The invention relates to the use of compounds of formula (I), stereoisomers, and physiologicaily tolerable salts thereof, to enhance the
motility of
sperm obtained from a non-human
mammal: wherein in formula I: X is —NR′— (in which R′ is H or C1-3
alkyl. e.g. —CH3), —O—, —S— or —CH2—; Y is —S—, —O—, —NR″— (in which R″ is H or C1-3
alkyl, e.g. —CH3), or —CH2—; Z1 and Z2 are independently selected from N and CH; R1 to R3 are independently selected from
hydrogen,
halogen, C1-6
alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkyl, —OH, —CN, —NO2 and —NR12R13; R4 is
hydrogen,
halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkyl, or —OH; R5 is
hydrogen,
halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, or C1-6 haloalkyl; R6 and R7 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkyl, —OH, —CN, —NO2 and —NR12R13; R8 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C1-6 haloalkyl, —CN, —NO2 or —NR12R13; R9 is hydrogen or C1-4 alkyl; R10 and R11 are independently selected from hydrogen and C1-3 alkyl; or R10 and R11, together with the intervening —O— and ring atoms, are joined to form a
dioxolane ring; and R12 and R13 are independently selected from H and C1-3 alkyl. The compounds find particular use in
animal husbandry to increase the rate of fertilization in
artificial insemination of
livestock, especially pigs. They can also be used to prepare, pre-treat or store
semen for use in
artificial insemination procedures.