Seasonal changes in the sperm fatty acid composition of Shetland pony stallions.
Abstract: Spermatozoa contain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Cryopreservation damages sperm membranes and they become less functional after thawing. We analysed the lipid composition of spermatozoa from Shetland stallions (n = 15) collected monthly from January to June and hypothesized that sperm lipid patterns change with season. In addition, one ejaculate per month was submitted to cryopreservation. Content of saturated palmytic and stearic acid decreased from January to March (p < 0.001) while content of the PUFA docosapentaenoic (p < 0.001) and arachidonic acid (p < 0.05) and total PUFA (p < 0.001) increased. Docosapentaenoic acid was the predominant PUFA in stallion spermatozoa. In conclusion, the sperm fatty acid composition of Shetland pony stallions undergoes seasonal changes, and PUFA content increases from the non-breeding to the breeding season. Seasonal differences in sperm fatty acids might in part explain seasonal differences in the resistance of equine spermatozoa to cryopreservation and cooled-storage.
Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2017-11-10 PubMed ID: 29154176DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.004Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article focuses on how the sperm lipid composition of Shetland pony stallions varies with seasons, particularly the increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from non-breeding to breeding season. This potentially explains seasonal differences in the resistance of equine sperm to cryopreservation and cooled-storage.
Overview of Research Methods and Findings
- The study examined the lipid content of sperm from 15 Shetland pony stallions. Sperm samples were collected monthly from January to June, a period covering both non-breeding and breeding seasons.
- The content of saturated palmitic and stearic acids dropped from January to March, while the content of PUFA like docosapentaenoic and arachidonic acid increased.
- The scientists also submitted one ejaculate per month for cryopreservation. This process of freezing and storing sperm can damage sperm membranes, making them less functional after thawing.
- The predominant PUFA found in the stallion spermatozoa was docosapentaenoic acid.
- The researchers concluded that the sperm fatty acid composition in Shetland ponies does show seasonal changes, particularly the increase in PUFA content moving from the non-breeding to the breeding season. This observation could help explain why equine sperm demonstrates different levels of resistance to cryopreservation and cooled-storage depending on the season.
Significance of the Research
- Understanding the changes in sperm lipid composition during different seasons can aid in optimizing breeding strategies, especially in Shetland stallions.
- This research can also contribute to improving cryopreservation techniques. By identifying the factors that contribute to sperm damage during cryopreservation, such as the decrease in functional PUFA during certain seasons, practitioners can refine their techniques to minimize this damage.
- The findings can also impact the broader field of equine reproduction and help to improve stallion fertility rates.
Cite This Article
APA
Aurich C, Ortega Ferrusola C, Peña Vega FJ, Schrammel N, Morcuende D, Aurich J.
(2017).
Seasonal changes in the sperm fatty acid composition of Shetland pony stallions.
Theriogenology, 107, 149-153.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.11.004 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer, Department of Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: christine.aurich@vetmeduni.ac.at.
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
- Laboratory of Equine Reproduction, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain.
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department of Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
- IPROCAR Research Inst., TECAL Research Group, University of Extremadura, Caceres, Spain.
- Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology, Department of Small Animals and Horses, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / chemistry
- Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / metabolism
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Seasons
- Spermatozoa / chemistry
- Spermatozoa / physiology
- Time Factors
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