Ultrastructural studies on fresh-extended and frozen-thawed goat spermatozoa

Abstract

Use of routine in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture (IVMFC) protocol in this laboratory with some modifications
did not produce satisfactory results in goats due to low cleavage rates. Post-fertilization evaluation of in vitro inseminated oocytes
using an inverted microscope indicated absence of sperm penetration into the zona pellucida. It was, therefore, considered necessary
to examine the ultrastructure of frozen-thawed sperm in order to determine its integrity and viability. Ultrastructure of freshly
ejaculated extended goat sperm was taken as co.ntrol. Electron micrographs of frozen-thawed sperm indicated that inner and outer
• acrosomal membranes were undergoing signs of degeneration such as lysis of the membranes specifically at the tip region. Since
acrosome plays an important role during fertilization, any changes in its membrane are likely to affect the fertilization rates.