Scrotal insulation and its relationship to abnormal morphology, chromatin protamination and nuclear shape of spermatozoa in Holstein-Friesian and Belgian Blue bulls.

The objectives of this study were to identify the stages of spermatogenesis susceptible to elevated testicular temperature in terms of sperm motility, viability, morphology, chromatin protamination and nuclear shape. The latter two valuable parameters are not included in routine semen analysis. Scrotal insulation (SI) was applied for 48 h in 2 Holstein-Friesian (HF) and 2 Belgian Blue (BB) bulls and semen was collected at 7 d intervals along with semen collection of a non-insulated bull of each breed.

A duplex real-time RT-PCR for the detection of bluetongue virus in bovine semen.

The control measures prescribed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) for international trade in extended semen implicate repeated free testing of the donor's blood for bluetongue virus (BTV). The aim of this study was to validate a real-time RT-PCR for the direct testing of semen for artificial insemination (AI). The amplification of the BTV target was combined with an internal control target in duplex format.