The composition of seminal plasma of individual sires varies and so does the fertilizing ability. Micro and macro elements along with seminal enzymes, hormones, proteins, and lipids contained in seminal plasma are essential for the proper physiological function of spermatozoa. However, elevated levels against the normal physiological values, especially in the case of trace metals, result in the production of reactive oxygen species. The deficiency of antioxidants in the seminal plasma that could scavenge free radicals causes an impairment of spermatozoa quality. Ejaculates were obtained from 19 stallions. The fresh semen was analyzed to evaluate qualitative parameters of spermatozoa in terms of the motility, viability, and integrity of DNA. Separated seminal plasma underwent the assessment of the chemical and biochemical composition and RedOx markers. Based on the obtained concentrations of individual chemical elements, the correlation analysis suggested a negative impact of Cu in seminal plasma on the SOD, GPx, and LPO. Contrary, positive correlation was detected between FRAP and motility features. While Cu negatively correlated with sperm motion parameters, the adverse effect on viability was suggested for Cd. Our data suggest that seminal plasma has a potential due to its availability to become the potential biomarker of the reproductive health of farm animals.

AgroBioTech Research Centre Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Tr A Hlinku 2 949 76 Nitra Slovakia

Department of Morphology Physiology and Animal Genetics Mendel University in Brno Zemědělská 1665 1 613 00 Brno Czech Republic

Institute of Applied Biology Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Tr A Hlinku 2 949 76 Nitra Slovakia

Institute of Biology Pedagogical University of Krakow Podchorazych 2 30 084 Krakow Poland

Institute of Biotechnology Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra Tr A Hlinku 2 949 76 Nitra Slovakia

NPPC Research Institute for Animal Production Nitra Institute of Farm Animal Genetics and Reproduction Hlohovecka 2 951 41 Luzianky Slovakia

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