Quality assurance applied to semen analysis

• Published in: Animal reproduction science Vol. 270; p. 107615
• Main Author: Brito, Leonardo F.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01-11-2024
• Subjects: Quality assurance; Semen analysis; Sperm concentration; Sperm morphology; Sperm motility; Quality assurance; Sperm motility; Semen analysis; Sperm morphology; Sperm concentration
• ISSN: 0378-4320; 1873-2232; 1873-2232
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107615

Artificial insemination is an important biotechnology employed in livestock production. Production of semen products requires analysis of sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Although adequate analytical procedures are essential to ensure product quality, several multicenter studies have reported large variations in semen analysis results within and across laboratories. Differences in equipment and methodology, inconsistent training and performance testing, and lack of quality assurance programs are likely responsible for these observations. The somewhat pervasive perception that semen analysis is a trivial task must be challenged as it jeopardizes efficient semen production and germplasm utilization. This manuscript reviews the Quality Assurance (QA) procedures recommended to control results obtained during semen analysis. Reference, standard technical specifications for basic semen analysis are also described.
•Semen analysis is integral to production of semen products used for livestock artificial insemination.•Large intra- and inter-laboratory variation in semen analysis results have been reported.•Quality Assurance (QA) procedures are recommended to control results obtained during semen analysis.•Reference, standard technical specifications for sperm concentration, motility and morphology analysis are provided.