A new fluorescent method to determine honey bee sperm motility parameters with computer-aided sperm analysis

Honey bees are a keystone species, playing an important role in the food cycle. Improving honey bee reproduction will aid replacement of lost colonies. Fertility potential and reproductive health dependent on semen sperm quality. Current data drone parameters limited to volume, concentration, viability, assignment motility grade scores. The assessment is importance determine fertility colony health. This study aimed establish quantitative qualitative method measure quality, Apis mellifera capensis subspecies South Africa. Firstly, improved five-point semi-quantitative manual index score was used classify motility. Secondly, it possible accurately analyse qualitatively using fluorescent technique conjunction with computer-aided analysis (CASA) system. Manual scores corresponded total percentages as determined by CASA Furthermore, low values for kinematic parameters, particularly velocity were obtained samples both percentages. Additionally, percentage positively correlated progressivity. provides in-depth which can serve reference future studies possibly related species.