Sperm nuclear chromatin decondensation test: Its applicability to predict fertility of cryopreserved semen samples

The nuclear chromatin decondensation test (NCDT) detects the ability of the sperm chromatin to undergo decondensation following fertilization. The test does not have direct bearing with the fertilizing ability of the spermatozoa but only reflects the proportion of sperm that may swell following exposure to in vitro decondensing agents. The gross seminal parameters do not have any direct relationship on the ability of the sperm chromatin to effect decondensation whether in vivo or in vitro. The test can not be reliably used to assess the fertilizing potential of frozen thawed semen of bovines.