Sperm quality variables as indicators of bull fertility may be breed dependent

A means of discriminating among bulls of high fertility based on sperm quality is needed by breeding centers. The objective of the study was to examine parameters of sperm quality in bulls of known fertility to identify useful indicators of fertility. Frozen semen was available from bulls of known fertility (Viking Genetics, Skara, Sweden): Swedish Red (n = 31), Holstein (n = 25) and Others (one each of Charolais, Limousin, Blonde, SKB). After thawing, the sperm samples were analyzed for motility (computer assisted sperm analysis), plasma membrane integrity, chromatin integrity, acrosome status, mitochondrial activity and reactive oxygen species. A fertility index score based on the adjusted 56-day non-return rate for > 1000 inseminations was available for each bull. Multivariate data analysis (Partial Least Squares Regression and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Regression) was performed to identify variables related to fertility; Pearson univariate correlations were made on the parameters of interest. Breed of bull affected the relationship of sperm quality variables and fertility index score, as follows: Swedish Red: %DNA Fragmentation Index, r = -0.56, P < 0.01; intact plasma membrane, r = 0.40, P < 0.05; membrane damaged, not acrosome reacted, r = 0.6, P < 0.01; Linearity, r = 0.37, P < 0.05; there was a trend towards significance for Wobble, r = 0.34, P = 0.08. Holstein: Linearity was significant r = 0.46, P < 0.05; there was a trend towards significance for Wobble, r = 0.45, P = 0.08. In conclusion, breed has a greater effect on sperm quality than previously realized; different parameters of sperm quality are needed to indicate potential fertility in different breeds.