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The biochemical composition of seminal plasma (SP) is very complex and variable among species. Advances in reproductive technologies reveal SP as a nutritive-protective medium for sperm cells suspended in it, and some SP components are very important for sperm metabolism, as well as sperm function, survival, and transport in the female reproductive tract. Biochemistry of SP is a relatively modern but rapidly expanding field of research, particularly concerning the biological significance of the various biochemical constituents of SP. However, identification of active factors in SP and mechanisms by which they act are not sufficiently understood in different species. Especially in camelids, the origin, composition, and function of the viscous component of SP remain a mystery, and only some biochemical and morphological characteristics of SP have been described. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of physiological and biochemical properties of SP in ruminants and camelids.

Simple Summary: In our study, we investigate the relationship between sperm quality and osteopontin (OPN) in Malakli shepherd dogs, collecting sperm samples from 39 male dogs of various ages. We discovered significant differences in OPN levels between ejaculate fractions, with lower OPN concentrations being linked to poorer sperm motility and morphology. Our findings have the potential to significantly impact dog breeding and fertility practices, offering valuable insights to predict and enhance sperm quality for the future. This research not only advances animal reproduction science, but also benefits veterinary medicine and stud selection, ultimately contributing to the well-being of dog breeders' society. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the sperm quality and the osteopontin (OPN) concentration in the prostates of Malakli shepherd dogs. Ejaculates were collected once by digital manipulation from 39 male dogs aged between 2 and 4 years and older. The first and third fractions of the ejaculate were centrifuged at 5000× g for 30 min, and supernatants were stored at −80 °C for further analysis of OPN using a double-antibody sandwich method (SEA899CA, Cloude-Clone Corp, Houston, TX, USA). Meanwhile, the second fractions were evaluated for sperm motility, concentration, viability, and rate of abnormal spermatozoa (head, acrosome, midpiece and tail abnormalities). The average concentration of OPN was 8.7 ± 5.2 ng/mL, and it differed significantly between the 1st 10.4 ± 5.3 ng/mL and 3rd 7.4 ± 5 ng/mL fractions. According to ROC (receiver operating characteristic curve) analysis, the OPN concentration had a better diagnostic ability for sperm motility (p < 0.001) than for the rate of abnormal spermatozoa (p < 0.05). Additionally, the OPN concentration was negatively correlated with poor sperm morphology and motility. In conclusion, the OPN concentration in prostate-derived secretions may be a possible marker of sperm quality in dogs. Further research could explore the involvement of OPN in sperm motility during cryopreservation and in vivo fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical procedures for semen evaluation in breeding soundness examination require time and are costly. The evaluation techniques with CASA are limited due to the lack of standardization among laboratories and data analysis methods. Recent studies have contradictory conclusions on the actual predictive ability of this method alone regarding fertility. Finding a simple and objective test that can give the maximum correlation between in vitro and in vivo results has been the main focus of novel research. In this study, we aimed to develop a repeatable protocol of sperm adhesion test using oviductal explant (AOC) and the results were compared with computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) parameters along with field fertility. After the developmental phase, AOC was applied to a group of endangered Burlina breed bulls in which effective field results are difficult to obtain due to the narrow range of the population. The AOC test was found to be proficient enough to provide a prediction on bull semen fertility. Counting the sperms adhered in three microscopic fields after a coincubation period of 20 min in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) can provide useful information on the field level of fertility. The AOC test gives additional information to complement the standard semen evaluation methods that can be applied to endangered breeds as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall purpose of this study was to describe a method of semen collection via trans‐rectal digital massage (TDM) and to carry out a related fertility trial in Angora goat. Sixteen Angora bucks (ranging 1–4 years) and 28 nulliparous does (1–2 years) were used in this study. Semen samples were collected via trans‐rectal massage from 85.71% of the bucks in multiple attempts (18/21). The mean values of volume, pH, mass motility, total motility, concentration, viability, abnormal spermatozoa rate and ejaculation time were 0.64 ± 0.09 ml, 6.3 ± 0.21, 2.7 ± 0.34, 58.18 ± 5.1%, 3.68 ± 0.31 × 109/ml, 71.38 ± 7.12%, 18.22 ± 2.48% and 3.4 ± 0.33 min respectively. Oestrus was detected with teaser buck and confirmed by using infrared thermography and ultrasonography (US). The success rate of synchronisation was found as 71.4% (20/28). On Day 21, pregnancy diagnosis was performed trans‐rectally with US and the pregnancy rate was determined as 78.57% (11/14). TDM method of semen collection seems to be easily applicable to the buck and it could be a good alternative to collect semen as well as its use in artificial insemination campaign. Thermal monitoring is found to be a valuable tool to monitor the response to hormonal driven ovulatory synchronisation in Angora does during timed artificial insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]