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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #435755
Research Project: Biophotonics - Emerging Imaging Technologies for Food Animal Research

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Untargeted Metabolomic Identifies Potential Seasonal Biomarkers of Semen Quality in Duroc Boars

Author
item DLAMINI, NOTSILE - Mississippi State University
item KAMENI, LEGOUE - Mississippi State University
item FEUGANG, JEAN - Mississippi State University

Submitted to: Biology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/29/2025
Publication Date: 8/4/2025
Citation: Dlamini, N.H., Kameni, L.S., Feugang, J.M. 2025. Untargeted Metabolomic Identifies Potential Seasonal Biomarkers of Semen Quality in Duroc Boars. Biology. 14 995. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080995.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14080995

Interpretive Summary: Boar fertility plays a crucial role in pig farming; however, various factors, including seasonal temperature fluctuations, can negatively impact semen quality. This study examines the metabolites present in boar seminal plasma that are associated with sperm quality during both summer and winter seasons. Our findings reveal significant differences between samples collected in the two seasons, with specific metabolites that either protect sperm from oxidative stress or supply energy varying accordingly. Gaining a better understanding of these seasonal fluctuations could enable pig producers to manage boar semen quality more effectively, ultimately leading to more consistent breeding throughout the year. This research supports the Secretary of Agriculture’s priorities of increasing profitability of farmers.

Technical Abstract: High semen quality is vital for reproductive success in the swine industry; however, seasonal fluctuations often compromise this quality. The molecular mechanism underlying these seasonal effects on semen quality remains largely unclear. This study employed untargeted metabolomic profiling of boar seminal plasma (SP) to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with semen quality during the summer and winter months. Semen samples were collected from mature Duroc boars at a commercial boar stud and classified as Passed or Failed based on motility and morphology. SP from five samples per group was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). In total, 373 metabolites were detected in positive ion mode and 478 in negative ion mode. Several differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, including ergothioneine, indole-3-methyl acetate, and avocadyne in the summer, as well as LysoPC, dopamine, and betaine in the winter. These metabolites are associated with key sperm functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and capacitation. KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism across the seasons. Overall, the results reveal that SP metabolomic profiles vary with the season, thereby influencing semen quality. The identified metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing semen quality and enhancing reproductive efficiency in swine production.