ACT funds horse sperm analyser
The ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ Animal Care Trust has awarded £2,460 to the ÌÇÐÄvlogÊÓƵ (RVC) Equine team for the funding of the iSperm Smart Semen Anaylser, with the aim of improving equine reproductive work.
Assessing sperm quality by evaluating sperm viability and motility under a microscope is a key feature for successful equine reproductive work. Previously, this required cumbersome sample preparation and analysis that could only be performed in a laboratory. Teaching of RVC students was further hampered by the inability to share the same screen.
iSperm is the first portable, mobile computer-assisted mini sperm analyser that offers readings of concentration, total motility, progressive motility, speed, and sperm kinetics.
Jason Tupper, Head of the RVC Equine ambulatory practice at the RVC, said: “iSperm is a novel, cost effective method of semen analysis which greatly enhances our clinical ability to evaluate semen specimens in the field. The new technology enables the clinician to make important decisions on site without the need to travel to a laboratory. Evaluation on site avoids insemination with poor quality semen which can cause unnecessary endometrial reactions and delays requesting fresh semen.”
“This will benefit the patient and ultimately the owner, contributing to higher pregnancy and foaling rates. It will also be invaluable for investigation of male fertility issues, offering on site visual assessment that can easily be demonstrated to owners and students.” The iSperm Smart Semen Anaylser also comes with an app that can be used on a tablet, and displayed to other clinicians, students and clients when discussing fertility and sperm analysis.
“The tabloid format is ideal for teaching of students and demonstrating semen viability or any quality issues to clients. Screen pictures can easily be shared and stored, allowing veterinarians to explain results to students and clients alike.”