Because capacitation is a prerequisite for sperm–oocyte binding and fertilization,
it is reasonable to ask whether spermatozoa treated with NE are capable of binding to the zona
pellucida and fertilizing in vitro-matured oocytes, and whether the developmental potential of
embryos created with NE-treated spermatozoa is affected. The objective of this study was to
determine if pre-incubating bovine spermatozoa with physiological concentrations of NE prior to
insemination of bovine oocytes would improve sperm–oocyte binding, fertilization, and embryonic
development in vitro.