Sperm selection techniques in cattle: Microfilter device versus conventional methods

Microfluidics and microfilter devices have been developed to mimic the characteristics of the female reproductive tract, minimizing the risk of sperm damage. This study aimed to compare the use of a microfilter device versus conventional methods for sperm selection used in in vitro fertilization (IVF). For selecting spermatozoa, the pooled samples were processed in a microfilter device, swim‐up and mini‐Percoll gradient. Kinematic and morphometric parameters, vitality and DNA damage were analysed before and after sperm selection. After selection, 10,000 motile spermatozoa per oocyte were used in IVF drops. Embryos were assessed at three (cleavage rate) and seven (blastocyst rate) days post‐IVF. Results of sperm kinematic parameters including average path velocity, velocity straight line, curvilinear velocity, linearity, lateral head displacement with the microfilter device were superior to density gradient (p