Equine Sperm Selection by Synthetic Membrane Filter

To improve the quality of artificial insemination doses, the selection of spermatozoa that are most likely to achieve fertilization from the rest of the ejaculate is an alternative approach. The present study aimed to determine the kinetics and plasma membrane integrity and functionality after sperm selection with a synthetic membrane filter in polyvinyl chloride chambers with two different diameters and two filtrations times. Twelve ejaculates from three stallions were used. Immediately after collection, semen was diluted (T0) and analyzed. Two different chambers were made with two elbows connected with a pipe divided by a 5-μm pore synthetic membrane filter. One chamber had an inner diameter of 26 mm and the other, 36 mm. Skim milk at 37°C was placed in a side of the chamber (A). In the other side of the chamber (B), a sample of the extended semen, with known number of spermatozoa, was deposited. After 7 and 15 minutes, a sample was obtained from the “A” side of each chamber, and sperm concentration was calculated, semen analyzed by computer-assisted motility analysis, and plasma membrane functionality and integrity evaluated. Total motility, progressive motility, and plasma membrane integrity were improved (P < .05) after filtration in both devices and filtration times. Concentration was lower (P < .05) in both chambers at all times in relation to T0 semen. The filtration device demonstrates to be a practical and easy alternative for sperm selection. Selection using the chambers allows an increase in kinetics and membrane integrity and functionality independent of time and device diameter.