Valutazione del materiale seminale nel cane: utilizzo di un sistema computerizzato di analisi

The use of a computerized image processing system (Cryo Resources, New York, USA), which involves a video camera attached to a microscope, and a microcomputer, for semen evaluation is described. The system measures sperm concentration, motility percentage, progressive motility and sperm velocity. Data are tabulated on the semen characters of 13 individual dogs. Ejaculate volume at the 1st and 2nd stages of collection averaged 1.57 and 1.11 ml respectively, and volumes differed significantly between dogs. Sperm concentration estimated by the computerized system averaged 268.07 * 10 6/ml vs. 254.61 * 10 6/ml using a counting chamber. The correlation between the 2 sets of results was 0.87 ( P<0.001). Motility percentage and progressive motility rating, estimated by the computerized system, averaged 33.13 and 1.73 respectively; differences among dogs were not significant.