Cam β-NGF Supplementation: A Promising Approach to Preserve Dromedary Camel Sperm Quality During Short-term Storage

Introduction The role of camel βeta-Nerve Growth Factor protein (Cam β-NGF), isolated from camel seminal plasma, in preserving sperm quality remains poorly defined. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Cam β-NGF on mass motility, viability, and membrane integrity in dromedary ( Camelus dromedarius ) semen stored for 24 hours at 4 °C. Methods The semen samples were treated with varying concentrations of Cam β-NGF (10, 100, 500, and 1000 ng/mL) after preservation. Ten semen samples with mass motility ≥ 3 and viability ≥ 60% were selected, washed, suspended in HBSS, and treated with TCF-EY. After 24 hours of storage at 4 °C, samples were maintained at 36 °C with Cam β-NGF supplementation for 60 minutes. Mass motility, viability, and membrane integrity were assessed at T0, T30, and T60 minutes. Results The results revealed a significant decline in sperm quality traits after 24 hours of storage at 4 °C. However, mass motility was conserved after 30 minutes of incubation with 1000 ng/mL and 500 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF ( p < 0.05). On the other hand, viability was significantly higher after 60 minutes of incubation with 1000, 500, and 100 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF compared to the control extender and 10 ng/mL supplementation ( p < 0.05). Additionally, membrane integrity was significantly maintained at T30 and T60 minutes with 1000, 500, and 100 ng/mL of Cam β-NGF ( p < 0.05). Discussion Short‐term storage at 4 °C markedly reduced dromedary camel sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity, consistent with cold‐induced oxidative stress. Adding purified Cam β-NGF dose-dependently preserved these parameters over 1 h of incubation, indicating its value as a protective supplement for semen storage. Conclusion Cam β-NGF helps protect and maintain sperm traits during short-term storage; it seems to reduce alterations that might lower sperm quality. Thus, supplementing semen with Cam β-NGF may help maintain sperm quality, offering potential benefits for artificial insemination programs in dromedaries.