Electrophoretic Profiles of Alpaca Seminal Plasma Proteins and Their Association With Sperm Quality Parameters During Cryopreservation Processes

Abstract

The aim of the study was to characterize the electrophoretic profiles of alpaca seminal plasma (SP) proteins and establish their association with sperm quality parameters at different cryopreservation stages. Sperm quality was assessed in raw, cooled, and thawed semen from 128 ejaculates collected from 16 Huacaya alpacas, and SP proteins were analysed by SDS-PAGE in raw samples. Statistical associations were determined using Spearman's rank correlation (p ≤ 0.05). Twenty-three protein bands were identified: 21 bands ranging from 9.23 to 138.38 kDa, and 2 below 6.5 kDa. Notably, the 21.03 kDa protein was absent in six males, five of whom also lacked the 18.88 kDa band. These individuals exhibited superior post-thaw sperm quality, particularly higher motility. The 21.03 kDa protein showed a negative correlation (p ≤ 0.05) with sperm motility and membrane function in raw, cooled, and thawed semen, and a positive correlation with acrosome integrity in thawed semen. Similarly, the 18.88 kDa protein showed a negative correlation with sperm motility and membrane function, but a positive correlation with acrosome integrity in thawed semen (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, these findings suggest that specific SP proteins may serve as potential biomarkers for sperm quality and cryotolerance in alpacas, reflecting individual variability in response to cryopreservation.