Analysis of the relationship between the frequency of erythrocytes with micronuclei, semen quality and reproductive indicators in artificial insemination of foxes

Relevance. Reproductive biotechnologies are widely used in various branches of animal husbandry. Their scientifically based application shows high results in obtaining offspring. In fur-bearing cellular animal husbandry, reproductive biotechnology methods also give certain results. At the same time, in order to increase and predict the success in reproduction of fur-bearing animals, it is necessary to control the selection and selection of parental individuals, in particular male sperm donors during artificial insemination.

Methods. The studies were performed in February — May 2023. The object of the study were ejaculate samples, peripheral blood smears of 16 silver-black fox males, as well as the corresponding results of artificial insemination (AI). To evaluate ejaculates, the following were studied: sperm concentration — by photometry, their percentage distribution by type of movement — on the ISAS system, sperm morphology — by microscopy. In peripheral blood smears, the frequency of occurrence of erythrocytes with micronuclei was determined using a micronucleus test (MTA). The results of the IO were evaluated by the number and percentage of pregnant and missing females, the number of live and dead puppies born.

Results. The results showed that with the frequency of occurrence of erythrocytes with micronuclei above 2%, the sperm content in ejaculates was from 45 to 54.5% with non-accessible movement (type c), and from 22.7 to 44.2% stationary (type d). Also, abnormal sperm forms prevailed in the ejaculates of these males (63–83%), while 66–100% of missing females were noted. At the same time, males with MINTS of less than 1.5% demonstrated good ejaculate quality and high efficiency of artificial insemination.

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