Sexual rest and post‐meiotic sperm ageing in house mice

摘要: Fertilization by aged sperm can result in adverse fitness consequences for both males and females. Sperm storage during male sexual rest could provide an environment post-meiotic senescence causing a deterioration the quality of stored sperm, possibly impacting on performance (e.g. swimming ability) DNA quality. Here, we compared proportion with fragmented DNA, indicator structural damage within cell, among that had been sexually rested approximately 2 months, to mated recently. We found no evidence intra-epididymal or any impairment performance, consequently senescence. Our results suggest house mice are likely possess mechanisms function ensure their reserves remain stocked 'young', viable periods inactivity. also discuss possibility our experimental design leads difference age from two mating treatments. Post-meiotic is especially relevant under competition. Thus, sourced populations differed levels post-copulatory selection, enabling us gain insight into how selection higher production influences rate ageing fragmentation. population produced highest number smallest DNA-fragmented this outcome relation acting upon they produce ejaculates high-quality successful achieving fertilizations competitive conditions.