Single layer centrifugation as a method for bacterial reduction in bull semen for assisted reproduction

Cojkic, Aleksandar; Hansson, Ingrid; Johannisson, Anders; Axnér, Eva; Morrell, Jane M.

doi:10.1007/s11259-023-10178-y

Cited by 4 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 36 publications

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“…Bacterial diversity might be connected to other factors not mentioned here. In a recent study on the microbial load in bull semen, the length of abstinence between collections (varying from one to three days) was found to influence seminal bacterial load, with the lowest levels in the ejaculates collected after one day´s abstinence (Cojkic et al 2023 ). Unfortunately, information on the frequency of semen collection is lacking for the stallions in the present study.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing

Malaluang,

Niazi,

Guo

et al. 2024

Vet Res Commun

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The microbiome plays a significant role in shaping the health and functioning of the systems it inhabits. The seminal microbiome of stallions has implications for the health of the reproductive tract, sperm quality during preservation and antibiotic use in semen extenders. Diverse bacteria are present on the external genital tract and a mix of commensal microorganisms populates various parts of the reproductive tract, influencing the seminal bacterial content. Other sources of bacteria include the environment, semen collection equipment, and personnel. The bacterial load can adversely affect sperm quality and fertility, particularly in artificial insemination, where semen is extended and stored before use. Antibiotics are frequently used to inhibit bacterial growth, but their effectiveness varies depending on the bacterial strains present. The aim of this study was to assess the bacterial diversity in semen from 37 healthy stallions across three European nations (Germany, Portugal, and Sweden) using 16S sequencing. Semen samples were collected from individual stallions at three AI centers; DNA extraction, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis were performed. Differences in bacterial diversity among the stallions were seen; although bacterial phyla were shared across the regions, differences were observed at the genus level. Climate, husbandry practices, and individual variability likely contribute to these differences. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring antibiotic strategies for semen preservation based on regional bacterial profiles. The study presents a comprehensive approach to understanding the intricacies of the stallion seminal microbiome and its potential implications for reproductive technologies and animal health.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing

Malaluang,

Niazi,

Guo

et al. 2024

Vet Res Commun

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“…An increase in Staphylococcus vitulinus occurred in May, which was attributed to environmental factors, bedding quality changes, or increased staff workload during the breeding season. A recent study on bull semen microbial load found abstinence length (1-3 days) affected bacterial loads, with the lowest load being seen when semen collections were made daily (Cojkic et al 2023). This finding indicates the need to explore bedding, husbandry, and management effects on stallion semen microbial load to reduce antibiotic use in extenders.…”

Section: Bacterial Diversity In Stallion Semenmentioning

confidence: 99%

Antimicrobial resistance of the microbiota in the reproductive tract of horses in conjunction with assisted reproduction

Malaluang

2023

Acta Universitatis Agriculturae Sueciae

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Antimicrobial resistance is a global challenge exacerbated by antibiotic misuse and inadequate infection control. This study explores the effects of antibiotics in semen extenders on the vaginal bacteria of the mare and investigates the separation of spermatozoa from bacteria in seminal plasma as an alternative to adding antibiotics to semen extenders. In addition, it examines the diversity of the seminal microbiota in healthy stallions across different countries. Antimicrobial resistance was influenced by breeding status and age of the mare, as well as environmental factors such as housing and location, and exposure to antibiotics in semen extenders. There were geographic differences in the diversity of the seminal microbiota, with implications for tailored antibiotic use. While phylum level composition of seminal microbiota remains consistent, genus level variations may stem from husbandry or individual differences. Bacterial load could be reduced by Single Layer Centrifugation with a low density colloid, without compromising sperm quality. This method has potential for circumventing the need for antibiotics in semen extenders, although further research is needed to confirm sperm fertilizing capacity.

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Antibiotics in semen extenders – a multiplicity of paradoxes

Morrell,

Cojkic,

Malaluang

et al. 2024

Reprod. Fertil. Dev.

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Addition of antibiotics to semen extenders was taken for granted for many years, from the time that commercial artificial insemination in livestock first began many decades ago. However, there is now a growing realisation that this non-therapeutic utilisation of antibacterial agents is contrary to current recommendations for prudent use that medical and veterinary professionals are advised to follow. Furthermore, antibiotics are not benign, having negative effects on sperm samples, the inseminated female, personnel and potentially the environment. The purpose of this review is three-fold: to highlight the fact that antibiotics are used in semen extenders, with the result that considerable amounts are used globally in animal breeding, to review recent studies on the negative aspects of using antibiotics for this purpose, and to look at possible alternatives. Recent changes in the legislation regarding semen extenders occurred in some, but not all, countries, leaving question marks for semen producers as to whether antibiotics should be added to semen extenders or not.

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Single layer centrifugation as a method for bacterial reduction in bull semen for assisted reproduction

Cited by 4 publications

References 36 publications

Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing

Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing

Antimicrobial resistance of the microbiota in the reproductive tract of horses in conjunction with assisted reproduction

Antibiotics in semen extenders – a multiplicity of paradoxes

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