ASSESSMENT OF BOAR SPERM FUNCTION IN RELATION TO FREEZING AND STORAGE

The functions necessary for normal fertilization to occur in vivo or i n vitro are examined and a rational approach to identifying the main f eatures of a fertilizing spermatozoon are developed. It is concluded t hat methods for testing the quality of spermatozoa must probe the dyna mic changes experienced by the spermatozoa during capacitation or unde r stressful incubation conditions. Recent developments in the multivar iate analysis of sperm motility data are used to illustrate the succes s that can be achieved by this approach. Ideally, changes in sperm mot ility characteristics should be correlated with an assessment of capac itation status. However, until the capacitation status of any individu al cell can be clearly defined this will remain problematic.