Sperm Gone Smart: A Portable Device (iSperm(R)) to Assess Semen Concentration and Motility in Dogs

Simple Summary Semen analysis can be subjective and time-consuming if automated instruments are not available. However, such devices are expensive and not transportable for on-field analyses. A portable device (iSperm(R)) is available for the evaluation of semen concentration and motility, but data on its reliability for canine semen analysis are still scarce. This study assessed the performances of the iSperm(R) on a large sample size (n = 224) by evaluating its correlation with a conventional computer-assisted sperm analyzer (ISAS(R)v1) for semen concentration and motility. The intra-assay variability of both the iSperm(R) and the ISAS(R)v1 and their ability to estimate semen concentration at a fixed value of 40 x 10(6)/mL were also investigated. Results showed that the intra-assay variability was lower for the ISAS(R)v1 compared to the iSperm(R). Hence, iSperm(R) results were more variable in-between fields. Both the iSperm(R) and the ISAS(R)v1 were not reliable in estimating semen concentration. Finally, the two devices were positively correlated, although providing different values for each parameter. Some improvements of the iSperm(R) software are therefore needed to make it a valid alternative to automated computerized systems for the analysis of canine semen. The iSperm(R) is a portable device for semen analysis. This study aimed to investigate its correlation with a conventional computer-assisted sperm analyzer (ISAS(R)v1) for the assessment of semen concentration and kinematic parameters in dogs (n = 224). The intra-assay variability of both devices and their ability to estimate semen concentration at a fixed value of 40 x 10(6)/mL were also investigated. Results showed that the intra-assay variability was lower for the ISAS(R)v1 for all parameters compared to the iSperm(R). Hence, iSperm(R) estimates were more variable in-between fields. Both the iSperm(R) and the ISAS(R)v1 were not reliable in estimating semen concentration (ISAS(R)v1: median 30 x 10(6)/mL, interquartile range (IQR) 12, p < 0.01; iSperm(R): median 35.12 x 10(6)/mL, IQR 11.11, p < 0.01). Finally, positive correlations were found between both devices with stronger correlations obtained when four fields were analyzed by the iSperm(R). However, the low number of spermatozoa analyzed per field and the inability to avoid artifacts are downsides that currently limit the reliability of the iSperm(R). Therefore, the software of iSperm(R) needs some improvement to make it a valid and practical alternative to automated computerized systems for the analysis of canine semen.