A study of bacterial species present in the semen of breeding dogs

Introduction and aim The microbiota of the male reproductive tract in dogs has been described in the scientific literature on a limited basis. The presence of specific bacteria in the semen of other animal species has been demonstrated to have an adverse effect on sperm quality, with the potential to result in reduced fertility (1). A higher number of bacteria in dog semen (bacteriospermia) has been associated with a reduction in sperm viability and the presence of morphologically abnormal spermatozoa (2). However, there is a data deficiency on the microbial composition of semen in breeding dogs. As bacterial testing of semen prior to breeding is not mandatory, the prevalence of different bacteria in breeding dogs remains unclear. The identification of bacterial species and an understanding of their prevalence can assist in the development of guidelines for breeders, thereby ensuring better breeding outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and prevalence of bacteria in the semen of breeding dogs, providing insights that could contribute to better management practices in canine breeding.