We evaluated the correlation between the assessment of the functional integrity of the sperm membrane by hypoosmotic swelling tes,t using solutions with different osmolarities, and the conventional assessments of fresh semen in goats. A total of 24 ejaculates from three goats was obtained by artificial vagina and immediately submitted to the classical evaluation. Samples were divided into five aliquots and subjected to hypoosmotic test using distilled water (0 mOsm/L), and sodium citrate and fructose solutions at different osmolarities (50; 100; 150 and 200 mOsm/L). The 100 mOsm/L solution showed the highest percentage of reacted sperm (34.8%), but distilled water was the one with the lowest values (20.8%). No significant correlations were detected between the reacted sperm verified by the hypoosmotic swelling test and other semen characteristics (P> 0.05). Nevertheless, we recommend the carry out of the hypoosmotic test by using a 100 mOsm/L sodium citrate and fructose solution to assess the functional integrity of the sperm membrane in caprine species.
caprine; hyposmotic swelling test; sperm