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Published on: February 14, 2021
Seminal Plasma Microbiome Composition and Its Association with Sperm Morphology in Breeding Boars
Notsile H Dlamini1, Serge L Kameni1, Peixin Fan1
1Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS 39762, USA.
Biology
|July 28, 2026
Summary
The seminal microbiome in boars impacts sperm quality. This study found specific bacteria and fungi in boar semen are linked to sperm morphology, with higher diversity in samples with poor quality.
Area of Science:
- Animal reproduction
- Microbiology
- Veterinary science
Background:
- Semen quality is crucial for boar reproductive success.
- The seminal microbiome's role in sperm function is an emerging area of research.
- Limited data exists on boar seminal plasma microbial composition and its relation to sperm quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbial composition of boar seminal plasma.
- To determine the association between seminal microbial communities and sperm quality in Duroc boars.
Main Methods:
- Semen ejaculates from Duroc boars were classified as Passed or Failed based on sperm morphology.
- Seminal plasma was analyzed using 16S/ITS rRNA gene sequencing.
- Statistical analyses included diversity indices, correlation, and linear discriminant analysis.
Main Results:
- Dominant bacterial phyla included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria.
- Shannon diversity was higher in Failed samples (p = 0.038).
- A negative association was found between Tenericutes and sperm concentration (r = -0.90; p = 0.014).
- Specific genera like Rhodococcus, Sphingomonas, and Lactobacillus were identified as potential biomarkers for poor sperm quality.
Conclusions:
- Boar seminal plasma contains a unique bacterial and fungal microbiome.
- The composition of this microbiome is associated with sperm morphology.
- Disruptions in the seminal microbial community may negatively impact sperm quality.
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