Dedication; Foreword; Preface; Acknowledgements; Contents; About the Authors; Abbreviations; 1: Semen Analysis: An Overview; 1.1 Semen Quality Evaluation; 1.2 Harvest of Spermatozoa; 1.3 Storage of Semen; 1.4 Evaluation of Semen Quality Parameters (SQP); 1.4.1 Sperm Assays; 1.4.1.1 The Classical Spermiogram; 1.4.1.2 Advancement in Sperm Assays; Literature Cited; Key Reference; 2: Selection of Spermatozoa; 2.1 Introduction; 2.2 Selecting Procedure for Sperm Separation; 2.3 Comparison of Sperm Selection Protocols; 2.4 Sperm Selection Protocols; 2.4.1 Simple Washing of Spermatozoa

2.4.2 Sperm Swim-Up Technique2.4.2.1 Direct Swim-Up I; 2.4.2.2 Direct Swim-Up II; 2.4.3 Discontinuous Density Gradients; 2.4.4 Glass Wool Filtration Column; 2.5 Preparing Testicular and Epididymal Spermatozoa; 2.6 Processing Sperm Suspensions for ICSI; 2.7 Background Information; Literature Cited; Key References; 3: Handling and Applications of Optical Devices; 3.1 Introduction; 3.2 General Principles of Light Microscopy; 3.2.1 The Formation of the Image; 3.2.1.1 Microscope Lenses and their Defects; 3.2.1.1.1 Axial Aberrations; 3.2.1.1.2 Off-Axial Aberrations; 3.3 Eye Pieces

3.4 Objectives3.5 Condensers; 3.6 Illumination; 3.7 Fluorescence Microscopy; 3.8 Phase Contrast Microscopy; 3.9 Bright-Field Microscopy; 4: Basic Semen Assays; 4.1 Introduction; 4.2 Basic Semen Assays; 4.2.1 Macroscopic Evaluation of Ejaculate; 4.2.1.1 Ejaculate Volume; 4.2.1.2 Colour; 4.2.1.3 Consistency; 4.2.1.4 Density; 4.2.1.5 Viscosity; 4.2.1.6 Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH) Value; 4.2.1.7 Osmotic Pressure; 4.2.1.8 Odour; 4.2.2 Microscopic Evaluation of Ejaculate; 4.2.2.1 Microbial Load of Semen; 4.3 Optional Assays in Semen Evaluation

4.3.1 Evaluation of Aggregation of Spermatozoa4.3.2 Evaluation of Agglutination of Spermatozoa; 4.3.3 Examination of Cellular Elements Other Than Spermatozoa; 4.3.4 Leucocyte Measurement in Semen Sample; 4.3.4.1 Screening of Granulocytes; 4.3.4.2 Panleukocyte (CD45) Immunocytochemical Staining; 4.4 Background Information; Literature Cited; Key References; 5: Estimates of Sperm Motility; 5.1 Introduction; 5.2 Microscopy for Motility Evaluation; 5.3 Preparing a Wet Smear for Motility Estimates; 5.4 Estimates of Motility; 5.4.1 Mass Activity

5.4.2 Estimates of Sperm Motility by Direct Count5.4.3 Estimates of Sperm Motility Using Haemocytometer; 5.4.4 Post-thaw Motility; 5.4.5 Motility Index; 5.5 Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis (CASA); 5.5.1 Applications of CASA; 5.5.1.1 Sperm Concentration and Motility; 5.5.1.2 Computer-Aided Sperm Morphometric Assessment (CASMA); 5.5.1.2.1 Information; Literature Cited; Key References; 6: Evaluating Sperm Cell Viability and Membrane Integrity; 6.1 Introduction; 6.2 Comparison of Different Staining Procedures for Viability Evaluation; 6.3 Staining for Vitality Determination

This book on protocols in semen biology is a compilation of 20 chapters written by 15 experts from 5 Indian Council of Agricultural Research institutions, focusing on the basics of various procedures in semen biology with applications in animal and other allied sciences. The information is presented in simple language with illustrative figures and colour microphotographs, making it understandable for readers of every level. It highlights recent findings, the comparative analysis of assays, protocols, points to ponder, background information and major references, and also compares various assays for evaluating a seminal parameters. The book provides a comprehensive resource for beginners, as well as academics, investigators and scientists of animal semen biology and relevant fields. Further, it offers valuable teaching material.