Antisperm antibodies in cows as related to their reproductive health

Abstract

Blood sera from 537 cows were examined by ELISA test for antisperm antibodies (ASA). The incidence of ASA in breeding females with impaired reproductive function or reduced reproductive performance was compared to ASA incidence in reproductively normal females. In 420 pluriparous cows, the incidence of positive findings were significantly higher than in 117 primiparous cows (25.5% and 12.0%; p < 0.01). A higher incidence of ASA was observed in cows with two and more inseminations needed to pregnancy. In cows serologically examined and positive to Chlamydia was a significantly higher incidence of ASA than in Chlamydia-negative ones (33.3% and 14.7%; p < 0.01). Significantly lower penetration and velocity (p < 0.01) of bulls' spermatozoa through cervical mucus was recorded in heifers serologically positive to ASA after experimental immunisation compared to ASA negative heifers.