Selenium influences spermatozoa, semen production quality of buffaloes Dec 2017 R4D Highlights Research, selenium, semen collection By Charlene Corpuz & Daniel Aquino Selenium is well-known as an essential trace and indispensable element in the growth and reproduction of animals because it helps improve the semen quality and production of spermatozoa. Semen collected from buffaloes were evaluated and characterized in the study. (Photo by DA-PCC) Its characteristics, though, have yet to be proven among riverine buffalo bulls. Thus, researchers did a study to discover selenium’s effect on this particular animal. The subjects for experimentation were 30 healthy riverine buffalo bulls (Bulgarian, Brazilian and Italian breeds) with ages ranging from 3-7 years old. They underwent initial assessment and were found clinically free of internal and external parasites. In the study, the researchers used different feeding and management systems in observing the buffaloes. The animals were fed daily with 2 kilogram feed concentrates. The forage-based ration is composed of silage/haylage with supplementary 0.02% of urea, 0.01% of salt, 0.01% dicalcium phosphate and mineral blocks. Different levels of commercially available Excential Selenium 4000 based on EU maximum allowable levels were introduced by top-dressing into the daily ration of the bull. It was then evaluated if these can influence semen production and quality of spermatozoa. The buffaloes were maintained on the said diets for three months. Then, semen ejaculates were collected, evaluated and characterized based on concentration, motility and morphology (abnormality), to assess the effect of selenium concentrations (T1 – 10% above the published requirement level; T2- 5% above; T3 – 100% (control); T4 – 5% below and T5 – 10% below the requirement of selenium). The study revealed that the supplementary selenium at 5% level above the published requirement for bull (T4) caused improvements in volume of ejaculates and sperm concentration. It was proven in the study that selenium supplementation to a bull diet provides additional benefit compared to the non-supplemented control diet by improving sperm quality in terms of motility and lowest abnormal sperm values. Selenium may be tightly regulated by the bull’s reproductive tract, thereby standardizing the effects of selenium on semen production and sperm quality. The Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and Biology Department of Central Luzon State University (CLSU) conducted the research study engaging researchers namely Maorin Mari Santos, Ma. Elizabeth Leoveras, Dr. Daniel Aquino, Edward Paraguison and Emma Venturina.
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