Electrophoretic Protein Profiles of Seminal Plasma and their Correlation with Fresh Semen Quality in Indonesia Toraya Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis carabanesis) Bulls

Abstract

The current study aimed to evaluate the relationship between seminal plasma proteins and sperm quality in Toraya buffalo bulls. Semen samples were obtained from eight Toraya buffalo bulls aged 4-10 years. Semen collection was conducted using an artificial vagina, followed by assessment through macroscopic and microscopic analysis. The concentration of seminal plasma protein was measured utilizing the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) protein assay, followed by protein analysis through 1D SDS-PAGE based on protein molecular weight. The sperm quality of Toraya buffaloes showed an average semen volume of 2.08±1.12mL, sperm motility of 73.87±5.30%, sperm concentration of 883.12±381.35×10 6 /mL, viability of 81.47±3.79%, abnormality of 7.36±3.24%, membrane integrity of 83.14±5.19%, and acrosome integrity of 92.98±2.56%. The parameter intact acrosome in sperm quality showed a positive correlation (0.73) with sperm viability with a significant (P<0.05). The total motile sperm per ejaculate was 1326.61±714.99x10 6 , and the total straw per ejaculate was 54.06±28.59. The average seminal plasma protein concentration in Toraya buffalo was 161.41±12.41µg/mL. The Pearson correlation results of seminal plasma protein correlated with intact acrosomes with a significant P<0.05. The analysis of seminal plasma protein bands using 1D SDS-PAGE founded the presence of 12-19 protein bands with molecular weight ranging from11-155kDa. This study concluded a significant correlation between the seminal plasma protein concentration and sperm acrosome integrity in Toraya buffalo bulls. The identification of 12-19 protein bands that correlate with these factors is a promising finding and can be utilized to determine the reproductive quality and fertility of the bulls.