Porcine placental extract supplementation enhances testosterone levels and semen quality without adverse effects in Beagle dogs.

Porcine placental extract contains bioactive compounds with several biological properties. However, its effects on canine reproductive performance and systemic safety remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of porcine placental extract supplementation on canine semen quality, testosterone levels, systemic toxicity, antioxidant capacity, and diet palatability. Eight intact male Beagle dogs were divided into two groups: ADULT (1-6 years, n = 4) and SENIOR (7-12 years, n = 4). All dogs were fed a standardized commercial diet supplemented with 10 g of 10 % porcine placental extract daily for 60 days. Blood (n = 32) and semen (n = 12) samples were collected before supplementation (D-10) and after supplementation on Days 14 (D14), 30 (D30), and 60 (D60). Blood from all dogs was analyzed for hematological, biochemical, testosterone, and oxidative parameters, while semen samples from three ADULT dogs were evaluated for semen quality throughout the study. On average, age and body weight of dogs were 6.1 ± 3.9 years and 10.7 ± 1.7 kg, respectively. Following supplementation, semen quality improved from D-10 to D60, with increases in ejaculate volume (P = 0.017), sperm concentration (P = 0.009), total sperm number (P = 0.023), viability (P = 0.046), plasma membrane integrity (P < 0.001), acrosomal integrity (P = 0.030), and motion characteristics, including total motility (P = 0.003), VSL (P = 0.048), VCL (P = 0.047), and VAP (P = 0.030). Testosterone levels increased in ADULT dogs (P = 0.022) but not in SENIOR dogs (P = 0.354). All hematological parameters were within their normal ranges, while monocyte counts (P = 0.013) and ALT (P < 0.001) decreased after supplementation. However, oxidative parameters (MDA and TAC) remained stable (P > 0.05). Palatability assessment revealed no significant differences between ADULT and SENIOR dogs in acceptance and consumption times. These findings indicate that porcine placental extract is safe and palatable in male dogs, and it enhances testosterone levels and improves semen quality in adult dogs.