Integrative analysis of semen quality and metabolomic profiles reveals breed-specific biomarker fertility in Indonesian buffalo

Abstract

Background: The increasing demand for animal protein in Indonesia underscores the importance of improving the productivity of indigenous buffalo breeds, which remain underutilized. Semen quality plays a central role in the success of artificial insemination, and metabolomic profiling provides opportunities to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying fertility. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between post-thawed sperm quality and metabolomic signatures of three Indonesian buffalo breeds (Silangit, Toraja, and Sapala) to identify breed-specific biomarkers associated with fertility potential. Methods: Semen samples were collected from healthy bulls (5-8 years old, 450-750 kg) maintained under standardized management conditions. Using computer-assisted sperm analysis, post-thawed semen quality was evaluated for motility, viability, morph abnormality, acrosome and membrane integrity, and kinematic parameters. Metabolomic profiling was performed using high-resolution liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry, and data were analyzed using multivariate statistics, pathway enrichment, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for biomarker evaluation. Results: Significant breed-dependent differences in semen quality and metabolomic composition were observed. The Silangit bulls showed higher sperm viability and membrane integrity, whereas the Toraja and Sapala bulls exhibited lower morph abnormality rates. Distinct discriminative metabolites were identified across breeds: oxalacetic acid and adenosine in Silangit, dimethylethanolamine and uridine in Toraja, and glutamic acid with succinic acid semialdehyde in Sapala. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed energy metabolism predominance in Silangit, membrane remodeling and DNA stability in Toraja, and antioxidative mechanisms in Sapala. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed the diagnostic potential of these metabolites as candidate biomarkers. Conclusion: Semen quality and metabolomic data reveal breed-specific adaptations to cryopreservation in Indonesian buffalo, guiding fertility prediction, improving cryopreservation, and selective breeding to sustain indigenous genetic resources.

Access to Document

Other files and links

• Link to publication in Scopus
• Open Access Version Available

Fingerprint