EFFECT OF OOCYTE-SPERM COINCUBATION ON ACROSOME REACTION IN THE GOAT

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.