Characterization of seminal plasma constituents of unimproved indigenous and Tankwa goats

Abstract

The aim of the study was to characterize and compare seminal plasma constituents of unimproved indigenous and Tankwa goats. In this study, unimproved indigenous (11) and Tankwa (11) goats were used. Their average age was 3 ± 0.8 years and average bodyweights were 35.5 ± 2.1 kg and 59.8 ± 1.9 kg, respectively. Semen samples were collected with an electro ejaculator, and evaluated for macroscopic and microscopic semen characteristics and seminal plasma constituents. Both unimproved indigenous and Tankwa goats had normal semen characteristics for goats, with the exception of sperm cell concentration. However, Tankwa goats had higher straight-line velocity and average path velocity compared with unimproved indigenous goats. Unimproved indigenous goats had higher intact acrosome than Tankwa goats. Lipocalin-type prostaglandin-D synthase was one of the constituents that were detected, but it was below the detection limit of 0.5 mmol/L. Moreover, the semen of unimproved indigenous and Tankwa goats had the same levels of fertility-associated antigen, lactate dehydrogenase, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, lipids and urea. In conclusion, unimproved indigenous and Tankwa goats had the same seminal plasma constituents. These constituents seem to be optimal for the sperm cells, as they resulted in acceptable semen characteristics, except for sperm cell concentration, which was low. Moreover, acceptable standards need to be set for all seminal plasma constituents, as they are not currently known.

Keywords: Fertility-associated minerals, genetic variation, semen characteristics