The relationship between seminal plasma and serum trace elements and semen parameters of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius).

Abstract

A total of 14 camels of known fertility (controls) at the Camel Research Centre, King Faisal University and 41 infertile dromedaries brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used in this study during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and serum were obtained from all males, and stored at -80°C until analysis. Concentrations of six trace elements (manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], iron [Fe], selenium [Se], copper [Cu] and chromium [Cr]) were estimated in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed significant (p<0.05 and p<0.01) differences in semen pH and sperm motility, concentration and abnormalities between the control and infertile dromedaries. In seminal plasma, a significant (p<0.01) difference in Fe concentrations (7.792±1.567 vs. 61.259±11.967mg/L) and significant (p<0.05) differences in Zn (24.763±8.206 vs. 83.981±4.972mg/L) and Cu (1.653±0.348 vs. 7.905±1.134mg/L) concentrations existed between the control and infertile dromedaries, respectively. In serum, there were significant (p<0.05) differences in Fe (6.237±0.695 vs. 151.121±27.604mg/L) and Cu (24.703±4.195 vs. 6.375±0.644mg/L) concentrations and a significant (p<0.01) difference in Zn concentrations (17.086±1.606 vs. 90.422±4.347mg/L) between the fertile and infertile camels, respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) positive (r=0.51) and negative (r=-0.54) correlations between Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and both sperm motility and sperm abnormalities, respectively. In conclusion, seminal plasma and serum trace elements of Fe, Zn and Cu influenced the semen parameters and fertility of dromedary camels. Low concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma were associated with normal fertility in dromedaries.