Identification of bull fertility biomarkers based on metabolomic analysis of sperm cells and seminal plasma
Abstract
Background. Fertility is a key factor in animal husbandry, with semen quality significantly influencing the efficiency of artificial insemination. The prospect of predicting the potential fertility status of young bulls has led to extensive research aimed at identifying biomarkers that can be used to improve fertility trait selection early in life. Studying the metabolome of sperm cells and seminal plasma may shed light on key mechanisms regulating male fertility and reproductive processes, help identify relevant biomarkers, and elucidate metabolic pathways influencing semen fertilizing ability and other ejaculate quality parameters.
The purpose of the study was to analyze literature data on the comprehensive metabolome of cattle sperm and seminal plasma in relation to bulls' reproductive capacity.
Methods. A literature search was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar databases using the following search terms: «sperm bull metabolome», «seminal plasma bull metabolome», «high fertility bull metabolome» and «low fertility bull metabolome». Data published in English between 2012 and 2025 were collected. Data published in English between 2012 and 2025 were collected.
Results. Modern analytical methods, such as liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), enable the detection of dozens to thousands of metabolites in biological samples.The analysis of literature data identified key metabolites in seminal plasma: amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamate), organic acids (citrate, lactate), carbohydrates (fructose), and lipid components (glycerophosphocholine, lysophosphatidylcholine). In sperm cells, the most critical metabolites included energy-related compounds (acetylcarnitine, lactic acid), sulfur-containing compounds (hypotaurine, taurine, selenocystine, D-cysteine), neurotransmitters (GABA), and cell membrane components. Contradictory findings were reported for certain metabolites (hypotaurine, selenocystine, L-malic acid), highlighting the need for standardization of methodological approaches.
Conclusion. The identified metabolic signatures reflect functional differences between sperm from bulls with varying fertility and motility levels. These findings underscore the potential of metabolomic profiling for early prediction of reproductive potential in breeding bulls. Implementing these biomarkers could optimize selection strategies, shorten generational intervals, and enhance the efficiency of artificial insemination programs in animal husbandry.
EDN: EFCLSR
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Copyright (c) 2025 Anton A. Ermilov, Alexey A. Traspov, Faridun S. Bakoev, Dmitriy V. Chesnokov, Anna S. Panova, Alexander B. Kuznetsov, Olga V. Kostyunina
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