Veterinary Andrology and Reproductive Techniques

MOTILITY OF SPERMATOZOA

Motility - Ability for forward progressive movement of sperm.

• A semen sample should be evaluated for motility only if the temperature of the sample has been kept constant from the time of collection until the time of examination under the microscope.
• Gross motility is judged according to the swirling movement of the semen while individual motility of the sperm cells exhibiting progressive movement can be estimated as a percentage if the sample is diluted with either physiologic saline or sodium citrate.
• Care has to be taken to avoid environmental insults such as heat, cold, chemical contamination of the collection apparatus, or mixing with urine.
• A positive correlation between individual motility of spermatozoa and fertility can be established only under controlled environmental conditions, semen handling techniques and well-trained technicians.