Andrology laboratory review: Evaluation of sperm concentration.
Leonardo F C Brito, Gary C Althouse, Christine Aurich, Peter J Chenoweth, Bruce E Eilts, Charles C Love, Gaia C Luvoni, Jere R Mitchell, Augustine T Peter, David G Pugh, Dagmar Waberski
Author Information
Leonardo F C Brito: STgenetics, Navasota, Texas, USA. Electronic address: lbrito@stgen.com.
Gary C Althouse: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, USA.
Christine Aurich: Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, University of Veterinary Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
Peter J Chenoweth: School of Veterinary Sciences, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Bruce E Eilts: School of Veterinary Sciences, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Charles C Love: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
Gaia C Luvoni: Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
Jere R Mitchell: National Association of Animal Breeders and Certified Semen Services, Columbia, Missouri, USA.
Augustine T Peter: Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
David G Pugh: Southern Traxx Veterinary Services, Waverly, Alabama, USA.
Dagmar Waberski: Unit for Reproductive Medicine of Clinics/Clinic for Pigs and Small Ruminants, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany.
This article is the result of the work of the andrology task-force of the Association of Applied Animal Andrology, American College of Theriogenologists, European College of Animal Reproduction, Society for Theriogenology, and National Association of Animal Breeders. It is intended to serve as a comprehensive reference on methods to evaluate sperm concentration and to contribute to the adoption of best practices in veterinary andrology laboratories. The information covered in the article includes sample preparation and the use of manual counts, spectrophotometers, computer-assisted semen analysis, NucleoCounter, and flow cytometry. Emphasis is given to the principles of the methods and equipment, performing the evaluation, and common mistakes and/or pitfalls. In addition, the precision and accuracy of the different methods are also discussed.
