Miglioramento dei parametri seminali in cani ipo- e normo-fertili in seguito a supplementazione alimentare con l-arginina

Among several causes of male subfertility, deficiency
of amminoacids, vitamins and minerals are recognized
as possible causes of sperm abnormalities
both in human and veterinary medicine. Sperm
motility represents an important functional prerequisite,
and, under physiologic conditions, motility
and fertility are closely correlated. Several studies
showed the efficacy of l-arginine supplementation
on sperm motility in some species. The aim of the
present study was to assess the possible efficacy of
l-arginine oral supplementation on seminal characteristics
in adult stud dogs with suspected subfertility
and oligo/astheno/teratozoospermia and in
dogs of proven fertility and with normal spermiogram.
L-arginine supplemetation for 62 days improved
(p<0.0001) sperm motility (from 44% to
58%) and morphology (from 40% to 69%) in the
group of sub-fertile dogs and a significant increase
(p<0.001) of sperm motility in the fertile dogs with
normal semen characteristics. Obtained results
showed that l-arginine supplementation could be
useful for the treatment of male dog sub-fertility.
However, the study may benefit of further investigations,
considering also the possible influence of
breed and age on the response to treatment.