Uncorking Quantitative and Qualitative Seminal Traits in French-Alpine Bucks via Carbetocin Stimulation to Enhance Goat Production in Semi-Arid Environments.
Carbetocin significantly enhances semen quality in French-Alpine bucks, potentially improving reproductive efficiency in livestock production.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the carbetocin corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated the effects of carbetocin (0.2 mg 100 kg<sup>-1</sup> LW<sup>-1</sup>) and oxytocin (10 UI buck<sup>-1</sup>) on semen quality in French-Alpine bucks (n=12). Carbetocin significantly improved various semen parameters compared to control and oxytocin groups. The study suggests that carbetocin may enhance reproductive efficiency in livestock.
Abstract
Optimizing semen collection is critical for maximizing genetic advancement and reproductive efficiency in livestock. While exogenous hormones can enhance ejaculate quantity and quality, short windows of biological activity often limit their efficacy. This study was conducted in northern-arid Mexico (25° N, 103 W) to evaluate the comparative effects of oxytocin (OXYT) and carbetocin (CARB) administration on semen quality in French-Alpine bucks. Males (n = 12) were allocated into three groups and received intravenous treatments 10 min prior to artificial vagina collection: (1) OXYT (10 UI oxytocin buck<sup>-1</sup>), (2) CARB (0.2 mg 100 kg<sup>-1</sup> LW<sup>-1</sup>), and (3) CONT (1 mL saline buck<sup>-1</sup>). The same bucks received all three treatments separately. CARB outperformed both groups (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05), improving all evaluated parameters (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05): ejaculated volume (i.e., increased by 103%), sperm concentration, mass and progressive motility, total sperm count, viability, normal morphology, plasma membrane functionality, acrosome integrity, and chromatin dispersion. Crucially, CARB doubled (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) the available projected or theoretical number of doses for intravaginal artificial insemination (POTNDIAI), followed by the OXYT and CONT groups, with 11.14 POTNDIAI each. Therefore, CARB emerges as a highly effective, accessible pharmacological strategy for semen collection protocols, substantially enhancing sperm yield and structural quality in breeding bucks. Ultimately, by bridging advanced reproductive physiology with practical smallholder farming, this methodological optimization provides a viable strategy to enhance reproductive efficiency and long-term sustainability in small ruminant production systems within arid environments.
Background
This paper addresses the optimization of semen collection in livestock, specifically focusing on the use of exogenous hormones like carbetocin and oxytocin to enhance reproductive efficiency. Prior research has indicated that hormonal administration can improve semen quality, but limitations in biological activity often hinder effectiveness. This study is significant as it explores the comparative effects of these hormones in a specific breed of bucks in a semi-arid environment.
Methods
The study utilized a controlled design with 12 French-Alpine bucks divided into three treatment groups: oxytocin (10 UI), carbetocin (0.2 mg 100 kg<sup>-1</sup> LW<sup>-1</sup>), and a saline control. Each buck received all three treatments intravenously 10 minutes prior to semen collection using an artificial vagina. The primary outcome measures included various semen quality parameters.
Results
The primary endpoint indicated that ejaculated volume increased by 103% with carbetocin compared to the control group, p ≤ 0.05. Additionally, carbetocin administration doubled the projected number of doses for intravaginal artificial insemination, with all evaluated parameters showing significant improvement, p ≤ 0.05.
Interpretation
The results suggest that carbetocin may be more effective than oxytocin in enhancing semen quality in French-Alpine bucks, aligning with previous findings on hormonal effects in livestock. However, the clinical significance of these improvements should be carefully considered, especially given the small sample size and specific conditions of the study. The findings imply potential benefits for breeding practices, but further research is needed to confirm these results across different settings and populations.
Key findings
- Ejaculated volume increased by 103% with carbetocin compared to control, p ≤ 0.05.
- Carbetocin doubled the projected number of doses for intravaginal artificial insemination (POTNDIAI), p ≤ 0.05.
- All evaluated parameters improved with carbetocin, p ≤ 0.05.
Limitations
- small n=12
- single-site study in northern-arid Mexico
- not generalizable to other breeds or environments
- no long-term follow-up reported