Original Research

A transmission electron microscopic study of impala (Aepyceros melampus) sperm from the Kruger National Park

D.J. Ackerman, A.J. Reinecke, H.J. Els
Koedoe | Vol 39, No 2 | a298 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/koedoe.v39i2.298 | © 1996 D.J. Ackerman, A.J. Reinecke, H.J. Els | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 07 August 1996 | Published: 07 August 1996

About the author(s)

D.J. Ackerman, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
A.J. Reinecke, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
H.J. Els, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Abstract

Since knowledge of sperm morphology can play an important role in semen evaluation and fertilisation, baseline data are required. Live spermatozoa were collected from the cauda epididymis of 64 impala rams in the Kruger National Park and studied by trans- mission electron microscopy. The morphology of normal sperm was documented. The impala sperm shares characteristics with other members of the Bovidae. The occurrence of appendages on the cytoplasmic droplet of the flagellum of impala sperm is described for the first time. A total of 31 micrographs, showing typical features of impala sperm, in sections through various planes of the sperm, are presented.

Keywords

sperm, ultrastructure, impala, Aepyceros melampus, transmission electron microscopy.

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