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Morrell JM, Cojkic A, Malaluang P, Ntallaris T, Lindahl J, Hansson I. Antibiotics in semen extenders - a multiplicity of paradoxes. Reprod Fertil Dev 2024; 36:RD23218. [PMID: 38447204 DOI: 10.1071/rd23218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
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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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Aleksandar Cojkic
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Pongpreecha Malaluang
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Theodoros Ntallaris
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Johanna Lindahl
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Hansson
- Animal Biosciences, SLU, Box 7054, Uppsala SE-75007, Sweden
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Troisio I, Bertocchi M, Ventrella D, Scozzoli M, Di Vito M, Truzzi E, Benvenuti S, Mattarelli P, Bacci ML, Elmi A. Short- and long-term effects of essential oils on swine spermatozoa during liquid phase refrigeration. Sci Rep 2024; 14:285. [PMID: 38168599 PMCID: PMC10762118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51030-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The application of essential oils as potential alternatives to antibiotics in swine semen storage is promising, due to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. However, detrimental effects on spermatozoa should be clarified first. The aim of this study was to evaluate 9 essential oils (EOs; Satureja montana, Pelargonium graveolens, Cymbopogon nardus, Melaleuca leucadendron, Eucaliptus globulus, Citrus limon, Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula hybrida, Mentha piperita) and a blend (GL mix) on key morpho-functional parameters of swine spermatozoa. Test compounds were firstly chemo-characterized and experimental doses were prepared by suspending a fixed number of spermatozoa with 3 different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/mL) of EOs. Experimental doses were stored at 16 °C and sampled after 3 and 120 h for analysis. Overall, S. montana, P. graveolens and L. angustifolia EOs induced the strongest alterations, with C. nardus and E. globulus EOs being the best tolerated. Swine spermatozoa represent a good preliminary testing platform to screen toxicity and its different patterns. The comprehensive overview on the potential mechanisms of action of some of the most common EOs, despite of the direct aim of the study being swine reproduction, may be exploited in other fields of research within both veterinary and human medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Troisio
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Martina Bertocchi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Domenico Ventrella
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Scozzoli
- Italian Society for Research on Essential Oils (Società Italiana per la Ricerca sugli Oli Essenziali-SIROE), Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Maura Di Vito
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, RM, Italy
| | - Eleonora Truzzi
- Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, MO, Italy
| | - Stefania Benvenuti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, MO, Italy
| | - Paola Mattarelli
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, BO, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Bacci
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
| | - Alberto Elmi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, BO, Italy
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Gonzalez-Castro RA, Peña FJ, Herickhoff LA. Spermatozoa cooled to 5°C one day after collection from porcine commercial semen doses retain sperm functionality with reduced bacterial load. Andrology 2024; 12:186-197. [PMID: 37058577 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commercial porcine semen is stored at 17°C, leading to a reduction of sperm quality and increase of bacterial growth. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of 5°C storage on porcine sperm functionality cooled one day after collection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Semen doses (n = 40) were transported at 17°C and cooled at 5°C one day after collection. Spermatozoa were evaluated at Days 1, 4, and 7 for motility, viability, acrosome integrity, membrane stability, intracellular zinc, oxidative stress, and bacterial growth. RESULTS Contaminated semen doses predominantly exhibited Serratia marcescens, with increasing bacterial load during 17°C storage. Under hypothermal storage, negative doses for bacteria growth at Day 1 remained negative, and bacterial load did not increase in bacterial contaminated samples. Motility was significantly reduced through 17°C storage, but at 5°C, motility was only reduced at Day 4. Samples with bacterial growth (35.0%, 14/40) had significantly reduced motility at 17°C, but motility was unaltered at 5°C. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity without bacterial contamination were unaffected at 17°C, but were significantly reduced at 5°C on Day 7. Plasma membrane and acrosome integrity significantly decreased with bacterial contamination regardless of temperature. High mitochondrial activity in viable spermatozoa without bacteria was not altered by temperature, but was significantly reduced by bacterial contamination at 17°C. Membrane stability was significantly reduced at Day 4, but tended (p = 0.07) to be higher in samples without bacterial growth. Viable spermatozoa exhibiting high zinc were significantly reduced throughout storage regardless of temperature. Oxidative stress levels were not altered, but significantly increased with bacterial contamination at 17°C. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Porcine spermatozoa cooled to 5°C one day after collection retain functional attributes similar to spermatozoa stored at 17°C, but have a reduced bacterial load. Cooling extended boar semen to 5°C is feasible after transport to avoid modifying semen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul A Gonzalez-Castro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc., Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Fernando J Peña
- Department of Animal Medicine, Laboratory of Equine Reproduction and Equine Spermatology, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain
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Schulze M, Jung M, Hensel B. Science-based quality control in boar semen production. Mol Reprod Dev 2023; 90:612-620. [PMID: 35355365 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The ever-increasing understanding of sperm physiology, combined with innovative technical advances, continuously furthers the development of boar semen production management. These improvements pave the way for the future implementation of modified quality assurance concepts. This review provides an overview of current trends and new approaches in boar semen production, focusing on: the improvement of hygienic standards, alternatives to the use of antibiotics including the application of cold temperature storage and the utilization of antimicrobial additives, as well as the implementation of new quality control tools. Furthermore, the influence of dilution and temperature management, as well as new possibilities for an improvement of boar semen shipping and storage conditions are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
| | - Britta Hensel
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany
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Lacalle E, Fernández-Alegre E, Soriano-Úbeda C, Martínez-Martínez S, Domínguez JC, González-Montaña JR, Morrell JM, Martínez-Pastor F. Single layer centrifugation (SLC) for bacterial removal with Porcicoll positively modifies chromatin structure in boar spermatozoa. Theriogenology 2023; 201:95-105. [PMID: 36857978 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
The storage of boar semen samples at 17 °C for artificial insemination (AI) doses enables the proliferation of the bacteria, making antibiotics necessary. This can contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study tested bacterial presence and sperm chromatin structure after using a low-density colloid (Porcicoll) as an antibiotic alternative to eliminate bacteria. Ejaculates (8 boars, 3 ejaculates each) were split as control and low-density colloid centrifugation (single layer centrifugation, SLC, 20%, and 30% Porcicoll) into 500 ml tubes. Analyses were carried out at days 0, 3, and 7 (17 °C) for microbial presence and sperm chromatin structure analysis: %DFI (DNA fragmentation) and %HDS (chromatin immaturity), monobromobimane (mBBr; free thiols and disulfide bridges), and chromomycin A3 (CMA3; chromatin compaction). Besides comparing bacterial presence (7 species identified) and chromatin variables between treatments, the associations between these sets of variables were described by canonical correlation analysis (CCA). Results showed a significant decrease of some bacteria or a complete removal after SLC (especially for P30). SLC also caused a decrease of %HDS and an increase of disulfide bridges and low and medium mBBr populations, suggesting the removal of immature sperm (poor chromatin compaction). CCA showed an association pattern compatible with the degradation of sperm chromatin parameters with bacterial contamination, especially Enterobacteria, P. aeuriginosa, and K. variicola. In conclusion, bacterial contamination affects sperm chromatin beyond DNA fragmentation; SLC with low-density colloid not only removes bacteria from boar semen, but also chromatin structure is enhanced after selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Lacalle
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Bianor Biotech SL, León, Spain
| | - Estela Fernández-Alegre
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Bianor Biotech SL, León, Spain
| | - Cristina Soriano-Úbeda
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | - Juan Carlos Domínguez
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - J Ramiro González-Montaña
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Animal Medicine, Surgery and Anatomy (Animal Medicine and Surgery), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - Jane M Morrell
- Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-75057, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Felipe Martínez-Pastor
- Institute of Animal Health and Cattle Development (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, León, Spain; Department of Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain.
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Lacalle E, Martínez-Martínez S, Fernández-Alegre E, Soriano-Úbeda C, Morrell J, Martínez-Pastor F. Low-density colloid centrifugation removes bacteria from boar semen doses after spiking with selected species. Res Vet Sci 2023; 158:215-225. [PMID: 37031470 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Single-layer centrifugation (SLC) with a low-density colloid is an efficient method for removing contaminating microorganisms from boar semen while recovering most spermatozoa from the original sample. This study tested the performance of this technique, using 50-ml tubes, by spiking commercial semen doses prepared without antibiotics with selected bacterial species followed by storage at 17 °C. The doses were spiked up to 102/ml CFU (colony forming units) of the bacteria Burkholderia ambifaria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus simulans. The semen was processed by SLC (15 ml of sample and 15 ml of colloid) with the colloid Porcicoll at 20% (P20) and 30% (P30), with a spiked control (CTL) and an unspiked control (CTL0), analyzing microbiology and sperm quality on days 0, 3 and 7. SLC completely removed B. ambifaria and S. simulans, considerably reducing P. aeruginosa and overall contamination (especially P30, ∼104 CFU/ml of total contamination on day 7, median). Sperm viability was lower in P20 and P30 samples at day 0, with higher cytoplasmic ROS. Still, results were similar in all groups on day 3 and reversed on day 7, indicating a protective effect of SLC (possibly directly by removal of damaged sperm and indirectly because of lower bacterial contamination). Sperm chromatin was affected by the treatment (lower DNA fragmentation and chromatin decondensation) and storage (higher overall condensation on day 7 as per chromomycin A3 and monobromobimane staining). In conclusion, SLC with low-density colloids can remove most bacteria in a controlled contamination design while potentially improving sperm quality and long-term storage at practical temperatures.
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Contreras MJ, Núñez-Montero K, Bruna P, García M, Leal K, Barrientos L, Weber H. Bacteria and Boar Semen Storage: Progress and Challenges. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121796. [PMID: 36551453 PMCID: PMC9774694 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Porcine breeding today is based on artificial insemination with chilled semen. This is stored at 5 °C with antibiotic supplementation to avoid bacteriospermia. There are many negative consequences on sperm quality and functionality as a result of bacterial contamination, as well as on the health of the sow. Nowadays, various techniques are being developed to reduce the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and thus avoid the generation of antibiotic resistance genes. This review aims to inform about the bacterial contamination consequences of storing liquid semen from boar and to provide an update on current methods and alternatives to antibiotic use in cold storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Contreras
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias y Medioambiente, Universidad de La Frontera, Avenida Francisco Salazar, Temuco 01145, Chile
| | - Kattia Núñez-Montero
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Biotechnology Research Center, Department of Biology, Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica, Cartago 30101, Costa Rica
| | - Pablo Bruna
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
| | - Matías García
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
| | - Karla Leal
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
| | - Leticia Barrientos
- Extreme Environments Biotechnology Lab, Center of Excellence in Translational Medicine, Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (H.W.)
| | - Helga Weber
- Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Center of Excellence in Traslational Medicine (CEMT), Universidad de La Frontera, Av. Alemania 0458, Temuco 01145, Chile
- Correspondence: (L.B.); (H.W.)
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Althouse GC. Biological and chemical contaminants in extended porcine semen: Outcomes and diagnosis. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 247:107086. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.107086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Candida Genus Maximum Incidence in Boar Semen Even after Preservation, Is It Not a Risk for AI though? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217539. [PMID: 36364363 PMCID: PMC9656137 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
There is little information in the literature about the fungal contamination of boar semen and its persistence during storage. The challenge of this study was to perform a mycological screening to identify the yeast in the raw semen at 12/24 h after dilution. The research was done in pig farms in the N-E area of Romania, with maximum biosecurity and state-of-the-art technology. All the examined ejaculates (101) were considered to be normal for each spermogram parameter, with microbiological determinations in T0 at the time of ejaculate collection, T1 at the time of dilution, and T2 at 24 h of storage. Microbiological determinations (mycological spermogram) were performed for quantitative (LogCFU/mL) and qualitative (typification of fungal genera) identification. Bacterial burden (×103 LogCFU/mL) after dilution (T1) decreased drastically (p < 0.0001) compared to the one in the raw semen (T0). After 24 h of storage at 17 °C, the mean value of the bacteriospermia remained constant at an average value of 0.44. Mycospermia had a constant trend at T0 (raw) and T1 (0.149 vs. 0.140) and was slightly higher at T2 (0.236). The difference between T1 vs. T2 (p = 0.0419) was close to the statistical reference value (p = 0.05). Of the total genera identified (24), the fungi had a proportion of 37.4% (9/15) and a ratio of 1:1.6. Regarding the total species (34), the fungi had a frequency of 29.42% (10/24) with a ratio between the fungi and bacteria of 1:2.4. A fertility rate of 86% was observed in the L1 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T1), and an 82% rate was observed in the L2 group (50 AI sows with doses and mycospermia from T2). The litter size of L1 was 9.63 piglets and 9.56 for L2. Regarding the total number of piglets obtained between the two groups, there was a slight decrease of 22 piglets in group L2, without statistical differences (p > 0.05). The predominant genera persisted after dilution during a 12 h storage at 17 °C, where yeasts, such as Candida parapsilosis and C. sake were identified in more than 92% of AI doses.
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Gonzalez‐Castro R, Porflidt C, Patton T, Goins D, Herickhoff L. Effect of season, genetic line and temperature during transport on sperm motility of commercial insemination doses of pooled boar semen: a retrospective study. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:1363-1374. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.14214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Gonzalez‐Castro
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
- Colorado State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | | | - Toni Patton
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Donna Goins
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
| | - Lisa Herickhoff
- Membrane Protective Technologies Inc, Fort Collins Colorado US
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11
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Development of a new antimicrobial concept for boar semen preservation based on bacteriocins. Theriogenology 2021; 173:163-172. [PMID: 34416447 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The conventional storage temperature of 16-18 °C provides optimal conditions for the preservation of boar sperm quality, which are extremely cold sensitive cells. On the other hand, however, it requires the addition of antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth. Rising numbers of antibiotic resistant bacteria call for alternatives to this conventional storing method. As potential alternative, three different bacteriocin candidates with known bacteriolytic activity against E. coli were examined on possible negative effects concerning the sperm quality and on their impact on bacterial growth of E. coli ILSH 02692 in BTS-extended semen w/o antibiotics. Although the lower concentrations (0.01 and 0.25%) of all bacteriocins did not show any impact on the quality of the semen, the higher concentrations (0.5 and 1.0%) of two bacteriocins led to a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in several sperm quality characteristics. The bacteriocin 860/1c after AMS/dialysis did not affect the sperm quality in any of the tested concentrations and in all tested extenders (BTS, MIII, Androstar Premium and Androhep all w/o antibiotics) at 16 °C as well as at 6 °C. This bacteriocin reduced growth of E. coli ILSH 02692 in BTS-extended semen by 50% compared to the control w/o bacteriocin. Furthermore, a preliminary insemination trial indicated no impact of the selected bacteriocin on fertility. These promising results show that the application of bacteriocins in liquid-preserved semen is a feasible possibility in the future.
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Paschoal AFL, Mellagi APG, Ferrari CV, Takeuti KL, Oliveira GDS, Bernardi ML, Ulguim RDR, Bortolozzo FP. Adjusted method of penis fixation during boar semi-automatic semen collection aiming to reduce bacterial contamination. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 56:897-904. [PMID: 33740831 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Semen collection has an essential role in the initial bacterial load in boar ejaculates and extended semen. The study aimed to explore the efficacy of an adjusted penis fixation in a semi-automatic collection system on reducing bacterial contamination of ejaculates in two-boar studs with different scenarios. Historically, stud A had low levels of bacterial load in raw semen, while stud B had a high level of contamination. A total of 56 mature boars had their semen collected using two methods of penis fixation: (a) Traditional: The penis was fixed directly with the artificial cervix and transferred to the adjustable clamp; (b) Adjusted: The fixation was performed with one gloved-hand, and after exteriorization, the penis was gripped using the artificial cervix with the other gloved-hand and transferred to the adjustable clamp. The bacterial load (p = .0045) and the occurrence of ejaculates >231 CFU/ml (p = .0101) were reduced in the Adjusted compared to the Traditional method. Bacterial load was reduced when using the Adjusted method in stud B (p = .0011), which showed a greater occurrence of critical factors for bacterial contamination (p ≤ .0034). The Adjusted method reduced the occurrence of ejaculates >231 CFU/ml when the preputial ostium was dirty (p = .016) and the duration of semen collection was >7 min (p = .022) compared to the Traditional method. In conclusion, the Adjusted penis fixation was efficient in reducing bacterial load of ejaculates, mainly in boar stud B, which had high contamination challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Fernanda Lopes Paschoal
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Gonçalves Mellagi
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Karine Ludwig Takeuti
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriela da Silva Oliveira
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Rafael da Rosa Ulguim
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernando Pandolfo Bortolozzo
- Setor de Suínos da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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13
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Martínez-Pastor F, Lacalle E, Martínez-Martínez S, Fernández-Alegre E, Álvarez-Fernández L, Martinez-Alborcia MJ, Bolarin A, Morrell JM. Low density Porcicoll separates spermatozoa from bacteria and retains sperm quality. Theriogenology 2021; 165:28-36. [PMID: 33611172 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotics are added to semen extenders to control the growth of bacteria contaminating semen during collection but may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance. An alternative would be physical separation of spermatozoa from bacteria. The objective of the present study was to evaluate two low densities of Porcicoll for removal of bacteria, and for their effect on sperm recovery and sperm quality. Semen was collected from boars at a commercial station. Aliquots of 8 extended ejaculates were subjected to colloid centrifugation through 20% Porcicoll (P20) and 30% Porcicoll (P30) in 500 mL tubes and then stored at 17 °C. Microbiological examination and sperm quality evaluation (computer assisted sperm analysis and flow cytometry) were carried out on controls and all colloid-selected samples immediately after preparation and again after storage for 3 and 7 days. The microorganisms found were mainly bacteria from the environment, gut or skin. There was a considerable reduction or complete removal of some bacteria by both colloids. Recovery rates were 86% for P20 and 81% for P30. Sperm quality was not adversely affected by colloid centrifugation on day 0, and thereafter showed a more gradual deterioration in colloid centrifuged samples than in controls, possibly due to lower bacterial contamination. There were no differences in sperm quality between the two colloid treatments. Thus, these results show that contaminating bacteria in semen can be controlled by centrifugation through low density colloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Martínez-Pastor
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain; Molecular Biology (Cell Biology), Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | - E Lacalle
- INDEGSAL, Universidad de León, León, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - A Bolarin
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, Sweden
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Low temperature preservation of porcine semen: influence of short antimicrobial lipopeptides on sperm quality and bacterial load. Sci Rep 2020; 10:13225. [PMID: 32764567 PMCID: PMC7410844 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-70180-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a steadily increasing problem and poses a serious threat to global public health. Therefore, it is highly necessary to advance the development of novel antimicrobial compounds and semen preservation strategies. The aim of this study was to evaluate a low temperature, antibiotic-free preservation procedure using Androstar Premium (ASP) extender (Minitüb) with antimicrobial lipopeptides. Firstly, seven lipopeptides in two concentrations (1 × minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/2 × MIC) were tested on their sperm-compatibility at 17 °C. Two lipopeptides, C16-KKK-NH2 and C16-KKKK-NH2, did not negatively affect sperm quality and were further evaluated for their efficiency of bacterial growth inhibition at 5 °C. Besides an overall diminution of colony forming units, both peptides showed a reduction of bacterial subcultures (n = 103) with a decrement in Gram-positive rods from 65 (ASP w/o supplements) to 39/52 (ASP w/ C16-KKK-NH2/C16-KKKK-NH2), in Gram-positive cocci from 21 to 9/10 and in Gram-negative species from 17 to 8/5 total subcultures. Furthermore, lipopeptides revealed activity towards selected bacteria of potential concern in artificial insemination like Trueperella pyogenes, Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (not C16-KKK-NH2), Pasteurella sp., Providencia stuartii, Escherichia coli (not C16-KKKK-NH2) and Streptococcus porcinus (not C16-KKKK-NH2). Consequently, both tested lipopeptides are promising candidates for alternative antibiotic-free preservation techniques of boar semen.
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