Some factors influencing canine sperm motility

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether sperm motility (MOT) in dog semen is influenced by dog age, breed, or number of sperm collections. The study group consisted of four Shih Tzus and five Border Collies, aged 1–8 years. Sperm was collected from each dog once every seven days, for a total of six weeks. Sperm motility did not differ (P > 0.05) based on age and breed. Mean MOT at the first collection (67.4% ± 6.9%) was lower (P < 0.05) than that at the third, fifth, and sixth collections (86.2%; 88.9%; 89.1% ± 6.9%, respectively). Increased MOT was observed after the third collection, demonstrating a positive correlation with the number of sperm collections and sperm motility (P< 0.05). Accordingly, our results indicate that sperm processing efficiency is increased after the collection of three ejaculates.