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.