Urospermia in cattle: effects on seminal quality and fertility

Resumo

Urospermia, characterized by the presence of urine in the ejaculate, is an important reproductive disorder in cattle that can compromise semen quality and significantly reduce fertility. This condition results from failures in the neurophysiological mechanisms responsible for coordinating seminal emission, ejaculation, and bladder neck closure, and may be associated with neurogenic, anatomical, pharmacological, management-related, or idiopathic factors. Urinary contamination alters the physicochemical parameters of semen, such as pH and osmolarity, and introduces toxic compounds (urea, ammonia, and creatinine), leading to reduced motility, sperm viability, and membrane and acrosome integrity. These effects make ejaculates more susceptible to damage during dilution, cooling, and cryopreservation, negatively impacting artificial insemination programs and reproductive efficiency. Although frequently described in stallions, urospermia also has relevance in modern cattle breeding, particularly in animals used for semen collection in reproductive biotechnologies. This study reviews the main pathophysiological aspects, causes, impacts on semen quality, and practical implications of urospermia in bulls, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management strategies to minimize its deleterious effects on fertility.