The Interaction between Canine Semen Bacteria and Semen Quality Parameters

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Canine semen quality assessment is crucial for diagnosing male infertility.
• Factors influencing canine semen quality are complex and not fully understood.
• The role of bacteria in canine semen parameters requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of bacteria in canine semen samples on semen characteristics.
• To determine the relationship between bacterial load, microbiota composition, and sperm quality parameters.
• To identify specific bacterial species associated with suboptimal or superior canine semen quality.

Main Methods:

• Manual collection of semen samples from 30 male dogs.
• Comprehensive semen analysis including sperm motility, concentration, viability, and morphology.
• Statistical analysis of semen parameters in relation to bacterial counts (CFUs/mL) and identified microbiota.

Main Results:

• Increased bacterial counts per millilitre were significantly correlated with reduced sperm motility (p < 0.05).
• Staphylococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Streptococcus spp. were the most prevalent bacterial genera.
• Beta-hemolytic Escherichia coli presence was linked to significantly lower semen viability and normal morphology (p < 0.05).
• Corynebacterium spp. were associated with lower bacterial loads and superior semen quality (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Bacterial cell counts and microbiota diversity are important factors influencing canine semen quality.
• Specific bacterial profiles, such as E. coli, negatively impact canine reproductive parameters.
• Understanding the canine seminal microbiota contributes to improved reproductive health assessments and management.