Effects of dietary zinc deficiency on the reproductive system of young male sheep: testicular growth and the secretion of inhibin and testosterone

Martin, Graeme; White, C. L.; Markey, Caroline M.; Blackberry, Margaret

doi:10.1530/jrf.0.1010087

Cited by 63 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…Deficiencies in trace elements (e.g. zinc, Martin et al, 1994b) or vitamins (Robinson et al, 2006), heavy metal toxicities, or imbalances in essential amino or fatty acids, have long been known to affect male reproductive function adversely (Leatham, 1975), but for the present review, we need to constrain the discussion as much as possible to shifts in energy or protein balance of similar magnitude and duration to those that would be experienced by animals grazing natural forage. Generally, we will avoid the extremes of this range too, some of which lead to total gonadal dysfunction (the animals studied by Mori (1959) must have been close to this).…”

Section: Mature Males -Testicular Responses To Nutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant

Martin¹,

Blache²,

Miller³

et al. 2010

Animal

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In mature male sheep and goats, changes in feed intake seem to have little effect on gonadal endocrine function but induce profound changes on sperm production. These outcomes are due to changes in size of the seminiferous tubules and in spermatogenic efficiency. Except with severe underfeeding, there are only minor changes in the endocrine function of the testis (testosterone production) unless season-long treatments are imposed. For cattle, nutrition clearly affects testicular development and the production of spermatozoa in young bulls, as it does in other species but, after the period of rapid growth has ended, there appears to be little or no response to nutrition. We are developing a clear picture of the metabolic signals, neuroendocrine processes and hormonal control systems that are involved, particularly for the mature male sheep. The energetic components of the diet, rather than protein, seem to be responsible, so we have envisaged a model of the relationship between energy balance and reproduction that has 4 'dimensions': genotype, structure (organs), communication (chemical and neural signals, nutrient sensing) and time (dynamics, metabolic memory, programming). We have linked these perspectives to 'resource allocation theory' and incorporated them into strategies for 'clean, green and ethical animal production'. In contrast to the clear outcomes with respect to spermatogenesis, the effects of nutrition on sexual behaviour are more difficult to define, perhaps because the behaviour is affected by a complex mix of physiological factors and because of flawed methods for quantifying male behaviour. For example, sexual behaviour is compromised by severe feed restriction, but male sexual behaviour requires intensive motor activity so a decline in libido could be caused by general weakness rather than specific nutritional limitations. The interaction between sexual activity and feeding behaviour also complicates the issue under field conditions. At the other end of the scale, overweight males can show reduced sexual success because they have difficulty courting and mounting. For this reason, exercise can enhance the fertilising capacity of rams. This will be important in extensive mating systems where males need to assemble and guard a harem and then mate many times for several weeks. For artificial insemination centres, there seems to be very few data on the nutritional management of males, but problems with overfed animals appear to be a risk. Future research should concentrate on the intra-testicular systems mediating the effects of nutrition on the production of spermatozoa.

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Section: Mature Males -Testicular Responses To Nutritionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant

Martin¹,

Blache²,

Miller³

et al. 2010

Animal

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“…Semen volume mainly constitutes secretion of the testes, epididymis and accessory sex glands, especially prostate gland. Zn has been reported to stimulate growth and development of primary, secondary and accessory sex organs as evidenced by atrophy of these organs in rams, when they were fed a Zn deficient diet [7]. The main source of zinc in the semen is the prostate gland where the highest concentration of Zn has been demonstrated, and it acts as a marker of prostatic functions [29,30].…”

Section: Semen Quantitative Characteristics Of Crossbred Cattle Bullsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Zinc has been reported to influence the process of spermatogenesis [3], controls sperm motility [4], stabilizes sperm membrane [5], preserves the ability of sperm nuclear chromatin to undergo decondensation and modulates sperm functions [6]. Hypozinkemia leads to gonad dysfunction, decreased testicular weight, atrophy of seminiferous tubules and complete cessation of spermatogenesis [7]. Zinc is found in high concentration in the male reproductive tract as well as in semen [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of different levels and sources of zinc supplementation on quantitative and qualitative semen attributes and serum testosterone level in crossbred cattle (Bos indicus×Bos taurus) bulls

et al. 2006

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-An experiment was conducted on 16 crossbred bulls (about 2 years of age, 316.2 ± 0.77 kg average body weight), divided into groups I, II, III and IV to study the effect of different levels of Zn supplementation from inorganic and organic sources on semen quality. The animals in the first 3 groups were supplemented with 0, 35 and 70 ppm Zn from Zn sulfate, respectively and the animals in-group IV were supplemented with 35 ppm Zn as Zn propionate. Semen collection and evaluation was done in the first month (to assess semen quality at the start of the experiment) and 7th, 8th and 9th month of experimental feeding to evaluate the effect of supplemental Zn on semen attributes. We gave 6 months for Zn feeding, so that 3 sperm cycles of spermatogenesis had passed and the collected semen reflected the complete effect of Zn supplementation. Six ejaculates from each bull were collected and evaluated for semen quantitative (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and sperm number per ejaculate) and qualitative characteristics (semen pH, mass motility, individual motility, sperm livability percent and abnormal sperm percent, percent intact acrosome, bovine cervical mucus penetration test, hypo-osmotic sperm swelling test) and activity of seminal plasma enzymes i.e., alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, GOT and GPT. Testosterone level in the blood serum of crossbred bulls was also estimated. Mean values of semen quantitative and qualitative characteristics at the start of the experiment were statistically non significant (P > 0.05) in all the crossbred cattle bulls, however, there were statistically significant differences among the bulls of different groups after 6 months of zinc supplementation. Mean ejaculate volume (mL) was 2.37, 4.70, 5.86 and 6.38, respectively in groups I to IV, indicating a statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher semen volume in Zn-supplemented groups as compared to the control group of bulls. Similarly, sperm concentration (million.mL −1 ), live sperm (%) and motility (%) were significantly (P < 0.01) higher in Zn-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. The results of BCMPT and HOSST revealed a significant improvement in sperm functional ability in all the groups supplemented with Zn as compared to the control group. The activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase in seminal plasma was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Zn-supplemented groups, whereas GOT and GPT activities in seminal plasma were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the Zn propionate supplemented group as compared to the control group. Testosterone concentration (ng.mL −1 ) in blood serum was significantly higher in animals of groups III and IV, as compared to control group. It may be concluded that Zn supplementation either in the inorganic or organic form in the diet of crossbred bulls improved the qualitative and quantitative attributes of semen; however, the number of sperm per ejaculate, mass motility and semen fertility test like bovine cervical mucus penetration was significantly higher in bulls gi...

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“…12 Hypozincemia leads to gonad dysfunction, decreased testicular weight, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, and complete cessation of spermatogenesis. 13 As mentioned earlier it was demonstrated that the zinc level was significantly lower in the hemodialysis patients compared to healthy individuals. 10 Zinc deficiency may account for the persistence of gonadal dysfunction in a majority of uremic men despite adequate dialysis.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysis

et al. 2010

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Background: Sexual dysfunction in chronic renal failure patients undergoing hemodialysis is common. It is demonstrated that the zinc level is significantly lower in the hemodialysis patients. Objective: In this clinical trial, we investigate the effect of zinc supplement therapy on the serum levels of sexual hormones in hemodialysis male patients. Patients and methods: We carried out a clinical trial study including 100 of our male patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis. Testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and zinc plasma level were measured in all of the patients. The patients received zinc supplement (zinc sulfate, 250 mg/day) for 6 weeks, and sex hormones and zinc plasma level were checked again. Results: Serum level of FSH and prolactin did not have any significant changes before and after intervention, but serum level of testosterone, LH, and zinc increased significantly. Discussion: These results suggest that although zinc administration did not have a definite effect on hemodialysis patients with sexual dysfunction, it can cause increase in the serum level of sex hormones which may improve the sexual function of the patients in some aspects.

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Effects of dietary zinc deficiency on the reproductive system of young male sheep: testicular growth and the secretion of inhibin and testosterone

Cited by 63 publications

References 13 publications

Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant

Interactions between nutrition and reproduction in the management of the mature male ruminant

Effect of different levels and sources of zinc supplementation on quantitative and qualitative semen attributes and serum testosterone level in crossbred cattle (Bos indicus×Bos taurus) bulls

Impact of oral zinc therapy on the level of sex hormones in male patients on hemodialysis

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