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Home / Equine Research Bank / Reprod Domest Anim / Dual use of breeding stallions is possible without affecting...
Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene2023; 58(6); 691-698; doi: 10.1111/rda.14337

Dual use of breeding stallions is possible without affecting the sperm quality.

Abstract: Artificial insemination (AI) is commonly used in the equine industry to enhance the genetic value in breeding programs and to effectively utilize ejaculates. Many stallions are used as breeding stallions as well as in high-level sports competitions to improve their market value. The goal of the present study was to investigate whether this dual use of stallions influences the animals´ stress levels and/or the quality of their ejaculates. For this purpose, 18 stallions were grouped into two categories: breeding stallions with (BSC = breeding stallion competition), and breeding stallions without secondary use in competitions (BS = breeding stallion). Two ejaculates were collected at a one-week interval and analysed with an extended spectrum of spermatological methods. Furthermore, saliva, as well as seminal plasma samples were taken, and the concentration of cortisol therein was determined. Additionally, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and the cortisol/DHEA ratio were analysed and calculated for seminal plasma. After statistical analysis of the correlations and interdependences between the two groups, the results showed that the BSC group had significantly higher saliva cortisol levels (p = .027) and tendentially higher DHEA concentrations in their seminal plasma (p = .056). No difference between BS and BSC could be found in regard to the sperm quality parameters and the cortisol concentration in seminal plasma samples. It can be concluded that while active participation in competitions represents a stress factor, the dual use of stallions in breeding programs and sports competitions is possible without negative effects on their sperm quality.
© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2023-03-16 PubMed ID: 36880977DOI: 10.1111/rda.14337Google 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 article discusses a study conducted to determine whether the dual use of stallions for breeding and sport competitions negatively affects their sperm quality or increases stress levels.

Dual Use of Stallions and Study Structure

  • This research investigates the implications of using stallions for both breeding thru artificial insemination (AI) and as participants in sports competitions. AI is a common method employed in the equine industry to improve the genetic value in breeding programs.
  • The study’s objective was to ascertain whether these dual roles may increase the stallions’ stress levels or adversely affect the quality of their ejaculates.
  • 18 stallions were used in this study and were categorised into two groups for comparison: Breeding Stallions involved in competitions (BSC) and Breeding Stallions not involved in competitions (BS).

Data Collection and Methods

  • Two ejaculate samples from each stallion were collected a week apart and then analysed using a range of spermatological methods.
  • Saliva and seminal plasma samples were collected as well for monitoring the cortisol level, a stress hormone. This aided in assessing whether participation in competitions increases stress levels.
  • Additionally, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were examined, and the ratio of cortisol/DHEA in the seminal plasma was calculated.

Research Findings and Conclusion

  • Statistical analysis revealed that the BSC group had significantly higher levels of cortisol in their saliva, indicating increased stress levels due to competition involvement.
  • There was also a trend towards higher DHEA levels in the BSC group’s seminal plasma, although this was not statistically significant.
  • Interestingly, the research found no significant difference between the two groups concerning the sperm quality parameters and the cortisol levels in seminal plasma. In other words, participating in competitions didn’t affect the stallion’s sperm quality.
  • The study thus concluded that despite the obvious competition stress factor shown, the dual use of stallions in breeding and sports competition can continue without any identified negative impact on the sperm quality, making it a feasible practice in the equine industry.

Cite This Article

APA
Hensel B, Jakop U, Schmicke M, Schröter F, Jung M, Schulze M. (2023). Dual use of breeding stallions is possible without affecting the sperm quality. Reprod Domest Anim, 58(6), 691-698. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14337

Publication

Reproduction in domestic animals = Zuchthygiene
ISSN: 1439-0531
NlmUniqueID: 9015668
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 58
Issue: 6
Pages: 691-698

Researcher Affiliations

Hensel, Britta
  • Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany.
Jakop, Ulrike
  • Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany.
Schmicke, Marion
  • Department of Veterinary Endocrinology and Laboratory Diagnostics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
Schröter, Filip
  • Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Heart Center Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School, Bernau, Germany.
  • Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Potsdam University, Neuruppin, Germany.
Jung, Markus
  • Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany.
Schulze, Martin
  • Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, Bernau, Germany.

MeSH Terms

  • Male
  • Horses
  • Animals
  • Semen
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Sperm Motility
  • Spermatozoa
  • Semen Preservation / veterinary
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone

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Citations

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