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Antibacterial Activity of Some Molecules Added to Rabbit Semen Extender as Alternative to Antibiotics

María Pilar Viudes-de-Castro1, Francisco Marco-Jimenez2, José S Vicente2

  • 1Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Animal, Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (CITA-IVIA), Polígono La Esperanza n° 100, 12400 Segorbe, Spain.

Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|April 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and bestatin in rabbit semen extenders demonstrated a significant bacteriostatic effect, inhibiting bacterial growth during storage. These compounds offer a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics for preserving semen quality.

Area of Science:

  • Animal reproduction and biotechnology
  • Microbiology and immunology
  • Veterinary science

Background:

  • Bacterial contamination is common in semen, necessitating antibiotic use in extenders to prevent growth during storage.
  • Conventional antibiotics raise concerns regarding resistance and environmental impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the antibacterial activity of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), bestatin, and chitosan-based nanoparticles in rabbit semen extenders.
  • To assess the impact of these novel extenders on semen quality and reproductive performance under field conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Four rabbit semen extenders were tested: antibiotic-supplemented (TCG+AB), EDTA and bestatin (EB), EDTA, bestatin, and chitosan nanoparticles (QEB), and antibiotic-free (TCG-AB).
  • Extended semen was stored at 15°C for 72 hours, with bacterial counts and semen quality parameters (motility, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality, viability) assessed every 24 hours.
  • Reproductive performance was evaluated under field conditions.

Main Results:

  • Extenders EB and QEB exhibited a bacteriostatic effect, controlling enterobacteria growth over 72 hours, unlike TCG+AB and TCG-AB extenders.
  • Semen quality parameters, including motility, acrosome integrity, membrane functionality, and viability, were maintained across all groups throughout the 72-hour storage period.
  • Initial bacterial concentration in fresh semen did not negatively impact reproductive outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • EDTA and bestatin demonstrate potent bacteriostatic properties in rabbit semen extenders, effectively inhibiting bacterial proliferation during storage.
  • These compounds represent a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics in semen preservation, potentially mitigating antibiotic resistance and environmental concerns.
  • The use of EDTA and bestatin in extenders maintains crucial semen quality parameters and does not compromise reproductive performance.
Keywords:
antibacterial activityantibioticsartificial inseminationreproductive performancesemen quality

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