Validation of a Fixable Stain for Assessing the Viability of Stallion Sperm

Evaluation of semen quality in stallions often includes assessment of plasma membrane intactness, or viability. Assays using a variety of fluorescent probes have been developed to accomplish this; however, these assays are performed on non-fixed cells which requires immediate access to a laboratory with the required equipment. Assays for assessing viability in fixed somatic cells are marketed, but use with sperm has not been validated. Development of a protocol for sperm would permit submission of semen to a reference laboratory to assess viability at the time of ejaculation.
Source: Journal of Equine Veterinary Science - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research