Why do spermatozoa agglutinate?
Agglutination is the union of spermatozoa forming clumps. First, it is necessary to distinguish two types of agglutination, true agglutination, when spermatozoa are alive, and false agglutination, when spermatic cells are dead. The main aspects that may cause or favour sperm agglutination are: – Auto-immune reactions when the boar produces antibodies against its own spermatozoa. – Bad filtration of the ejaculate. Rests of tapioca favour agglutination. – Inflammatory processes of the attached glands that alter the Ph and the protein and mineral composition of seminal plasma. – Thermic shock, which is above all important when collecting the ejaculate. – Bacterial contamination. For example, E. Coli favours sperm agglutination. – The presence of dead spermatozoa favours clumping when they crash onto alive spermatozoa. – Presence of calcium and bicarbonate in seminal doses.
