Back to search

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram

Utilizing spectroscopy and CASA to predict in vivo fertilization in cattle and pigs

Alternative title: Bruk av spektroskopi og CASA for å forutsi in vivo befruktning hos storfe og griser

Awarded: NOK 5.3 mill.

In this project we will use spectroscopic tools and computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) to characterize semen plasma and assess sperm quality. Today there is a lack of objective assessments of seminal plasma, sperm quality, and sperm quantity to describe the fertilization ability and robustness of the semen. Semen from boars and bulls will be evaluated for their ability to capture chemical fingerprints from spectroscopy of seminal plasma. Detailed CASA data will be used in advanced data analysis to estimate associations between sperm quality traits and field fertility, which is the final target of the sperm quality evaluation. This entails a link between these field data, the detailed CASA information for individual AI males on ejaculate level, and potentially novel parameters from semen plasma (spectroscopy). Robustness of the sperm quality, measured from stored and frozen semen, and also identification of bottlenecks in relation to the age of the males for approved semen production is also an activity in the project. Establishing access and storage of the large datasets from the spectroscopy and CASA such that they can easily be combined with data from other data sourches is an important task that will ensure the best possible use of the data. CASA data combined with field fertility data from mates, pedigree information etc will be used to predict genomic breeding values and provide knowledge of the genetic trends for male fertility. The large majority (>98%) of dairy cows and sows in Norway are bred through artificial insemination. Success in this research project will reduce costs in production, increase the quantity of semen doses sold, reduce waste of semen produced, and improve genetic gain as a result of less involuntary culling of males and ejaculates of high genetic value in the breeding companies Geno SA and Norsvin SA.

In this project we will use spectroscopic tools and computer assisted semen analysis (CASA) to characterize semen plasma and assess sperm quality. Today there is a lack of objective assessments of seminal plasma, sperm quality, and sperm quantity to describe the fertilization ability and robustness of the semen. Semen from boars and bulls will be evaluated for their ability to capture chemical fingerprints from spectroscopy of seminal plasma. Detailed CASA data will be used in advanced data analysis to estimate associations between sperm quality traits and field fertility, which is the final target of the sperm quality evaluation. This entails a link between these field data, the detailed CASA information for individual AI males on ejaculate level, and potentially novel parameters from semen plasma (spectroscopy). Robustness of the sperm quality, measured from stored and frozen semen, and also identification of bottlenecks in relation to the age of the males for approved semen production is also an activity in the project. Establishing access and storage of the large datasets from the spectroscopy and CASA such that they can easily be combined with data from other data sourches is an important task that will ensure the best possible use of the data. CASA data combined with field fertility data from mates, pedigree information etc will be used to predict genomic breeding values and provide knowledge of the genetic trends for male fertility. The large majority (>98%) of dairy cows and sows in Norway are bred through artificial insemination. Success in this research project will reduce costs in production, increase the quantity of semen doses sold, reduce waste of semen produced, and improve genetic gain as a result of less involuntary culling of males and ejaculates of high genetic value in the breeding companies Geno SA and Norsvin SA.

Funding scheme:

BIONÆR-Bionæringsprogram