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Candida Genus Maximum Incidence in Boar Semen Even after Preservation, Is It Not a Risk for AI though?
Ștefan G Ciornei1, Dan Drugociu2, Petru Roşca2
1Biotechnology of Reproduction, Department Clinics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iasi University of Life Sciences (IULS), M. Sadoveanu Alee, No 6, 700489 Iași, Romania.
Abstract:
There is little information in the literature about the fungal contamination of boar semen and its persistence during storage. The challenge of this study was to perform a mycological screening to identify the yeast in the raw semen at 12/24 h after dilution. The research was done in pig farms in the N-E area of Romania, with maximum biosecurity and state-of-the-art technology. All the examined ejaculates (101) were considered to be normal for each spermogram parameter, with microbiological determinations in T0 at the time of ejaculate collection, T1 at the time of dilution, and T2 at 24 h of storage. Microbiological determinations (mycological spermogram) were performed for quantitative (LogCFU/mL) and qualitative (typification of fungal genera) identification. Bacterial burden (×103 LogCFU/mL) after dilution (T1) decreased drastically (p < 0.0001) compared to the one in the raw semen (T0). After 24 h of storage at 17 °C, the mean value of the bacteriospermia remained constant at an average value of 0.44. Mycospermia had a constant trend at T0 (raw) and T1 (0.149 vs. 0.140) and was slightly higher at T2 (0.236). The difference between T1 vs. T2 (p = 0.0419) was close to the statistical reference value (p = 0.05). Of the total genera identified (24), the fungi had a proportion of 37.4% (9/15) and a ratio of 1:1.6. Regarding the total species (34), the fungi had a frequency of 29.42% (10/24) with a ratio between the fungi and bacteria of 1:2.4. A fertility rate of 86% was observed in the L1 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T1), and an 82% rate was observed in the L2 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T2). The litter size of L1 was 9.63 piglets and 9.56 for L2. Regarding the total number of piglets obtained between the two groups, there was a slight decrease of 22 piglets in group L2, without statistical differences (p > 0.05). The predominant genera persisted after dilution during a 12 h storage at 17 °C, where yeasts, such as Candida parapsilosis and C. sake were identified in more than 92% of AI doses.
Insights
Fungal contamination, particularly yeasts like Candida parapsilosis, persists in boar semen during storage, potentially impacting fertility rates. This study identified common fungal genera and their prevalence in artificial insemination doses.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Animal Reproduction
- Food and Agricultural Science
Background:
- Limited literature exists on fungal contamination in boar semen and its persistence during storage.
- Understanding fungal presence is crucial for maintaining semen quality and reproductive efficiency in swine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct mycological screening of raw boar semen to identify yeast contamination at 12 and 24 hours post-dilution.
- To assess the impact of fungal contamination on artificial insemination (AI) doses and subsequent fertility rates.
Main Methods:
- Mycological spermogram performed on 101 ejaculates at collection (T0), dilution (T1), and 24h storage (T2).
- Quantitative (LogCFU/mL) and qualitative identification of fungal genera and species.
- Fertility rates and litter sizes compared between groups with and without mycospermia in AI doses.
Main Results:
- Predominant fungal genera, including Candida parapsilosis and C. sake, persisted in over 92% of AI doses after 12h storage.
- Mycospermia levels showed a slight increase from T0 (0.149) to T2 (0.236), with a statistically significant difference between T1 and T2 (p=0.0419).
- Fertility rates were 86% (L1) and 82% (L2), with litter sizes of 9.63 and 9.56 piglets, respectively; no significant statistical differences were observed.
Conclusions:
- Yeasts, notably Candida species, are persistent contaminants in boar semen, even after dilution and storage.
- While observed fungal contamination did not lead to statistically significant reductions in fertility or litter size in this study, its persistence warrants attention.
- Further research is recommended to fully elucidate the long-term effects of specific fungal contaminants on boar semen quality and reproductive outcomes.
