R&D – Dyneval https://www.dyneval.com Precise measurement of microscopic motion Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:54:26 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://www.dyneval.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/cropped-Dynevalicon-32x32.jpg R&D – Dyneval https://www.dyneval.com 32 32 MCC: Unlock Precision in Sexed Semen Analysis https://www.dyneval.com/mcc-unlock-precision-in-sexed-semen-analysis/ Fri, 28 Nov 2025 09:45:39 +0000 https://www.dyneval.com/?p=1010408

MCC: Unlock Precision in Sexed Semen Analysis

Measure total and progressive motile cell counts accurately

Achieving target pregnancy rates isn’t always straightforward, even when semen QC is carefully managed. Environmental conditions and handling factors can occasionally introduce variability. When this happens, troubleshooting can be slow, costly, and advisers may hesitate to make confident recommendations without clear data.

This is where Motile Cell Count (MCC) makes a difference. Knowing the exact number of motile cells in a sexed straw helps producers verify that each dose meets its intended performance, ensuring clarity, consistency, and confidence across the supply chain.

Why MCC matters?

Sex-sorted semen straws are rapidly growing in popularity worldwide, thanks to their ability to pre-determine offspring sex with approximately 90% accuracy. This gives farmers the power to control herd composition, enhance profitability, improve efficiency, and accelerate genetic progress.

In semen analysis, accuracy is critical—especially for sex-sorted samples, which typically have lower cell concentrations and higher debris levels compared to conventional or fresh semen. This creates a clear need for a fast, reliable, low-effort, and high-accuracy quality control method.

The best part: For Dynescan users, no extra steps are needed. MCC analysis is automatically applied to every sex-sorted sample during the standard measurement process, providing consistent and reliable results—regardless of operator experience.

Benefits for semen producers

✔ Ensure every straw meets its intended dose

✔ Maintain product consistency across batches

✔ Optimise sorting efficiency and monitor process performance

✔ Support accurate fertility predictions for customers

Benefits for Vets & Advisors

✔ Instant, objective data to support breeding decisions

✔ Portable for real-time farm use

✔ User-independent technology to standardise results

✔ Helps clients increase fertility efficiency & sustainability outcomes

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Game-changing Motile Cell Count algorithm for all sexed- sorted semen

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]]> Game-changing motile cell count algorithm for all sex-sorted semen https://www.dyneval.com/game-changing-motile-cell-count-algorithm-for-all-sex-sorted-semen/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 16:59:44 +0000 https://www.dyneval.com/?p=1009417

Game-changing motile cell count algorithm for all sex-sorted semen

Our ground-breaking MCC algorithm automatically calculates the concentration of both total motile and progressive motile cells in any sex-sorted sample measured with the Dynescan. It works seamlessly in the background while you perform your usual analysis — no extra steps, no extra hassle.

When combined with the large field of view of Dynescan videos, this technology has the potential to set a new standard in quality control (QC) for sex-sorted semen, as it addresses limitations of CASA instruments. For instance, it captures up to 10 times more cells in a single field of view, and delivers results that are independent of the user and their experience. Our MCC algorithm is particularly well suited for evaluating sexed semen straws produced by any sorting technology, but it can also be applied to conventional straws (upon request).

How to use the beta MCC Analysis

The best part? For Dynescan users, no extra steps are needed. The MCC analysis is automatically applied to every sex-sorted sample during the standard measurement process, guaranteeing consistent and reliable results — no matter the operator’s experience. 

Look for the Total Motile Count (TMC) and Progressive Motile Count (PMC) per milliliter, conveniently displayed under Concentration Test Results in the Dyneval web app. These results can also be easily accessed in the Dyneval’s Semen Motility PDF report, ensuring quick and straightforward evaluation of semen quality.

MCC Algorithm Validation

A total of 110 semen straws, including both conventional and sex-sorted samples, were analysed to validate the MCC algorithm. Each straw was assessed undiluted, loaded into 20 µm depth Leja® slides, and sealed with Vaseline® to prevent drift. Measurements were conducted using the IVOS® II (Hamilton Thorne) and the Dynescan (Dyneval®) within the same chamber, with all readings taken within one minute. Any motile cells missed by the IVOS® II were manually corrected, an additional, time consuming step that required careful attention to ensure a fair comparison. The results are in Figure 1. Given that Dynescan’s field of view is approximately 10 times larger than that of the IVOS® II, no fewer than seven fields of view were analysed per sample using the IVOS® II.

IVOS® II vs. Dynescan Comparison
Fig 1.Two plots demonstrating the agreement between the IVOS II results and the Motile Cell Count (MCC) algorithm of the Dynescan. Note that cells missed by the IVOS II are corrected for. The standard Qualivet settings were used to categorize cell types for both technologies, and both conventional and sexed semen straws [1]. The plots show their fit with its corresponding gradient, where the y-intercept has been fixed to zero. Left: The progressively motile cell concentration ranging from around 1M/mL to over 40M/mL. Right: The total motile concentration results ranging from around 1M/mL to above 60M/mL.

We found our MCC algorithm agreed quantitatively with the IVOS II within less than 4%, on average, giving an excellent correlation with a Pearson coefficient of 0.99 for both TMC and PMC. This correlation is maintained for a wide range of motile concentrations from as low as 1.4M/mL up to around 60M/mL. Minor deviations were observed at higher concentrations (>55M/mL total motile), which, for a motility of 50%, corresponds to a total concentration of around 110M/mL—well within the range of many conventional semen straws. While these differences are minimal, further investigation is required to determine their significance at elevated concentrations.

We note that we do not consider the capillary correction when using Leja channel slides, and the same correction is removed from the IVOS II values, to compare results fairly. See the bottom of page for more information. Also, please be aware that the MCC is measured in millions of cells per millimeter, if you wish to know how much is in a 0.25mL straw you must divide it by 4. 

Current standards and CASA systems

In the world of semen analysis, accuracy matters. This is especially true for sex-sorted semen samples, which contain low concentrations and a significant amount of debris in comparison to conventional or fresh semen. With sex-sorted straws growing in popularity worldwide, there is an urgent need for a quick, reliable, low-effort, and high-accuracy method for quality control.

The two different methods to process sexed semen are as follows:

  • Cells are physically sorted, only allowing one gender to enter the straw. Figure 2 (a)
  • The undesired gender is ablated before the sample is added to the straw. Figure 2 (b)

 

The images in Figure 2 are examples of the two different sorting types, which both contain significant amounts of debris. This creates a challenging environment for CASA systems, which struggle to accurately characterise percentage motility in the presence of debris. Debris are often detected as non-motile cells, artificially lowering motility. Additionally, the high magnification required by CASA systems makes them sensitive to slight variations in focus, further affecting measurement consistency. These challenges are compounded by the fact that different sex-sorting technologies use varying preparation protocols, resulting in additional variability in sample characteristics.

Two different methods to process sexed semen
Fig 2. Two examples of sex sorted samples. (a) demonstrates the method that filters out the unwanted gender from the straw, and (b) shows the technique that ablates cells of the incorrect gender, which are seen in the sample. The circled subfigure offers a magnified view of an ablated cell, demonstrating the ease with which it can be identified as a regular cell.

The challenges associated with CASA systems mentioned above, can all be solved with our MCC algorithm. The following advantages of the MCC algorithm collectively enhance its accuracy and precision beyond what has been achieved with conventional approaches.

  • It captures 10x more cells in a single field of view due to the Dyneval, low magnification videos, reducing variability and saving time.
  • It is not sensitive on focus due to low magnification, making it user-independent and less prone to user mistakes.
  • It excludes the detection of cells that lack the capacity to migrate through the fallopian tube to fertilise the oocyte, thereby eliminating errors caused by the misidentification of non-cellular, non-motile particles.

Shaping the future: Dyneval's MCC algorithm

At Dyneval, we believe the industry deserves better tools — tools that deliver accuracy, consistency, and confidence. That’s why we’ve developed an innovative algorithm to measure Motile Cell Count (MCC): a game-changing feature that sets a new benchmark for semen analysis.

The MCC algorithm provides breeders, researchers, and technicians with a deeper understanding of semen quality over time — delivering precise, transparent data that empowers smarter, evidence-based decisions.

We believe MCC has the potential to become standard practice across the industry, transforming the way semen quality is assessed and unlocking better outcomes from lab to field.

We’d love to hear how MCC is supporting your work — share your thoughts with us at contact@dyneval.com.

References

  1. O’Meara, C., Henrotte, E., Kupisiewicz, K., Latour, C., Broekhuijse, M., Camus, A., Gavin-Plagne, L., & Sellem, E.. (2022). The effect of adjusting settings within a Computer-Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) system on bovine sperm motility and morphology results. Animal Reproduction, 19(1), e20210077. https://doi.org/10.1590/1984-3143-AR2021-0077 

 

Note on the SS-effect:

It is claimed that applying the capillary correction is due to a phenomenon called the Segre-Silberberg effect. Based on experimental evidence, we have found such effect is not justified for semen samples and so have removed the factor of 1.3 that is applied to all IVOS II concentration measurements. Further details to follow.

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]]> Poor handling affects semen motility https://www.dyneval.com/poor-handling-affects-semen-motility/ Tue, 23 Jan 2024 15:35:41 +0000 https://www.dyneval.com/?p=1005687

Poor handling affects semen motility

Removing a straw from the tank even for a short period of 10 seconds (e.g. to read the bull’s name) can cause a reduction of 11% in the Progressive Motility. Therefore, it is crucial to handle the straws with extreme care during transport, storage, and before insemination to avoid any risk of affecting the semen quality.

MSc Student Cecilia McCann from the University of Strathclyde explains this in this 12-minute video.

The impact of multiple ambient exposures on bull spermatozoa motility due to poor handling practices

ABSTRACT:

Mishandling of artificial insemination (AI) straws that may occur at multiple stages prior to thawing a cryopreserved semen sample can result in thermal fluctuations, which may have a detrimental impact on semen quality parameters. To investigate this, the impact of ambient exposure on motility parameters (% progressive motility and mean swimming speed), which occur as a result of typical mishandling practices was assessed. The project demonstrated a significant negative correlation between ambient exposure and % progressive motility (p: 0.007) but not with swimming speed (p: 0.083). Additionally, as the number of ambient exposures was increased from a single cycle to ten cycles, there was approximately a twofold reduction in % progressive motility compared with a single one-minute ambient exposure. The project provided evidence that increasing the duration and number of ambient exposures significantly impact progressive motility. However, the mean swimming speed (micron/s), morphology and lifetime of this motile population remain unaffected by different ambient conditions.

Published Date: 24th August 2023

Author: Cecilia McCann
MSc Industrial Biotechnology student at the University of Strathclyde

Cecilia McCann is an MSc student in Industrial Biotechnology at the University of Strathclyde. She has previously graduated with a BSc in Microbiology (Virology) from the University of Glasgow. As part of her master’s program, she completed a ten-week placement with Dyneval Ltd. The focus of her project was to determine the impact of multiple ambient exposures on bull spermatozoa motility due to poor handling practices.

Meet international quality standards with a Dynescan

To enhance your knowledge and improve your results, we recommend using our state-of-the-art Dynescan semen analyser. It has been designed to meet all international quality standards and will help you achieve reliable results within minutes.  Why not use the Dynescan to train your team in the correct protocols for handling and thawing straws to ensure that valuable semen is not damaged before insemination.  Coming soon – keep an eye out for our AI tank audit tool which will be valuable checklist to ensure that proper protocols are followed.

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]]> Unrivalled precision correlates % prog motility and conception rates https://www.dyneval.com/unrivalled-precision-correlates-prog-motility-and-conception-rates/ Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:28:04 +0000 https://www.dyneval.com/?p=1004637

Unrivalled precision correlates % prog motility and conception rates

Dynescan Semen Motility Report

High-fertility bulls have spermatozoa with good flagella structure and function

At the EU AI Vet in the UK in October 2022, Dr Maria Belen Rabaglino from the University College Dublin presented a fascinating talk titled ‘Identification of Biomarkers of Bovine Sperm Function and Embryo Development using an Omics Approach’.  She assessed the genes of both high and low-fertility bulls from the Irish population and discovered that genes associated with good flagella structure and function were prevalent in the high-fertility bulls. During question time, a member of the audience enquired as to whether any difference in motility had been observed using laboratory-based Computer Aided Semen Analysers, and, unfortunately, no correlation had been observed.

Ciara O’Meara from the National Cattle Breeding Centre was keen to try the Dynescan Semen Analyser to explore whether it could reveal new insights.  Measurements were taken using 3 batches of conventional bull semen from each of six bulls spanning the range of low to high fertility in the Irish population.  Conception rates were collected at a national level over approximately 20 independent batches for each bull corresponding to thousands of inseminations across a range of farms across Ireland under a wide range of conditions.

Figure 1: Aerobic progressive motility measured with a Dynescan Semen Analyser plotted against the in-field conception rates for 6 bulls used in national population in Ireland. Sample number < 3 for some batches where the swimming speed indicated the sample was no longer in aerobic conditions.

Measurements with the Dynescan Semen Analyser confirm there is a correlation between the % progressive motility measured at early times when the spermatozoa were swimming in an oxygen-rich (aerobic) environment and the in-field conception rates, as shown in Figure 1, with a gentle gradient of 0.64 (presuming linear dependence, R2=0.99) between the % progressive motility and resulting conception rate and a total range of less than 20% progressive motility between the low and high fertility bulls.  Error bars show the standard deviation between independent batches for the same bull.   In the literature, repeated CASA measurements have been shown to have a standard deviation error of around 10%, and therefore, it is not surprising that CASA measurements could not reveal this correlation.  The Dynescan Semen Analyser provides measurements over a volume of sample that is 10x that of a CASA instrument for 60x longer than a CASA (each video 30s long).  Furthermore, no dilution is required, thus removing errors due to incompatibility between the extender and the diluent. This offers much greater precision when performing measurements of the % progressive motility so that it is mainly batch-to-batch variation which dominates the data.   In the future, we will look to correlate individual batch data with in the field fertility data at a grand scale.

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