Relation of seminal plasma trace mineral in the Arabian stallion's semen with the semen characteristics and subsequent fertility

Magdi M Waheed; Ahmad Meligy; Abdulrahman K Alhaider; Ibrahiem M Ghoneim

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11128

Relation of seminal plasma trace mineral in the Arabian stallion's semen with the semen characteristics and subsequent fertility

Heliyon. 2022 Oct 17;8(10):e11128. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11128. eCollection 2022 Oct.

Authors

Magdi M Waheed^{1

2}, Ahmad Meligy^{3

4}, Abdulrahman K Alhaider¹, Ibrahiem M Ghoneim^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box: 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
² Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
³ Central Diagnostic Lab., College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, P.O. Box: 400, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
⁴ Physiology Department, Plant Protection Research Institute (PPRI), Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Giza, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Seminal plasma contains several microelements like Zn, Fe, Se, and Cu that affect sperm motility and male fertility. Biochemical evaluation of seminal plasma trace elements is important for assessing fertility and diagnosing male infertility.

Aims: The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of seminal fluid trace elements on sperm parameters and fertility in Arabian horses.

Methods: Ninety-four ejaculates from 25 Arabian stallions (4-27 years old) were used to investigate the effect of seminal fluid trace elements on semen parameters and fertility. Data divided according to season, stallion age, and fertility of stallions. The concentrations of Zn, Fe, Se, Cu, Cr and Mo were determined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Percentage stallion fertility estimated by mares that conceived on their first cycle. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using SPSS statistical software program (2013), version 22.0.

Results: There was a significant effect of season on semen volume, pH, Fe, Se, Cu, Cr, and Mo. Stallion age had a significant effect on pH, sperm motility, concentration, total motile sperm count, sperm abnormalities, Zn, and Fe. Sperm motility was higher (P < 0.05) and sperm abnormalities were lower (P < 0.05) in group IV (>70% fertility) than in group I (infertile) and group II (<50% fertility). Sperm abnormalities were low in group IV and high in groups I and II. Seminal plasma Zn and Cu levels were higher (P < 0.05) in groups III (50_70% fertility) and IV than in group I. Fe levels were lower (P < 0.05) in group IV than in groups I, II, and III. Seminal plasma Mo concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in group III than in group I.

Conclusions: High seminal plasma concentrations of Zn, Se, Cu, and Mo and low Fe concentrations are associated with improved stallions' semen parameters and fertility.

Keywords: Arabian horse; Fertility; Semen parameters; Trace elements.