Lipidomic profile of testicular and epididymal reserves oF West African Dwarf goats
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Date
2026
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
This study presents a comparative lipidomic analysis of the testicular and epididymal reserves of the West African
Dwarf (WAD) goat using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Lipid extracts from paired testicular
and epididymal tail tissues were analyzed to determine the composition and distribution of fatty acids. Twenty two lipid compounds were identified across all samples, including saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated
fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and sterols. The major fatty acids detected were
palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), linoleic acid (C18:2), and oleic acid (C18:1). The relative abundance
of PUFAs was higher in the epididymal tail compared to the testes, indicating their potential role in sperm
membrane fluidity and motility. Cholesterol, an essential membrane component, was relatively consistent across
tissues. These findings contribute to understanding lipid metabolism in male reproductive physiology of WAD
goats and provide a biochemical basis for fertility enhancement, breed conservation, and improved semen
cryopreservation strategies.