Identification of Bull Semen Microbiome by 16S Sequencing and Possible Relationships with Fertility

Reports on the use of 16S sequencing for the identification of bacteria in healthy animals are lacking. Bacterial contamination of bull semen can have a negative effect on the sperm quality. The aims of this study were threefold: to identify bacteria in the semen of healthy bulls using 16S sequencing; to investigate the differences in the bacterial community between individual bulls; and to establish if there was a relationship between the bacteria isolated and bull fertility. Semen from 18 bulls of known fertility was used for the DNA extraction and 16S sequencing; 107 bacterial genera were identified. The differences in the amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) and the numbers of genera between bulls were noted. Negative correlations (p < 0.05) between several bacterial genera with Curvibacter, Rikenellaceae RC9-gut-group and Dyella spp. were seen. Other negatively correlated bacteria were Cutibacterium, Ruminococcaceae UCG-005, Ruminococcaceae UCG-010 and Staphylococcus, all within the top 20 genera. Two genera, W5053 and Lawsonella, were enriched in bulls of low fertility; this is the first time that these bacteria have been reported in bull semen samples. The majority of the bacteria were environmental organisms or were species originating from the mucous membranes of animals and humans. The results of this study indicate that differences in the seminal microbiota of healthy bulls occur and might be correlated with fertility.

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Bacteriospermia and Sperm Quality of Cryopreserved Bull Semen Used in Artificial Insemination of Cows in South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Veterinary Medicine International ◽

10.1155/2020/2098315 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-11

Author(s):

Abadi Amare Reda ◽

Gizat Almaw ◽

Solomon Abreha ◽

Wedajo Tadeg ◽

Belege Tadesse

Keyword(s):

Bacterial Contamination ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Bacterial Load ◽

Bacterial Count ◽

Normal Morphology ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Processing And Storage

The objectives of this trial were to estimate prevalence of bacteriospermia, to determine the bacterial load, and to isolate the types of bacteria as well as to assess the association between bacterial load and sperm quality traits in cryopreserved bull semen in field conditions in the South Wollo Zone. A total of 309 cryopreserved straws of semen from the Holstein Friesian (HF)-cross bull (n = 180 straws) and pure Jersey bull (n = 129 straws) were investigated. Bacteriological assessments of the presence of aerobic bacteria, estimation of bacterial count and bacterial isolation, as well as semen quality were performed. Aerobic bacterial contamination was prevalent in 38.8% of the semen straws. No significant difference in the prevalence of bacteriospermia was observed among bulls although the HF-cross bull had a higher prevalence (40.0%). But, significant difference in prevalence of bacteriospermia was found among semen ejaculates of the same bull. The risk of bacteriospermia in the HF-cross bull was higher (Odds ratio = 1.86, 95% CI = 0.168–20.26) compared to Jersey although not significant. Overall average bacterial load of 50.38 ± 16.29 colony-forming units (CFU)/ml (from nil to 1318.20 CFU/ml) was found. No significant difference in bacterial count among bulls and their ejaculates was observed. Moreover, correlation analysis revealed that the proportions of motility, live, and normal morphology were negatively influenced by an increase in the bacterial contamination of semen. In this study, three isolates of coagualse-negative Staphylococcus species and one isolate of Corynebacterium species were found. Average percentages of sperm motility (48.35 ± 1.23), live (66.08 ± 1.0), and normal morphology (80.62 ± 1.24) were observed. It was concluded that cryopreservation does not guarantee the quality of semen from bacterial contamination. Hence, meticulous care should be adopted to prevent contamination of semen by bacteria during collection, transportation, processing, and storage times.

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Macro- and microelements in serum and seminal plasma as biomarkers for bull sperm cryotolerance

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica ◽

10.1186/s13028-021-00590-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 63 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Maja Zakošek Pipan ◽

Petra Zrimšek ◽

Breda Jakovac Strajn ◽

Katarina Pavšič Vrtač ◽

Tanja Knific ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Membrane Integrity ◽

Quality Characteristics ◽

Freezing And Thawing ◽

Additional Tool ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Bull Sperm ◽

Fresh Semen

ABSTRACT Background Wide variation in fertility rates is observed when using frozen bull semen, even when the bulls have met quality standards for semen production. Therefore, a simple and reliable test to assess the freezing potential of bull semen based on the analysis of fresh semen or blood would be of great value. Attention is now turning to assessment of seminal plasma components such as proteins and elements. In the present study, the concentrations of macro- and microelements in fresh bull semen plasma and in serum and their correlation with quality characteristics of fresh semen and with semen quality after freezing and thawing were determined. Ejaculates were collected from 30 mature bulls, and semen volume, concentration, sperm motility, morphology, tail membrane integrity, plasma membrane permeability and DNA fragmentation were determined on the day of collection and after freezing and thawing. The concentrations of macroelements (Na, Mg, K and Ca) and microelements (Cu, Fe, Zn and Se) were determined in the seminal plasma and serum. The semen samples were classified into satisfactory and unsatisfactory groups according to the fresh semen quality. Results Zinc and Se levels measured in serum were associated with almost all fresh and frozen-thawed semen quality characteristics, while Fe levels were associated only with acrosomal defects in fresh semen. Zinc and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma were associated with various quality characteristics of fresh and frozen-thawed semen, while Se level in fresh seminal plasma was not associated with any of the semen quality characteristics. Conclusions Microelements were shown to be useful as biomarkers involved in the analysis of bull sperm quality and could be used as an additional tool to predict bull semen quality after freezing and thawing. Our results confirm that the analysis of Zn and Se levels in serum and Zn, Cu and Fe levels in fresh seminal plasma can provide information to discriminate between bull semen samples with spermatozoa with high or low cryotolerance.

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Specific Seminal Plasma Fractions Are Responsible for the Modulation of Sperm–PMN Binding in the Donkey

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani11051388 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

pp. 1388

Author(s):

Jordi Miró ◽

Jaime Catalán ◽

Henar Marín ◽

Iván Yánez-Ortiz ◽

Marc Yeste

Keyword(s):

Molecular Weight ◽

Sperm Motility ◽

Seminal Plasma ◽

Potential Effect ◽

Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils ◽

Low Fertility ◽

Plasma Fractions ◽

Complex Fluid ◽

First Time

While artificial insemination (AI) with frozen-thawed sperm results in low fertility rates in donkeys, the addition of seminal plasma, removed during cryopreservation, partially counteracts that reduction. Related to this, an apparent inflammatory reaction in jennies is induced following AI with frozen-thawed sperm, as a high amount of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) are observed within the donkey uterus six hours after AI. While PMN appear to select the sperm that ultimately reach the oviduct, two mechanisms, phagocytosis and NETosis, have been purported to be involved in that clearance. Remarkably, sperm interacts with PMN, but the presence of seminal plasma reduces that binding. As seminal plasma is a complex fluid made up of different molecules, including proteins, this study aimed to evaluate how different seminal plasma fractions, separated by molecular weight (<3, 3–10, 10–30, 30–50, 50–100, and >100 kDa), affect sperm–PMN binding. Sperm motility, viability, and sperm–PMN binding were evaluated after 0 h, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, and 4 h of co-incubation at 38 °C. Two seminal plasma fractions, including 30–50 kDa or 50–100 kDa proteins, showed the highest sperm motility and viability. As viability of sperm not bound to PMN after 3 h of incubation was the highest in the presence of 30–50 and 50–100 kDa proteins, we suggest that both fractions are involved in the control of the jenny’s post-breeding inflammatory response. In conclusion, this study has shown for the first time that specific fractions rather than the entire seminal plasma modulate sperm–PMN binding within the donkey uterus. As several proteins suggested to be involved in the control of post-AI endometritis have a molecular weight between 30 and 100 kDa, further studies aimed at determining the identity of these molecules and evaluating their potential effect in vivo are much warranted.

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EVALUATION OF TOXIOLOGICAL INDICATORS OF MONTHMORRILLONITE CLAY FOR THE PURPOSE OF USING THEM AS ALUMOSILICATE SOBENT AGAINST THE NEGATIVE EFFECT OF MYCOTOXINS ON THE BODY OF ANIMALS AND BIRDS

Ġylym ža̋ne bìlìm ◽

10.52578/2305-9397-2021-1-1-72-78 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 72-78

Keyword(s):

Experimental Studies ◽

The Body ◽

Montmorillonite Clay ◽

Test Substance ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Experimental Animals ◽

Eyelid Edema ◽

White Rats ◽

Mucous Membranes ◽

Negative Effect

The article presents the results of laboratory studies to assess the toxicological parameters of montmorillonite clay from the Pogadaevskoye deposit in the West Kazakhstan region in order to use them as an aluminosilicate sorbent in the composition of feeds that reduce the negative effects of mycotoxins on the body of animals and birds. The relevance of research is associated with the cultivation of healthy and highly productive animals and poultry in order to ensure the food security of the Republic of Kazakhstan.The studies carried out to assess the toxicological parameters of montmorillonite clay in order to use them as an aluminosilicate sorbent in experimental animals (rabbits and white rats) allowed the following results to be obtained: Visual study of the intensity of erythema when exposed to the test substance on the skin of rabbits showed their absence (0 points). The study of the intensity of edema (an increase in the thickness of the skin clutch of rabbits) when exposed to the test substance on the skin of rabbits showed no reaction (0 points). Studies evaluating the irritating effect of the test substances on the mucous membranes of the eyes of rabbits by symptoms of damage showed the absence of hyperemia (0 points). Weak eyelid edema (1 point), the minimum amount of discharge in the corner of the eye (1 point). The results of studies on the classification assessment of the test substance for the severity of the irritant effect on the eyes of rabbits showed that the average total score of the severity of the irritative effect corresponds to 1 point. A comprehensive analysis of the results obtained on the basis of scientific and experimental studies to assess the toxicological indicators of montmorillonite clay from the Pogadaevskoye deposit in relation to irritating effects on the skin and mucous membranes of experimental animals (rabbits) showed their harmlessness.

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Xanthoma Disseminatum In a Pair of Blind, Deaf Male Twins

ISRN Dermatology ◽

10.5402/2011/342909 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-4 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Naveed Natanzi ◽

David Peng ◽

Eli Ahdoot ◽

Sandra Ghatan ◽

Amy Reinstandler ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Disease ◽

Langerhans Cell ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

Inheritance Pattern ◽

Mucous Membranes ◽

First Time ◽

Xanthoma Disseminatum

Xanthoma disseminatum (XD) is a rare normolipemic histiocytic disorder of non-Langerhans cell origin characterized by erythematous to tan/brown papules in flexor surfaces. Considered a generally benign, chronic disease of unknown etiology, XD typically affects the skin, mucous membranes, and less commonly, other organs. To date, there has been no typical or consistent inheritance pattern described, nor has it ever been considered as a component of any known syndrome. We describe, for the first time, two cases of XD in a pair of blind and deaf twin brothers.

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The influence of perinatal and current dioxin and PCB exposure on reproductive parameters (sex-ratio, menstrual cycle characteristics, endometriosis, semen quality, and prematurity): a review

Biomonitoring ◽

10.2478/bimo-2014-0001 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

M.M. Leijs ◽

L.M. van der Linden ◽

J.G. Koppe ◽

K. Olie ◽

W.M.C. van Aalderen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Menstrual Cycle ◽

Sex Ratio ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Human Populations ◽

Menstrual Cycles ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Dioxin Exposure ◽

Pcb Exposure

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dioxins (PCDDs/Fs) are well-known endocrine disrupters. This paper strives to elucidate the data on reproductive consequences of perinatal dioxin and PCB exposure in men and women. We focused on the following end-points: sex-ratio, endometriosis, menstrual cycle characteristics, sperm quality, and prematurity. We summarize 46 papers and compare their results including effects seen after exposure to background concentrations. Seven of twelve studies showed a decrease in sex-ratio after parental dioxin or PCB exposure. In three of the seven studies, effects were seen after paternal exposure and in three after maternal exposure. In eight of the nine studies on menstrual cycle characteristics, abnormalities were associated with PCB or dioxin exposure, however the results differed. In three studies PCB and TCDD were associated with longer menstrual cycles, while three studies indicated that an increase in PCB/PCDF exposure was associated with shorter cycles. Five studies showed effects on menstrual bleeding with higher PCB or dioxin exposure. A higher rate of irregular menstrual cycles in exposed women was seen in four studies. The conflicting outcomes probably result from variability in study design, timing of exposure and endocrine disrupting properties of the measured congeners. Nine of sixteen studies detected higher PCB or dioxin exposure in women with endometriosis. However, the manner of diagnosing endometriosis and the character of the studies varied from prospective to retrospective. Five of eight studies focusing on sperm quality showed that men, with higher serum concentrations of PCBs and/or PCB congeners and/or PCDFs, had reduced sperm quality, including increased abnormal morphology and reduced motility. The exposure timeframe seemed important here. There are two studies addressing preterm birth in relation to PCBs, one mentioned a shortening of three days of gestational age, two other studies did not find a relation. Recently one study related a shorter gestational age of half a week with overall dioxin activity measured with the CALUX method in cord blood, particularly in boys. In conclusion, exposure to PCBs and dioxins has a negative effect on the reproductive systems of human populations. Although some speculations have been made, the exact mechanism of these effects and the interactions of these compounds with other endocrine disruptors are not yet known. Age at exposure and congener specific properties are probably crucial in interpreting the observed results.

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Superovulation Influences Methylation Reprogramming and Delays Onset of DNA Replication in Both Pronuclei of Mouse Zygotes

Cytogenetic and Genome Research ◽

10.1159/000493779 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 156 (2) ◽

pp. 95-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Elif Diken ◽

Matthias Linke ◽

Jan Baumgart ◽

Leonid Eshkind ◽

Dennis Strand ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Dna Replication ◽

Assisted Reproductive Technologies ◽

Reproductive Technologies ◽

Mouse Embryos ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Independent Replication ◽

Mouse Zygotes ◽

Pn Stage ◽

Significant Expression ◽

First Time

Although an essential component of assisted reproductive technologies, ovarian stimulation, or superovulation, may interfere with the epigenetic reprogramming machinery during early embryogenesis and gametogenesis. To investigate the possible impact of superovulation particularly on the methylation reprogramming process directly after fertilization, we performed immunofluorescence staining of pronuclear (PN) stage embryos with antibodies against 5mC and 5hmC. PN stage embryos obtained by superovulation displayed an increased incidence of abnormal methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns in both maternal and paternal pronuclear DNA. Subsequent single-cell RT-qPCR analyses of the Tet1, Tet2, and Tet3 genes revealed no significant expression differences between PN stage embryos from spontaneously and superovulated matings that could be causative for the abnormal methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns. To analyze the possible contribution of TET-independent replication-associated demethylation mechanisms, we then determined the 5mC and 5hmC levels of PN stage mouse embryos using immunofluorescence analyses after inhibition of DNA replication with aphidicolin. Inhibition of DNA replication had no effect on abnormal methylation and hydroxymethylation patterns that still persisted in the superovulated group. Interestingly, the onset of DNA replication, which was also analyzed in these experiments, was remarkably delayed in the superovulated group. Our findings imply an impact of superovulation on both replication-dependent and -independent or yet unknown demethylation mechanisms in PN stage mouse embryos. In addition, they reveal for the first time a negative effect of superovulation on the initiation of DNA replication in PN stage mouse embryos.

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Validation and Usefulness of the Sperm Quality Analyzer (SQA II-C) for Bull Semen Analysis

Reproduction in Domestic Animals ◽

10.1111/j.1439-0531.2005.00584.x ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 237-244 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

G Hoflack ◽

T Rijsselaere ◽

D Maes ◽

J Dewulf ◽

G Opsomer ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sperm Quality ◽

Semen Analysis ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Quality Analyzer ◽

Sperm Quality Analyzer

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Evaluating bull fertility based on non-return method

Veterinarski glasnik ◽

10.2298/vetgl1202027p ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 66 (1-2) ◽

pp. 27-40

Author(s):

Igor Prka ◽

Dragan Vukovic ◽

Stevan Perkovic

Keyword(s):

Semen Quality ◽

Sperm Quality ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Semen Parameters ◽

Service Period ◽

Microscopic Evaluation ◽

Live Sperm ◽

Return Method ◽

The Impact ◽

First Time

In order to evaluate the results of reproductive cows and heifers, different parameters of fertility are used, such as the service period, insemination index, intercalving time and others, and of the breeding bulls the values obtained through non-return. An ejaculate is taken up for further processing by veterinary centres only provided it meets the prescribed quality parameters. Rating semen parameters includes a macroscopic (volume, colour, consistency, smell and pH) and a microscopic evaluation (mobility, density, percentage of live sperm and abnormal and damaged sperm). In addition to sperm quality and the fertility of the female animal, the results of the non-return method are also influenced by a number of exogenous causes (season, age, race, insemination techniques) that have no small impact on the end result of insemination - pregnancy. In order to obtain more objective results of the fertility of bulls the following tasks were undertaken, namely: 1. to calculate with the non-return method the fertility of bulls in over 10,000 cows inseminated for the first time during a period of 6 years; and 2. to analyze the impact of semen quality, season, age of cow and bull, and the bull breed on the results of fertility.

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Changes in Bull Semen Metabolome in Relation to Cryopreservation and Fertility

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10061065 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (6) ◽

pp. 1065

Author(s):

Valentina Longobardi ◽

Michal A. Kosior ◽

Nunzia Pagano ◽

Gerardo Fatone ◽

Alessia Staropoli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Seminal Plasma ◽

Glycine Betaine ◽

Low Fertility ◽

High Fertility ◽

Over Expression ◽

Bull Semen ◽

Before And After ◽

Associated Proteins ◽

Cellular Compartments

Semen cryopreservation determines several sperm damages, including the loss of fertility-associated proteins. The purpose of the study was to compare the metabolite contents in bovine sperm and seminal plasma before and after cryopreservation, and between high- and low-fertility bulls in vitro. Forty-eight ejaculates, collected from eight bulls (six per bull), were analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Cryopreservation resulted in an over-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine (0:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)) in seminal plasma. In addition, higher levels of glycine betaine and pyro-l-glutaminyl-l-glutamine were observed in cryopreserved compared to fresh spermatozoa. The fresh seminal plasma of high-fertility bulls showed an over-expression of l-acetylcarnitine, glycerol tripropanoate, 2,3-diacetoxypropyl stearate and glycerophosphocholine, and an under-expression of lysophosphatidylcholine and butyrylcarnitine, compared to low-fertility bulls. Higher levels of glycerophosphocholine and lysophosphatidylcholine (16:0/0:0) were recorded in fresh spermatozoa from high-fertility bulls. In high-fertility bulls, a greater content of glycerophosphocholine and lower levels of butyrylcarnitine, glycine betaine and l-carnitine were found in cryopreserved seminal plasma, and lower levels of glycine betaine were detected in cryopreserved spermatozoa. In conclusion, cryopreservation affects bovine semen metabolome at both plasmatic and cellular compartments, and metabolic profile differs between high- and low-fertility bulls.

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