Association between Anaplasma marginale andsemen quality in bulls

Resumen

Objective: to determine the association between the presence of Anaplasma marginale and variables of sperm quality, sperm concentration and percentage of individual motility.

Design/methodology/approach: 92 animals originating from the Costa Chica of the state of Guerrero were evaluated, all animals were over 16 months of age and in good general health, classified according to their origin and racial group. Semen samples were collected through an electroejaculation process. Sperm concentration (SCo) and percentage of individual motility (%IM) were measured. Likewise, blood samples were collected by puncture of the coccygeal vein. The diagnosis of A. margninale was made by determination of antibodies. To study the association between A. marginale and other risk factors, a logistic model was used, with the dependent variables being %IM and SCo.

Results: More than 60% of the animals evaluated were from the municipality of Ometepec. Zebu-type cattle predominated, 75% of the sample was included in this category, followed by crossed animals (zebu x european). The incidence of A. marginale reached 50%. Derived from logistic regression, origin and racial group are risk factors (p < 0.05), while A. marginale is not a determinant (p > 0.05) in seminal quality, but its presence reduces the possibility of obtaining a sperm concentration and percentage of motility suitable for reproductive function.

Limitations on study/implications: With zebu x european animals, the possibility of males presenting better seminal characteristics increases.

Findings/conclusions: A. marginale is not a determining factor that modifies seminal characteristics in bulls.