The induction of acrosome reaction of goat spermatozoa was investigate
d. The acrosomal status of spermatozoa was determined by a triple-stai
ning technique. The effect of the presence of goat oocytes on the prop
ortion of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa was also determined. Ovulated o
ocytes were obtained from superstimulated adult goats. Other sources o
f oocytes were adult and prepubertal goats; oocytes from both sources
were maturated in vitro. There was an increase in the percentage of ac
rosome-reacted spermatozoa from 4%+/-0,98 to 9%+/-1,41 when oocytes fr
om adult females were used. Similar induction rates were measured with
prepubertal and adult oocytes maturated in vitro (10,4%+/-2.06 and 8.
75%+/-1.06, respectively). The influence of several qualities of cumul
us oophorus as well as the presence of zona pellucida was also investi
gated. No significant differences were obtained with any cumulus oopho
rus or zona pellucida oocyte complexes. Although oocyte quality is imp
ortant for high fertilization rates, it does not seem to be crucial fo
r the induction of acrosome reaction.