Correlation between objective semen analysis and fertility in Japanese quail

This study investigated the relationship between sperm kinematics and egg fertility in Japanese quail in an attempt to identify a semen trait that could be used to predict male fertility. Males (n=45) and females (n=180) from five strains (A, B, C, D, E) were used. Ejaculates (n=720) were collected from 8 to 38 weeks of male age. Semen volume and sperm concentration were recorded and sperm motility was analyzed using Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®-CASA). At the time of ejaculate collection, males were allowed to mate with females in order to obtain egg fertility data: percent fertile eggs and the numbers of sperm (SpermOPVL) and sperm-holes (HolesIPVL) present on the egg perivitelline membranes. Sperm concentration was positively correlated with ejaculate volume (r=0.35; P