Composition of semen and foreskin mucosa aerobic microbiota and its impact on sperm parameters of captive collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu).

Abstract

To evaluate the bacterial composition of collared peccary semen and foreskin mucosa, and to verify the sensitivity of isolates to antimicrobials used in semen conservation and to Aloe vera gel, which is an alternative external cryoprotectant. Nine foreskin mucosa and ejaculate samples from adult animals were used. Sperm characteristics and bacterial load were evaluated in fresh semen. The preputial mucosa and semen bacterial isolates were identified and tested against five concentrations of each antimicrobial (streptomycin-penicillin and gentamicin) and A. vera gel. Corynebacterium sp. and Staphylococcus sp. were isolated in greater numbers than others in both semen (64·10 and 20·51%, respectively) and the foreskin mucosa (60·60 and 24·25%, respectively), and ranged from 0·4 to 21×105 colony-forming units (CFU) per ml. The average load of Corynebacterium sp. was negatively correlated (P<0·05) with the sperm membrane integrity (r=-0·73055) and curvilinear velocity (r=-0·69048). Streptomycin-penicillin and gentamicin inhibited most micro-organisms, and A. vera showed lower antimicrobial activity. Several Gram-positive bacteria are present in semen and foreskin mucosa of collared peccary, and the benefits of using primarily penicillin-streptomycin and gentamicin antimicrobials in the bacterial control of diluted semen of these animals are strongly indicated. This study provides insight into the reproductive microbiota of captive male-collared peccary. This work provides a theoretical basis to assist reproductive biotechnologies for ex situ conservation of the species.