Addition of Copper Chloride and Zinc Chloride to Liquid-Stored Pig Semen Reduces Bacterial Growth Without Impairing Sperm Quality.

ABSTRACT: Bacterial contamination remains a challenge for multiple facets of modern life. While antibiotics are a primary tool for bacterial control, their overuse has accelerated the appearance of multidrug-resistant bacteria and raises global health concerns. In swine, semen is stored at 17 °C in extenders that contain antibiotics to prevent bacterial growth. Apart from the potential consequences for the female, the proliferation of bacteria in liquid-stored semen is associated with a decline in sperm quality, ultimately reducing farrowing rates and litter sizes. With the aim of reducing the use of antibiotics while keeping bacterial growth under control, we herein investigated whether metal ions could exert an antimicrobial effect without impairing sperm quality. Separate metal ions (Ag, silver s

SUBMITTER: Drago J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12840984 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature