Automated sperm head morphology analyzer for open-source software

• Main Authors: I A E Butts, M A R Ward, M K Litvak, T E Pitcher, S M H Alavi, E A Trippel, R M Rideout
• Other Authors: The Pennsylvania State University CiteSeerX Archives
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Subjects: atlantic cod
• Online Access: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/summary?doi=10.1.1.1046.3771; http://web2.uwindsor.ca/biology/pitcher/Pitcher%20lab/Publications_files/Butts%20et%20al%202011.pdf

Abstract Sperm head morphology has been identified as a characteristic that can be used to predict a male's semen quality. In the present study, we have developed an automated sperm head morphology analysis (ASMA) plug-in for open-source ImageJ software (http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/). We describe the plug-in's functionality, and confirm its validity for sperm head morphology analysis using fish sperm. Sperm head morphological measurements (length and width) made with the ASMA plug-in did not differ from manual measurements. Using the plug-in to measure sperm head-shaped objects of known size, the associated plug-in error rate was Ͻ 0.5%. Brightness and contrast ratios influenced sperm head measurements, suggesting the need for standardized protocols. This plug-in was effective at measuring elliptical (i.e., Atlantic cod) as well as slightly irregular (i.e., Chinook salmon) shaped sperm heads. In conclusion, our ASMA plug-in represents a versatile alternative to costly sperm morphology software.