Variations in bacterial profiles associated with semen collection timing and bull breed, analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing and MALDI-TOF MS.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Bacterial contamination can occur at multiple stages of semen processing, necessitating the use of antibiotics in bull semen preservation, mandated by regulatory guidelines. To manage antimicrobial resistance (AMR), targeted antibiotic use based on bacterial identification is essential. This study aimed to characterize bacterial communities in bull semen using metagenomic analysis and MALDI-TOF MS across different semen collection times from the same bulls and between two breeds.

Methods

Semen samples were collected from 20 dairy bulls (8 Viking Holstein and 12 Viking Red). Each bull provided three ejaculates within a week: the first after a 96 h since previous collection (T1), the second 48 h later (T2), and the third 24 h after the second (T3). Bacterial speci

SUBMITTER: Cojkic A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12447730 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature