<div>The existing literature sans a collective picture of minerals and seminal plasma proteins in cow bulls having major sperm morphological defects. &nbsp;The present study involved six Jersey bulls imported from Denmark as calves. After sexual maturity, two bulls (Ab1 and Ab2; collectively as Ab) repeatedly exhibited abnormal spermiogram. The major sperm morphological abnormalities in Ab1 and Ab2, respectively, were Dag defect (32 and 27%), distal mid &ndash; piece reflex defect (42 and 17%) and coiled tail (11 and 12%). The mineral content of Ca and P was similar between the Ab and N (normal; N1, N2, N3 and N4 - collectively as N); values being higher in seminal plasma than blood plasma in both the groups. Seminal plasma of Ab had high K (indicates membrane damage), high Zn, especially in Ab2 (linked to Dag defect) and low Cu (decreases progressive motility). The seminal plasma proteins revealed absence of 15 kDa protein and weak expression of 25 kDa protein in Ab1. Both proteins are associated with sperm motility, viability and morphological abnormalities. In conclusion, the semen with abnormal sperm morphology also exhibited altered mineral content and seminal plasma proteins, which corroborates to their respective roles in seminology.</div>


<div>Evaluation of certain minerals and seminal plasma proteins in Jersey bulls having major sperm morphological defects</div>


<div><strong>Background: </strong>The golden eagle, <em>Aquila chrysaetos</em> is one of the 65 species of birds of prey found in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It has been estimated that the world population is 250 thousand specimens. The operant conditioning to obtain ejaculates of <em>A. chrysaetos</em> is described and to contribute to assisted reproduction protocols in captivity.<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> In the reproductive season, the procedure was performed twice a week on 5 adult birds, in order to obtain ejaculates.<br />
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<strong>Result: </strong>The study lasted 17 weeks, in which 160 contacts were made in total. It was possible to obtain 20 ejaculates, which were obtained from 3 birds. 4% success was achieved in obtaining ejaculates. Additionally, behaviors of clinical utility for diagnosis, care and well-being were conditioned in birds. The above should be considered in assisted reproduction programs, since, as demonstrated by the results of this study, not all the birds provide sufficient ejaculates, for which reason, the evaluation of the individuals that present the greatest advance in operant conditioning to include them in assisted reproduction programs.</div>


Evaluation of certain minerals and seminal plasma proteins in Jersey bulls having major sperm morphological defects

Obtaining Ejaculates through Operant Conditioning of the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)