An 11-year-old Oldenburg mare presented with a 3-month history of weight loss and swelling of the... more An 11-year-old Oldenburg mare presented with a 3-month history of weight loss and swelling of the posterior right mandible. Physical examination and radiographs showed a soft-tissue mass in the right mandible with foci of mineralization, periosteal proliferation, and a retained molar. The tumor increased in size over several weeks, and the mare was euthanized. On necropsy, a 24 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm firm, white mass had obliterated the posterior right mandible. The mass was multinodular with discrete clusters of blood-filled cystic spaces. Histologically, the mass was composed of neoplastic odontogenic epithelium and pulpal mesenchyme with an accumulation of eosinophilic material resembling dentin or enamel. Microscopic and immunohistochemical staining features of the neoplasm were most consistent with an ameloblastic fibro-odontoma.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice, 1997
The control of bovine male reproduction is a finely orchestrated system. However, the mechanism h... more The control of bovine male reproduction is a finely orchestrated system. However, the mechanism has already been predetermined by the bull's genetic makeup and, to a lesser extent, the environment. Although the endocrine system appears robust, excessive pressures can inhibit or arrest the process. Similarly, structural limits to the bull's anatomy exist, and exceeding them can result in permanent damage. Hence, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology allows successful management of the breeding bull.
... Titre du document / Document title. EVALUATION OF CARBOHYDRATES OF THE DOG, CAT AND ELEPHANT ... more ... Titre du document / Document title. EVALUATION OF CARBOHYDRATES OF THE DOG, CAT AND ELEPHANT ZONA PELLUCIDA USING LECTINS. Auteur(s) / Author(s). BARBER MR ; MERKLE RK ; FAVRER-HOSKEN RA ; Revue / Journal Title. ...
The goal for fertility control of animal populations is the development of a safe, economical and... more The goal for fertility control of animal populations is the development of a safe, economical and effective contraceptive. One offshoot of the development of this technology is the acquisition of multiple therapeutic strategies for diseases, such as immunotherapy probes for cancer. In the long run, successful population control requires multifactorial strategies. One component of population control is immunocontraception. Development of effective antigens for immunocontraceptive vaccines has been remarkable and has greatly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fertilization. The chasm between the discovery of an antigen in the laboratory, to the implementation of an effective field program, is immense. The zona pellucida (ZP) immunocontraceptive that has been most extensively evaluated as a fertility vaccine antigen and the porcine ZP has received particular attention. The long-term goal of population control would be the use of a synthetic vaccine, e.g. the ZP, tailored to a target species. In the future, if populations' levels are to be controlled by fertility vaccines, we should consider that the vaccinated animals could receive other health protective agents at the same time. For example, if a species were immunocontracepted, then they could be simultaneously vaccinated against habitat diseases such as rabies (Plumb et al., Rev Sci Tech, 26, 2007, 229).
ABSTRACT Kruger National Park (KNP) is the primary source of translocated white rhinoceroses (Cer... more ABSTRACT Kruger National Park (KNP) is the primary source of translocated white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) in South Africa. Capture and transport of the rhinoceroses is a highly successful procedure. However, some relocated rhinoceroses present with fertility problems in the 1-2 years post capture. Novel research has shown that one can assess stress using respiratory neutrophil burst levels in several species (Huber et al. 2006 Protoplasma 229, 221-224; Weyts et al. 1998 Dev. Comp. Immunol. 22, 563-572). The hypothesis is that some rhinoceroses respond poorly to stress. The response to stress might be measurable by a neutrophil function (NF) assay, and NF depression might identify adversely stressed animals. The aim was to develop an in-the-bush test for NF and evaluate the changes in neutrophil activity during capture and loading into transportation crates. Neutrophil function was assayed using a portable luminometer (3M Clean-Trace™, 3M, St. Paul, MN, USA) while driving from one capture to the next. For the reaction mixture, 500μL of PBS was incubated with 10μL of fresh heparinized blood at 37.6°C. The incubator unit was power by a 230 V convertor in the vehicle. After 5min of incubation, 100μL of luminol was added. This sample was read in the luminometer as a blank and then to the sample, 100μL of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), also commonly known as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a diester of phorbol, was added. The luminescence readings or relative light units (RLU) were read at 2.5min and then 5min after PMA addition. All samples were prepared in triplicate. The readings were then taken every 5min for 65min. Two samples of blood were evaluated for each rhinoceros: the first sample at capture (anaesthetic induction) and then a second sample after loading of the rhinoceros into the transport crate, 20 to 30min later. Two response curves were produced for each rhinoceros using the means of the triplicate readings. The curves were then transformed with a trend line and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The 2 AUC for rhinoceros were then compared statistically using Wilcoxon rank regression, with P<0.05 considered statistically different. Three distinct response curve patters were seen. Sixty-two percent (16/26) of the rhinoceroses had no statistical (P<0.05) difference between capture and loading samples. In 5 of 26 (19%), the loading AUC was statistically greater than the capture sample, and in 5 of 26 (19%), the capture AUC was statistically greater than the loading sample. In conclusion, NF can be assayed in the field using the blood of wild caught rhinoceroses. The assay is repeatable and can distinguish 3 populations of wild caught rhinoceroses. The hope is that future research will allow us to identify rhinoceroses that have negative stress reactions and to change the capture conditions to make the process less stressful.
Acrosin, Arysulfatase A, and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase are three key enzymes localized within the... more Acrosin, Arysulfatase A, and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase are three key enzymes localized within the mammalian acrosome that play a pivotal role in the penetration of the oocyte. The objectives of this study were to compare two methods of enzyme extraction based on the activities of these enzymes from equine spermatozoa. Method A utilized a 0.5M Tris-maleate buffer containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and
ABSTRACT After cryopreservation, spermatozoa from many stallions may have a lower capacity to fer... more ABSTRACT After cryopreservation, spermatozoa from many stallions may have a lower capacity to fertilize an oocyte than fresh or cooled semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate a standard panel of semen extenders and varied concentrations of the cryoprotective agent (glycerol) to optimize sperm survival rates after cryopreservation. Semen was collected from Quarter Horse stallions (n = 3) from March to May 2006 (6 collections per stallion). Semen was filtered immediately after collection, and sample volume and sperm concentration were measured. A drop of raw semen was placed on two prewarmed slides to estimate the percentage of progressively motile sperm. The semen sample was then diluted to 100 × 106 spermatozoa/mL with a dried skim milk glucose extender (EZ Mixin Original Formula; ARS, Chino, CA, USA) or a chemically defined, milk-free diluent (INRA 96; IMV, Maple Grove, MN, USA). After 1 h of slow cooling and equilibration to 4°C, semen samples were centrifuged for 10 min at 400g. A defined volume of supernatant was removed, so that a concentration of 1000 × 106 spermatozoa/mL was obtained after resuspension of the sperm pellet. A 150-µL aliquot of semen was then added to specified quantities of the same semen extender used after semen collection and cryopreservation medium (Cryoguard®; Minitube, Verona, WI, USA) to obtain final glycerol concentrations of 2, 3, and 4%. This also gave a concentration of 100 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. After equilibration for 1 h at 4°C, spermatozoa were loaded into 0.5-mL straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. After 10 min, straws were plunged into liquid nitrogen. Semen was thawed at 37°C for 30 s and evaluated as prior to cryopreservation. Mean total semen volumes were 56, 11, and 60 mL in the 3 stallions. Their respective mean sperm concentrations were 124 × 106, 505 × 106, and 161 × 106 sperm/mL, respectively. Mean percentages of progressively motile sperm prior to cryopreservation were 64, 89, and 72%, respectively. With the paired Student's t-test, percentages of progressively motile sperm after cryopreservation were evaluated with respect to semen extender and concentration of glycerol used. Mean overall progressive motility of spermatozoa after cryopreservation differed significantly between the two extenders and was 46% for INRA 96 and 35% for EZ Mixin OF (P < 0.001). Using EZ Mixin OF as semen extender, the best mean post-thaw progressive motility was achieved with 4% glycerol (39%) and differed significantly from that with 2% glycerol (32%; P < 0.01). When INRA 96 was used (49% for 4%, and 42% for 2% glycerol), there was no difference. This results provide evidence that, during freezing of equine spermatozoa, there is a significant effect of the semen extender and the concentration of the cryoprotectant on post-thaw sperm motility. We therefore suggest mini-freezing trials prior to freezing large numbers of sperm to find the semen extender and glycerol concentration that provides optimal survival rates.
Ergot alkaloids cause fescue toxicosis when livestock graze endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. ... more Ergot alkaloids cause fescue toxicosis when livestock graze endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. Little is known about the bioavailability of the ergot alkaloid classes (lysergic acid, lysergic acid amides, or ergopeptine alkaloids) in livestock, and this hampers development of pharmacological strate- gies to ameliorate the toxicosis. One method used to determine bioavailability of ergot alkaloids is to examine urinary and biliary
The antibody to the rabbit sperm inner acrosomal membrane, raised in guinea pig, completely inhib... more The antibody to the rabbit sperm inner acrosomal membrane, raised in guinea pig, completely inhibited the fertilization of rabbit ova in vitro. The F(ab')2 of the antibody was equally effective in inhibiting fertilization. The antibody appeared to exert its inhibitory effect by binding to the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome-reacted sperm. The antibody-treated sperm did not attach to or penetrate the zona pellucida. Thus, anti-IAM offers a great potential as a contraceptive agent.
The purpose of this study was to better understand requirements for oocyte maturation to yield vi... more The purpose of this study was to better understand requirements for oocyte maturation to yield viable embryos after bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). High proportions (95% to 100%) of cumulus-surrounded oocytes matured in vitro in all treatments, but subsequent development was enhanced after maturation with high concentrations of purified bovine luteinizing hormone (LH). Beneficial effects of undisturbed cumulus cells were demonstrated. Improved IVF followed insemination of cumulus-surrounded oocytes, but not denuded oocytes, after maturation with high LH (100 micrograms/ml) versus low LH (10 micrograms/ml), implicating cumulus cells in mediating hormonal enhancement. Oocytes matured with high LH resulted in embryos of superior viability, as reflected by cleavage to 4- to 8-cell stages. Pregnancy resulting from transcervical embryo transfer further documented embryonic viability. These findings should be useful in further development and implementation of reproductive and genetic...
The primary aim of the Makalali elephant immunocontraception programme is to test the efficacy of... more The primary aim of the Makalali elephant immunocontraception programme is to test the efficacy of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine for practical population control of elephants in small, enclosed reserves, with the goal of stabilizing the current growth rate and reducing it to the 5-10% per annum displayed currently in the Kruger National Park. A secondary aim is to test the hypothesis that PZP treatment does not affect patterns of elephant social behaviour. Eighteen sexually mature cows (age > 12 years) were vaccinated in May 2000 using remote darts. Behavioural observations before, during and after vaccination included noting the activity of individual animals every minute for 15 min. No changes in general behaviour patterns have been noted to date although the animals' spatial use of the reserve was erratic during the period of vaccination, indicating irregular or disturbed patterns associated with vaccination. Normality was resumed on completion of the vaccinations. N...
... In spite of these differences and contrary to the claim of Tregenza et al., there is no contr... more ... In spite of these differences and contrary to the claim of Tregenza et al., there is no contradiction in the ... Parker and Partridge pro-pose that mating conflict could be either a hindrance to isolationif 'male-win' scenar-ios prevail, or a facilitator if females tend to win exactly as ...
The objectives of this study were to 1) identify proteins found in stallion seminal plasma utiliz... more The objectives of this study were to 1) identify proteins found in stallion seminal plasma utilizing two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) in conjunction with Western blot analysis; and 2) to determine if any of these individual proteins were correlated with stallion fertility utilizing regression analysis. Fertility was quantified by assigning a breeding score for each stallion. Each score was calculated by dividing the number of conceptions by the number of breedings for each stallion for four successive breeding seasons (1992-1995). Ejaculates from stallions of known fertility (n = 6) were collected with a Missouri-style artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen sample was filtered and the gel fraction removed. The resultant sperm-rich fraction was centrifuged in a Beckman Microfuge E at 10,000 x g and the seminal plasma aspirated from the pelleted sperm cells. Two-dimensional PAGE of the seminal plasma was performed under denaturing condit...
An 11-year-old Oldenburg mare presented with a 3-month history of weight loss and swelling of the... more An 11-year-old Oldenburg mare presented with a 3-month history of weight loss and swelling of the posterior right mandible. Physical examination and radiographs showed a soft-tissue mass in the right mandible with foci of mineralization, periosteal proliferation, and a retained molar. The tumor increased in size over several weeks, and the mare was euthanized. On necropsy, a 24 cm × 15 cm × 15 cm firm, white mass had obliterated the posterior right mandible. The mass was multinodular with discrete clusters of blood-filled cystic spaces. Histologically, the mass was composed of neoplastic odontogenic epithelium and pulpal mesenchyme with an accumulation of eosinophilic material resembling dentin or enamel. Microscopic and immunohistochemical staining features of the neoplasm were most consistent with an ameloblastic fibro-odontoma.
The Veterinary clinics of North America. Food animal practice, 1997
The control of bovine male reproduction is a finely orchestrated system. However, the mechanism h... more The control of bovine male reproduction is a finely orchestrated system. However, the mechanism has already been predetermined by the bull's genetic makeup and, to a lesser extent, the environment. Although the endocrine system appears robust, excessive pressures can inhibit or arrest the process. Similarly, structural limits to the bull's anatomy exist, and exceeding them can result in permanent damage. Hence, a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology allows successful management of the breeding bull.
... Titre du document / Document title. EVALUATION OF CARBOHYDRATES OF THE DOG, CAT AND ELEPHANT ... more ... Titre du document / Document title. EVALUATION OF CARBOHYDRATES OF THE DOG, CAT AND ELEPHANT ZONA PELLUCIDA USING LECTINS. Auteur(s) / Author(s). BARBER MR ; MERKLE RK ; FAVRER-HOSKEN RA ; Revue / Journal Title. ...
The goal for fertility control of animal populations is the development of a safe, economical and... more The goal for fertility control of animal populations is the development of a safe, economical and effective contraceptive. One offshoot of the development of this technology is the acquisition of multiple therapeutic strategies for diseases, such as immunotherapy probes for cancer. In the long run, successful population control requires multifactorial strategies. One component of population control is immunocontraception. Development of effective antigens for immunocontraceptive vaccines has been remarkable and has greatly advanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of fertilization. The chasm between the discovery of an antigen in the laboratory, to the implementation of an effective field program, is immense. The zona pellucida (ZP) immunocontraceptive that has been most extensively evaluated as a fertility vaccine antigen and the porcine ZP has received particular attention. The long-term goal of population control would be the use of a synthetic vaccine, e.g. the ZP, tailored to a target species. In the future, if populations' levels are to be controlled by fertility vaccines, we should consider that the vaccinated animals could receive other health protective agents at the same time. For example, if a species were immunocontracepted, then they could be simultaneously vaccinated against habitat diseases such as rabies (Plumb et al., Rev Sci Tech, 26, 2007, 229).
ABSTRACT Kruger National Park (KNP) is the primary source of translocated white rhinoceroses (Cer... more ABSTRACT Kruger National Park (KNP) is the primary source of translocated white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) in South Africa. Capture and transport of the rhinoceroses is a highly successful procedure. However, some relocated rhinoceroses present with fertility problems in the 1-2 years post capture. Novel research has shown that one can assess stress using respiratory neutrophil burst levels in several species (Huber et al. 2006 Protoplasma 229, 221-224; Weyts et al. 1998 Dev. Comp. Immunol. 22, 563-572). The hypothesis is that some rhinoceroses respond poorly to stress. The response to stress might be measurable by a neutrophil function (NF) assay, and NF depression might identify adversely stressed animals. The aim was to develop an in-the-bush test for NF and evaluate the changes in neutrophil activity during capture and loading into transportation crates. Neutrophil function was assayed using a portable luminometer (3M Clean-Trace™, 3M, St. Paul, MN, USA) while driving from one capture to the next. For the reaction mixture, 500μL of PBS was incubated with 10μL of fresh heparinized blood at 37.6°C. The incubator unit was power by a 230 V convertor in the vehicle. After 5min of incubation, 100μL of luminol was added. This sample was read in the luminometer as a blank and then to the sample, 100μL of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), also commonly known as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a diester of phorbol, was added. The luminescence readings or relative light units (RLU) were read at 2.5min and then 5min after PMA addition. All samples were prepared in triplicate. The readings were then taken every 5min for 65min. Two samples of blood were evaluated for each rhinoceros: the first sample at capture (anaesthetic induction) and then a second sample after loading of the rhinoceros into the transport crate, 20 to 30min later. Two response curves were produced for each rhinoceros using the means of the triplicate readings. The curves were then transformed with a trend line and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. The 2 AUC for rhinoceros were then compared statistically using Wilcoxon rank regression, with P<0.05 considered statistically different. Three distinct response curve patters were seen. Sixty-two percent (16/26) of the rhinoceroses had no statistical (P<0.05) difference between capture and loading samples. In 5 of 26 (19%), the loading AUC was statistically greater than the capture sample, and in 5 of 26 (19%), the capture AUC was statistically greater than the loading sample. In conclusion, NF can be assayed in the field using the blood of wild caught rhinoceroses. The assay is repeatable and can distinguish 3 populations of wild caught rhinoceroses. The hope is that future research will allow us to identify rhinoceroses that have negative stress reactions and to change the capture conditions to make the process less stressful.
Acrosin, Arysulfatase A, and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase are three key enzymes localized within the... more Acrosin, Arysulfatase A, and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase are three key enzymes localized within the mammalian acrosome that play a pivotal role in the penetration of the oocyte. The objectives of this study were to compare two methods of enzyme extraction based on the activities of these enzymes from equine spermatozoa. Method A utilized a 0.5M Tris-maleate buffer containing 0.1% Triton X-100 and
ABSTRACT After cryopreservation, spermatozoa from many stallions may have a lower capacity to fer... more ABSTRACT After cryopreservation, spermatozoa from many stallions may have a lower capacity to fertilize an oocyte than fresh or cooled semen. The aim of this study was to evaluate a standard panel of semen extenders and varied concentrations of the cryoprotective agent (glycerol) to optimize sperm survival rates after cryopreservation. Semen was collected from Quarter Horse stallions (n = 3) from March to May 2006 (6 collections per stallion). Semen was filtered immediately after collection, and sample volume and sperm concentration were measured. A drop of raw semen was placed on two prewarmed slides to estimate the percentage of progressively motile sperm. The semen sample was then diluted to 100 × 106 spermatozoa/mL with a dried skim milk glucose extender (EZ Mixin Original Formula; ARS, Chino, CA, USA) or a chemically defined, milk-free diluent (INRA 96; IMV, Maple Grove, MN, USA). After 1 h of slow cooling and equilibration to 4°C, semen samples were centrifuged for 10 min at 400g. A defined volume of supernatant was removed, so that a concentration of 1000 × 106 spermatozoa/mL was obtained after resuspension of the sperm pellet. A 150-µL aliquot of semen was then added to specified quantities of the same semen extender used after semen collection and cryopreservation medium (Cryoguard®; Minitube, Verona, WI, USA) to obtain final glycerol concentrations of 2, 3, and 4%. This also gave a concentration of 100 × 106 spermatozoa/mL. After equilibration for 1 h at 4°C, spermatozoa were loaded into 0.5-mL straws and frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor. After 10 min, straws were plunged into liquid nitrogen. Semen was thawed at 37°C for 30 s and evaluated as prior to cryopreservation. Mean total semen volumes were 56, 11, and 60 mL in the 3 stallions. Their respective mean sperm concentrations were 124 × 106, 505 × 106, and 161 × 106 sperm/mL, respectively. Mean percentages of progressively motile sperm prior to cryopreservation were 64, 89, and 72%, respectively. With the paired Student's t-test, percentages of progressively motile sperm after cryopreservation were evaluated with respect to semen extender and concentration of glycerol used. Mean overall progressive motility of spermatozoa after cryopreservation differed significantly between the two extenders and was 46% for INRA 96 and 35% for EZ Mixin OF (P < 0.001). Using EZ Mixin OF as semen extender, the best mean post-thaw progressive motility was achieved with 4% glycerol (39%) and differed significantly from that with 2% glycerol (32%; P < 0.01). When INRA 96 was used (49% for 4%, and 42% for 2% glycerol), there was no difference. This results provide evidence that, during freezing of equine spermatozoa, there is a significant effect of the semen extender and the concentration of the cryoprotectant on post-thaw sperm motility. We therefore suggest mini-freezing trials prior to freezing large numbers of sperm to find the semen extender and glycerol concentration that provides optimal survival rates.
Ergot alkaloids cause fescue toxicosis when livestock graze endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. ... more Ergot alkaloids cause fescue toxicosis when livestock graze endophyte-infected (E+) tall fescue. Little is known about the bioavailability of the ergot alkaloid classes (lysergic acid, lysergic acid amides, or ergopeptine alkaloids) in livestock, and this hampers development of pharmacological strate- gies to ameliorate the toxicosis. One method used to determine bioavailability of ergot alkaloids is to examine urinary and biliary
The antibody to the rabbit sperm inner acrosomal membrane, raised in guinea pig, completely inhib... more The antibody to the rabbit sperm inner acrosomal membrane, raised in guinea pig, completely inhibited the fertilization of rabbit ova in vitro. The F(ab')2 of the antibody was equally effective in inhibiting fertilization. The antibody appeared to exert its inhibitory effect by binding to the inner acrosomal membrane of acrosome-reacted sperm. The antibody-treated sperm did not attach to or penetrate the zona pellucida. Thus, anti-IAM offers a great potential as a contraceptive agent.
The purpose of this study was to better understand requirements for oocyte maturation to yield vi... more The purpose of this study was to better understand requirements for oocyte maturation to yield viable embryos after bovine in vitro fertilization (IVF). High proportions (95% to 100%) of cumulus-surrounded oocytes matured in vitro in all treatments, but subsequent development was enhanced after maturation with high concentrations of purified bovine luteinizing hormone (LH). Beneficial effects of undisturbed cumulus cells were demonstrated. Improved IVF followed insemination of cumulus-surrounded oocytes, but not denuded oocytes, after maturation with high LH (100 micrograms/ml) versus low LH (10 micrograms/ml), implicating cumulus cells in mediating hormonal enhancement. Oocytes matured with high LH resulted in embryos of superior viability, as reflected by cleavage to 4- to 8-cell stages. Pregnancy resulting from transcervical embryo transfer further documented embryonic viability. These findings should be useful in further development and implementation of reproductive and genetic...
The primary aim of the Makalali elephant immunocontraception programme is to test the efficacy of... more The primary aim of the Makalali elephant immunocontraception programme is to test the efficacy of porcine zona pellucida (PZP) vaccine for practical population control of elephants in small, enclosed reserves, with the goal of stabilizing the current growth rate and reducing it to the 5-10% per annum displayed currently in the Kruger National Park. A secondary aim is to test the hypothesis that PZP treatment does not affect patterns of elephant social behaviour. Eighteen sexually mature cows (age > 12 years) were vaccinated in May 2000 using remote darts. Behavioural observations before, during and after vaccination included noting the activity of individual animals every minute for 15 min. No changes in general behaviour patterns have been noted to date although the animals' spatial use of the reserve was erratic during the period of vaccination, indicating irregular or disturbed patterns associated with vaccination. Normality was resumed on completion of the vaccinations. N...
... In spite of these differences and contrary to the claim of Tregenza et al., there is no contr... more ... In spite of these differences and contrary to the claim of Tregenza et al., there is no contradiction in the ... Parker and Partridge pro-pose that mating conflict could be either a hindrance to isolationif 'male-win' scenar-ios prevail, or a facilitator if females tend to win exactly as ...
The objectives of this study were to 1) identify proteins found in stallion seminal plasma utiliz... more The objectives of this study were to 1) identify proteins found in stallion seminal plasma utilizing two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) in conjunction with Western blot analysis; and 2) to determine if any of these individual proteins were correlated with stallion fertility utilizing regression analysis. Fertility was quantified by assigning a breeding score for each stallion. Each score was calculated by dividing the number of conceptions by the number of breedings for each stallion for four successive breeding seasons (1992-1995). Ejaculates from stallions of known fertility (n = 6) were collected with a Missouri-style artificial vagina. Immediately after collection, the semen sample was filtered and the gel fraction removed. The resultant sperm-rich fraction was centrifuged in a Beckman Microfuge E at 10,000 x g and the seminal plasma aspirated from the pelleted sperm cells. Two-dimensional PAGE of the seminal plasma was performed under denaturing condit...
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