Estimating ram sperm concentration using an ESP32-based absorbance device: Design, calibration, and field application: Will be presented at Friday, 23 May 2025, 10.20 (GMT +7)

Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum; I D G W  Prabaswara; P O W  Aryawan; S K Wijaya

Authors

Mokhamad Fakhrul Ulum IPB University, Indonesia Author
I D G W Prabaswara IPB University, Indonesia Author
P O W Aryawan IPB University, Indonesia Author
S K Wijaya IPB University, Indonesia Author

Abstract

Accurate and rapid evaluation of sperm concentration is critical for assessing ram fertility, particularly under field conditions where laboratory facilities are limited. This study aimed to develop and validate a compact, portable, and cost-effective device for estimating ram spermatozoa concentration using light absorbance based on the ESP32 microcontroller. The device employs a WS2812 LED as the light source and a BH1750 sensor to measure light transmittance through semen samples placed in an Eppendorf tube. Semen was collected using the artificial vagina method and analyzed manually using a Neubauer counting chamber and prototype device. Fifteen samples were used for calibration, resulting in a strong negative correlation between sperm concentration and light absorbance (R² = 0.9461). Field testing with 10 Garut rams demonstrated no statistically significant difference (p = 0.5816) between the ESP32-based device and standard counting method, confirming its accuracy. This device significantly reduces the time required for sperm analysis and is well-suited for field applications. Its small size (<1 kg), battery operation, and low production cost (<USD 100) make it a practical tool for rapid on-site semen quality assessment. The implementation of this technology has the potential to reduce human error and mitigate sperm quality degradation due to delayed analysis.