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Veterinary research communications2024; 48(3); 1409-1421; doi: 10.1007/s11259-024-10321-3

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

Abstract: 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.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-02-02 PubMed ID: 38305959PubMed Central: PMC11147884DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10321-3Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research investigates the diversity of bacteria in semen from male horses in three European countries, aiming to illuminate how different bacterial strains may influence the health and quality of the reproductive system. Through comprehensive DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis methods, the study presents a vital understanding of the intricate interactions within the reproductive tract’s microbiome.

Understanding the Microbiome in Stallion Semen

  • This study primarily focuses on the microbiome of stallions’ seminal fluid, the role it plays in reproductive health, the quality of sperm, and the implications for the application of antibiotics. The microbiome is an ecosystem of microorganisms that live on and in our bodies. It significantly contributes to health and physiological functions.
  • The research highlights the presence of diverse bacteria on the external genital tract and a variety of commensal microorganisms within the different parts of the stallion’s reproductive tract. These bacteria can originate from different sources, like the environment, semen collection equipment, or even the personnel that handle the specimens.
  • An essential component mentioned is the bacterial load’s potential negative impact, particularly on sperm quality and fertility, especially in the context of artificial insemination where the semen has to be extended and preserved before it can be used.

Diversity Assessed through 16S Sequencing

  • With the aim of understanding the bacterial diversity within the semen of stallions, researchers collected samples from 37 healthy stallions from Germany, Portugal, and Sweden. These samples were then subjected to DNA extraction, followed by 16S sequencing and bioinformatics analysis.
  • 16S sequencing is a common method for studying bacterial biodiversity, allowing researchers to identify and catalog all the bacterial species present in each semen sample.
  • This unique approach allowed researchers to see differences in the bacterial diversity among the sampled stallions. They found that while certain bacterial phyla were common across samples, variations were observed at the genus level.

Implications for Animal Reproductive Health

  • The research was able to link these variations at the genus level to external environmental factors such as climate, different animal rearing practices, and individual health variations within the animals.
  • Consequently, the study recommends tailoring the use of antibiotics during semen preservation to individual animals and regions, given the variability in bacterial profiles which impacts the effectiveness of antibiotics. By understanding the composition of the microbiome in relation to different factors, the study contributes significantly to the advancement of reproductive technologies and animal health management strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Malaluang P, Niazi A, Guo Y, Nagel C, Guimaraes T, Rocha A, Aurich C, Morrell JM. (2024). Bacterial diversity in semen from stallions in three European countries evaluated by 16S sequencing. Vet Res Commun, 48(3), 1409-1421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11259-024-10321-3

Publication

Veterinary research communications
ISSN: 1573-7446
NlmUniqueID: 8100520
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 48
Issue: 3
Pages: 1409-1421

Researcher Affiliations

Malaluang, Pongpreecha
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden.
  • Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, 40000, Thailand.
Niazi, Adnan
  • SLU-Global Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, SE-750 07, Sweden.
  • Science for Life Laboratory, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden (NBIS), Uppsala University, Uppsala, SE-752 36, Sweden.
Guo, Yongzhi
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden.
Nagel, Christina
  • Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Guimaraes, Tiago
  • School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal.
  • Center for the Study of Animal Sciences (CECA), ICETA, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.
Rocha, Antonio
  • School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal.
  • Center for the Study of Animal Sciences (CECA), ICETA, University of Porto, Campus Agrário de Vairão, Vairão, Portugal.
Aurich, Christine
  • Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department for Small Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
Morrell, Jane M
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala, 75007, Sweden. jane.morrell@slu.se.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Male
  • Horses / microbiology
  • Semen / microbiology
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / genetics
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / genetics
  • Microbiota
  • Sweden
  • Portugal
  • Germany

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Cojkic A, Niazi A, Hansson I, Morrell JM. Variations in bacterial profiles associated with semen collection timing and bull breed, analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1583136.
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  2. Shah SAUR, Tang B, He D, Ahmad M, Nabi G, Wang C, Kou Z, Wang K, Hao Y. Seasonal Breeding Alters Fecal Microbiota and Metabolome in the Male Captive Yangtze Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis). Ecol Evol 2025 Jun;15(6):e71611.
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