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Influence of bacteria and gentamicin on cooled-stored stallion spermatozoa

C Aurich1, J Spergser

  • 1Centre for Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, University for Veterinary Sciences, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria. christine.aurich@vu-wien.ac.at

Theriogenology
|December 5, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Certain genital tract bacteria negatively impact stallion semen quality during cooled storage. Gentamicin in semen extenders did not improve quality and may harm sperm motility and integrity.

Area of Science:

  • Veterinary Science
  • Reproductive Biology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Bacterial contamination is a concern in equine artificial insemination.
  • Understanding the impact of specific bacteria on semen quality is crucial for reproductive success.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of common equine genital tract bacteria on stallion spermatozoal function during cooled storage.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of gentamicin in semen extenders against bacterial contamination and its impact on sperm quality.

Main Methods:

  • Stallion semen was extended and challenged with specific bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus equi subspecies) or control.
  • Semen quality parameters (motility, velocity, membrane integrity) were assessed using CASA after 24, 48, and 72 hours of cooled storage (5°C).
  • The effect of gentamicin (1g/l) in the extender was also evaluated with and without bacterial challenge.

Main Results:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis significantly reduced sperm motility and velocity after 24 hours, with effects persisting for P. aeruginosa at 72 hours.
  • Membrane integrity was compromised by S. equisimilis after 24 hours and by S. equisimilis and P. aeruginosa after 72 hours.
  • Gentamicin decreased motility and velocity in bacteria-free semen and did not improve parameters in contaminated samples, suggesting potential negative effects.

Conclusions:

  • Specific genital tract bacteria pose a significant threat to stallion semen quality during cooled storage.
  • Gentamicin is not effective in mitigating these bacterial effects and may negatively impact spermatozoal function.
  • Further research is needed to determine optimal gentamicin concentrations for specific extender media to avoid adverse effects.

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