Comparative Study on the Sperm Proteomes of Horses and Donkeys

Area of Science:

• Comparative proteomics
• Animal reproduction
• Sperm biology

Background:

• Sperm proteins are vital for fertility and viability.
• Reproductive performance varies between horse and donkey sperm.
• No prior studies have compared horse and donkey sperm proteomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize and compare the sperm proteomes of horses and donkeys.
• To investigate potential links between sperm protein composition and reproductive performance.
• To identify species-specific proteins influencing sperm viability.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 4D-DIA mass spectrometry for proteomic analysis.
• Identified and quantified proteins in horse and donkey sperm.
• Analyzed sperm motility parameters (e.g., progressive motility, static sperm).

Main Results:

• Identified 3436 proteins in horse sperm and 3404 in donkey sperm.
• Found 73 proteins unique to horse sperm and 41 unique to donkey sperm.
• Donkeys showed higher motility and progressive movement, with lower static/slow sperm percentages compared to horses.
• A correlation was observed between specific sperm proteins and motility patterns.

Conclusions:

• Significant discrepancies exist in the protein expression and composition between horse and donkey sperm.
• Specific proteins may underlie the observed differences in sperm performance between the two species.
• This research provides a foundation for understanding species-specific reproductive differences at the proteomic level.