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Iranian journal of veterinary research2019; 19(4); 270-275;

Evaluation of semen characteristics, oxidative stress, and biochemical indices in Arabian horses of different ages during the hot summer season.

Abstract: Egypt is anticipated to be potentially influenced by the global climate warming. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the influence of age on the fertility potential of Arabian stallions during summer breeding months. Arabian horses grouped according to their age into three groups, each involved six stallions: young (5-6 years), middle (11-12 years) and old (15-20 years) age groups, were weekly sampled during the months of July-August. Ejaculates were collected using artificial vagina, Missouri model, and examined for pH, volume, concentration, motility, livability and morphological abnormalities. Serum samples were harvested and assessed for testosterone, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, and copper and zinc levels. Semen pH (P<0.005), spermatozoa motility (P=0.08), sperm morphology (P<0.001), tail abnormalities (P<0.001), and sperm count per ejaculate differed noticeably between stallions' groups. Testosterone (P=0.07) and TAC (P<0.05) concentrations were markedly affected by stallions' age. Cholesterol correlated negatively with sperm normality, but serum copper and zinc levels correlated positively with semen volume, sperm cell count and spermatozoa livability. These results revealed that the fertility of stallions is age-dependent and is prominently influenced by lipid metabolism and oxidative stress during hot summer breeding season. It is highly advisable to provide animals' house (along with feed and drinking water) with the evaporative cooling system and allow morning or late afternoon outdoor activity to bypass the summer hot climates and sustain stallions' fertility.
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Publication Date: 2019-02-19 PubMed ID: 30774667PubMed Central: PMC6361604
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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 aimed to investigate the impact of age on the fertility of Arabian horses during the hot summer season, with further attention given to the role of oxidative stress. The researchers took into consideration different factors like semen characteristics, testosterone levels, and certain metabolic profiles in horses of various age groups.

Methodology

  • Arabian horses were divided into three age-based groups: young (5-6 years), middle (11-12 years), and old (15-20 years). Each group consisted of six stallions.
  • The study was performed throughout July-August, and samples were taken weekly.
  • Semen samples were gathered using a Missouri model artificial vagina and analyzed for various factors including pH, volume, concentration, motility, livability, and morphological abnormalities.
  • Blood serum samples were collected to measure testosterone levels, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), lipid profile, and copper and zinc levels.

Findings

  • The study identified significant differences between stallsions’ groups in terms of semen pH, spermatozoa motility, sperm morphology, tail abnormalities, and sperm count per ejaculate.
  • Testosterone and TAC concentrations were also found to be significantly impacted by the age of the stallions.
  • The study noted a negative correlation between cholesterol and sperm normality. However, serum copper and zinc levels were positively correlated with semen volume, sperm cell count, and spermatozoa livability.

Conclusions

  • Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the fertility of stallions is age-dependent and noticeably influenced by lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, especially during the hot summer breeding season.
  • The researchers recommend employing an evaporative cooling system in the animals’ house and allowing for outdoor activities during the morning or late afternoon to bypass the heat and maintain stallion fertility. Adequate feeding and water supply were also emphasized.

Cite This Article

APA
Kandiel MMM, El Khawagah ARM. (2019). Evaluation of semen characteristics, oxidative stress, and biochemical indices in Arabian horses of different ages during the hot summer season. Iran J Vet Res, 19(4), 270-275.

Publication

Iranian journal of veterinary research
ISSN: 1728-1997
NlmUniqueID: 101660030
Country: Iran
Language: English
Volume: 19
Issue: 4
Pages: 270-275

Researcher Affiliations

Kandiel, M M M
  • Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.
El Khawagah, A R M
  • Theriogenology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.

Conflict of Interest Statement

There is no conflict of interest.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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