Transmission electron microscopic observations of flagellum abnormalities in impala (Aepyceros melampus) sperm from the Kruger National Park

Abstract

Sperm must remain motile in order to reach and penetrate the ovum and defects in the ultrastructure of the tail can have an adverse influence on motility. Live spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymis of 64 impala rams in the Kruger National Park and studied by transmission electron microscopy to document sperm abnormalities. The following abnormalities of the flagellum were documented from micrographs: abnormal baseplate and neck attachments; neck vacuoles and displaced organelles; double or short flagella; bent flagella; principal-piece vacuoles; displaced axoneme and the Dag defect. The implications of these abnormalities for sperm motility are discussed.