue kallikrein activity in the seminal plasma of bovine ejaculates and sperm motility.     

Effects of cold shock treatment on angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and on semen characteristics in roosters and bulls

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity has been determined in the semen of certain avian and mammalian species as well as its release during cold shock. The maximum and minimum levels of this enzyme were found in mammalian spermatozoa and in seminal plasma, respectively. It was found that ACE activity in mammalian spermatozoa was more pronounced than in the seminal plasma, whereas in the avian species a revers pattern was observed. However, there were no significant differences in ACE activity in spermatozoa and seminal plasma between layer and broiler strains of avian species. By contrast, ACE activity in the spermatozoa and seminal plasma of buffalo bulls was significantly higher (P/ 0.01) than in cattle bulls. Cold shock did not significantly alter semen characteristics in avian species, while a significant (P/ 0.01) decrease in sperm live counts and motility as well as a corresponding increase in morphological abnormalities were observed in the spermatozoa of cattle and buffalo bulls due to cold shock.     

Effect of ionic strength, serum albumin and other macromolecules on the maintenance of motility and the surface of mammalian spermatozoa in a simple medium

The seminal plasma in sperm suspensions from boar, bull, rabbit, ram and stallion was replaced with simple defined media as completely as possible by a combination of centrifugation through Ficoll and dilution. After this process, motility declined and the cells showed a tendency to agglutinate and/or stick to glass. Varying the ionic strength of the medium had little effect upon these parameters but sperm motility was preserved better in the presence of serum albumin. When a number of purified proteins and other macromolecules were tested individually in this way for their motility-preserving ability, bovine or human serum albumin was consistently the most effective. Defatting the albumin or altering its nature by mild reduction, oxidation or alkylation had little detectable effect on its motility-preserving ability; the protein did not appear to be acting as a chelator of metal ions, for it could not be replaced by EDTA. The response of the spermatozoa to replacemrnt of seminal plasma varied between species: bull spermatozoa were particularly sensitive and serum albumin had little effect upon their subsequent motility.     

Lactotransferrin in Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus) Seminal Plasma Correlates with Semen Quality

Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) have highly variable ejaculate quality within individuals, greatly reducing the efficacy of artificial insemination and making it difficult to devise a sperm cryopreservation protocol for this endangered species. Because seminal plasma influences sperm function and physiology, including sperm motility, the objectives of this study were to characterize the chemistry and protein profiles of Asian elephant seminal plasma and to determine the relationships between seminal plasma components and semen quality. Ejaculates exhibiting good sperm motility (≥65%) expressed higher percentages of spermatozoa with normal morphology (80.3±13.0 vs. 44.9±30.8%) and positive Spermac staining (51.9±14.5 vs. 7.5±14.4%), in addition to higher total volume (135.1±89.6 vs. 88.8±73.1 ml) and lower sperm concentration (473.0±511.2 vs. 1313.8±764.7×10⁶ cells ml⁻¹) compared to ejaculates exhibiting poor sperm motility (≤10%; P<0.05). Comparison of seminal plasma from ejaculates with good versus poor sperm motility revealed significant differences in concentrations of creatine phosphokinase, alanine aminotransferase, phosphorus, sodium, chloride, magnesium, and glucose. These observations suggest seminal plasma influences semen quality in elephants. One- and two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis revealed largely similar compositional profiles of seminal plasma proteins between good and poor motility ejaculates. However, a protein of ∼80 kDa was abundant in 85% of ejaculates with good motility, and was absent in 90% of poor motility ejaculates (P<0.05). We used mass spectrometry to identify this protein as lactotransferrin, and immunoblot analysis to confirm this identification. Together, these findings lay a functional foundation for understanding the contributions of seminal plasma in the regulation of Asian elephant sperm motility, and for improving semen collection and storage in this endangered species.     

Total reactive antioxidant potential and DNA fragmentation index as fertility sperm parameters

There is a growing evidence that oxidative stress play a major role in the etiology of defective sperm function including impaired morphology, motility, metabolism and fertility. The aim of the present study was to examine: 1/ total reactive antioxidant potential (TRAP) in seminal plasma; 2/ sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), 3/ sperm morphology and motility and 4/ cellular membrane integrity (hypoosmotic swelling test: HOS test) in patients attending in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmatic sperm injection ( IVF/ICSI) program. According to the DFI value, the men were divided into: group 1 with DFI ≤15% (n=38) and group 2 with DFI ≥15% (n=37). Significant differences between the two groups were found in TRAP, sperm motility, morphology and concentration as well as HOS test scores. In group 1, DFI was negatively correlated with sperm motility and HOS test scores (p<0.05). The sperm morphology was positively correlated with sperm motility and HOS test scores in both groups. There was no correlation between TRAP and sperm chromatin fragmentation. Our results suggest that seminal plasma TRAP level may be a DFI independent parameter of sperm fertility.     

Lipid profiles of sperm and seminal plasma from boars having normal or low sperm motility

Sperm plasma membrane lipids have an important role to play in determining membrane fluidity and sperm motility. The objective of the present study was to determine whether there are differences in the lipid and fatty acid (FA) composition of boar sperm and seminal plasma in the ejaculates of boars having different sperm motilities. Semen was collected from two groups of boars having normal (> 60%; n = 53) or low (< 60%; n = 53) motility sperm and the semen was evaluated for motility, morphology and vitality. The semen was then centrifuged to separate the sperm from the seminal plasma and both were kept at −20 °C until analyzed for lipid content and FA profile by gas chromatography. Total antioxidant status (TAS) of seminal plasma was determined using a commercial kit. There were differences (P ≤ 0.05) in sperm total lipids, cholesterol, saturated fatty acids (SFA), phospholipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and the ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA between boars with normal and low motility sperm. Total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids, PUFA, DHA and n-3 PUFA were positively correlated with sperm motility, viability, normal morphology and normal plasma membrane. In contrast, SFA and the ratio of n-6: n-3 PUFA were negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with sperm motility, viability, normal morphology and normal plasma membranes. The TAS of seminal plasma from boars having normal motility sperm was higher (P ≤ 0.05) than that of boars having low motility sperm and TAS was positively correlated (P = 0.0001) with sperm motility, viability, normal morphology and normal plasma membranes. In summary, differences in sperm motility were related to n-3 PUFA content in the sperm plasma membrane and extracellular antioxidants in seminal plasma which protect sperm plasma membranes from lipid peroxidation during periods of oxidative stress.