Use of a sperm quality analyser on semen of turkey breeders to monitor storage time effects and age-related changes during a reproductive cycle

1. A relatively new instrument known as a Sperm Quality Analyzer® (SQA) offers a rapid assessment of sperm quality and quantity by providing a sperm quality index (SQI). The SQA measures the intensity of sperm activity and motile concentration by determining the number and amplitude of sperm movements per second in a capillary tube as detected through light beam interference. 2. The objectives of the current study were to determine if the SQA could accurately reflect changes in semen quality that occur with prolonged storage of semen and to determine the variation and change in SQI values among individual breeding male turkeys during their semen production cycle. 3. The effect of storage time on SQI values was evaluated by diluting semen with extender and placing the semen on an oscillating shaker at 4°C for 8 h. The SQI values and sperm viability, expressed as % dead sperm, were recorded hourly. The SQI readings declined linearly with increased storage time, while % dead sperm increased linearly with inc...