Faculty Profiles

Leonardo Brito

Faculty, Clinical Skills Unit Lead

Office: Hendrix Student Center
Email: lbrito@clemson.edu

Education and Professional Certifications

PhD
Large Animal Clinical Sciences – Theriogenology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

MVetSc
Large Animal Clinical Sciences – Theriogenology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada

MSc
Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Estadual de Sao Paulo - Botucatu, Brazil

D.V.M.
Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, Brazil

Diplomate American College of Theriogenologists (ACT)

Areas of Expertise

Theriogenology (Animal Reproduction)

Andrology

Semen analysis

Publications

Brito LFC, González-Marín C, Ross PJ. Standardization of bovine sperm concentration analysis in a multi-laboratory setting. Theriogenology. 2025;243:117472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2025.117472

Driancourt MA, Comizzoli P, Brito LFC. Celebrating a milestone and looking at the future of Theriogenology. Theriogenology. 2025;234:151-2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.12.013

Brito LFC, Gonzalez-Marin C, Ross P. Effective standardization of bovine frozen semen sperm motility analysis in a multi-laboratory setting. Anim Reprod Sci. 2025;274:107793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2025.107793

Brito LFC, Felix MR, Linardi RL, Martinez de Andino EV, Balamurugan NS, Hernandez-Aviles C, et al. Effect of refreezing extender on stallion sperm quality and embryo production after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Theriogenology. 2025;231:29-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.10.006

Brito LFC, da Silva MC, Kolster KA. Standardisation of dog sperm morphology classification. Reprod Domest Anim. 2025;60:e70024. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70024

Brito LFC. Sperm motility evaluation in stallion fresh, cooled and frozen semen using a portable computer-assisted sperm analysis system. Reprod Domest Anim. 2025;60:e70052. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.70052

Brito LFC. Semen evaluation in the production of bovine artificial insemination doses. Methods Mol Biol. 2025;2897:109-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-4406-5_8

Brito LFC. Nutrition and sexual development in bulls. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2024;40:1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2023.08.002

Brito LFC. Quality assurance applied to semen analysis. Anim Reprod Sci. 2024;270:107615. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107615

Brito LFC, Loomis PR, Klohonatz KM, Althouse GC. Penicillin and amikacin mixture has bactericidal activity equivalent to gentamicin, tylosin, lincomycin and spectinomycin mixture in equine frozen semen. Reprod Domest Anim. 2023;58:349-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.14294

Peter AT, Brito LFC, Althouse G, Aurich C, Chenoweth P, Fraser N, et al. Andrology laboratory review: evaluation of sperm motility. Clinical Theriogenology. 2021;13:24-36. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.58292/ct.v13.9359

Brito LFC. Evaluation of sperm morphology. In: Dascanio J, McCue P, editors. Equine Reproductive Procedures. 2nd ed. Hoboken, USA: John Wiley and Sons; 2021. p. 499-504. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1002/9781119556015.ch133

Brito LFC. Endocrine control of testicular development and initiation of spermatogenesis in bulls. In: Hopper R, editor. Bovine reproduction. 2nd ed. Hoboken, USA: John Wiley & Sons; 2021. p. 47-57. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119602484.ch5

Brito LFC. Sexual development and puberty in bulls. In: Hopper R, editor. Bovine reproduction. 2nd ed. Hoboken, USA: John Wiley & Sons; 2021. p. 58-78. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1002/9781119602484.ch6

Brito LFC, Vishwanath R, Heuer C, Evans K. Bovine sexed semen production and utilization. Clinical Theriogenology. 2019;11:297-315. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.58292/ct.v11.9526

Barros Adwell CMQ, Brito LFC, Oba E, Wilde RE, Rizzoto G, Thundathil JC, et al. Arterial blood flow is the main source of testicular heat in bulls and higher ambient temperatures significantly increase testicular blood flow. Theriogenology. 2018;116:12-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.04.022

Brito LFC, Baldrighi JM, Wolf CA, Ginther OJ. Effect of GnRH and hCG on progesterone concentration and ovarian and luteal blood flow in diestrous mares. Anim Reprod Sci. 2017;176:64-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2016.11.010

Brito LFC. Factors affecting bull sexual development Simposio Internacional de Reproduccion Animal: Instituto de Reproduccion Animal Cordoba; 2017. p. 104-19.

Brito LFC. Advances in sexed semen production. Simposio Internacional de Reproduccion Animal. Cordoba, Argentina: Instituto de Reproduccion Animal Cordoba; 2017. p. 236-51.

Brito LFC, Althouse GC, Aurich C, Chenoweth PJ, Eilts BE, Love CC, et al. Andrology laboratory review: Evaluation of sperm concentration. Theriogenology. 2016;85:1507-27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.01.002

Brito LFC. A multilaboratory study on the variability of bovine semen analysis. Theriogenology. 2016;85:254-66. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.05.02

Brito LFC. Applied andrology in cattle (Bos taurus). In: Chenoweth PJ, Lorton SP, editors. Animal andrology: theories and applications. Wallingford, UK: CABI 2014. p. 297-351. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1079/9781780643168.0297

Arnone B, Negrão CB, Brito LFC, Giometti IC, Castilho C. Follicular dynamics and plasma FSH concentrations during follicular deviation in the first post-ovulatory wave in tabapua (Bos indicus) cows treated with bovine somatotropin (bST). Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Medicine. 2013;35:318-22. https://bjvm.org.br/BJVM/article/view/630

Brito LFC, Beckman B, Cardwell B, DeJarnette JM, Hutchens L, Kaya A, et al. NAAB-CSS semen quality control program minimum guidelines. Technical Conference on Artificial Insemination & Reproduction. Milwaukee, USA: National Association of Animal Breeders; 2012. p. 37-41.

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Wilde RE, Kastelic JP. Effect of growth rate from 6 to 16 months of age on sexual development and reproductive function in beef bulls. Theriogenology. 2012;77:1398-405. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.11.003

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Wilde RE, Kastelic JP. Testicular ultrasonogram pixel intensity during sexual development and its relationship with semen quality, sperm production, and quantitative testicular histology in beef bulls. Theriogenology. 2012;78:69-76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2012.01.022

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Wilde RE, Kastelic JP. Testicular vascular cone development and its association with scrotal temperature, semen quality, and sperm production in beef bulls. Anim Reprod Sci. 2012;134:135-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2012.08.025

Brito LFC. Semen quality evaluation: recognizing the limitations and facing the challenges Simposio Internacional de Reproducao Animal Aplicada. Londrina, Brazil2012. p. 136-49.

Brito LFC, Greene LM, Kelleman A, Knobbe M, Turner R. Effect of method and clinician on stallion sperm morphology evaluation. Theriogenology. 2011;76:745-50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.04.007

Brito LFC, Sertich PL, Rives W, Knobbe M, Del Piero F, Stull GB. Effects of intratesticular zinc gluconate treatment on testicular dimensions, echodensity, histology, sperm production, and testosterone secretion in American black bears (Ursus americanus). Theriogenology. 2011;75:1444-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.10.036

Brito LFC, Sertich PL, Stull GB, Rives W, Knobbe M. Sperm ultrastructure, morphometry, and abnormal morphology in American black bears (Ursus americanus). Theriogenology. 2010;74:1403-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.06.012

Brito LFC, Kelleman A, Greene LM, Raz T, Barth AD. Semen characteristics in a sub-fertile Arabian stallion with idiopathic teratospermia. Reprod Domest Anim. 2010;45:354-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01252.x

Brito LFC. A multi-stud study on variation of semen evaluation. Technical Conference on Artificial Insemination & Reproduction. Milwaukee, USA: National Association of Animal Breeders; 2010. p. 112-5.

Brito LFC. Variations in laboratory semen evaluation procedures and testing. Technical Conference on Artificial Insemination & Reproduction. Milwaukee, USA: National Association of Animal Breeders; 2010. p. 61-7.

Brito LFC, Engiles JB, Turner RM, Getman LM, Ebling A. Bilateral testicular mixed germ cell-sex cord-stromal tumours in a stallion. Reprod Domest Anim. 2009;44:846-51. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01090.x

Brito LFC, Sertich PL, Durkin K, Chowdhary BP, Turner RM, Greene LM, et al. Autosomic 27 trisomy in a standardbred colt. J Equine Vet Sci. 2008;28:431-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2008.06.003

Barth AD, Brito LFC, Kastelic JP. The effect of nutrition on sexual development of bulls. Theriogenology. 2008;70:485-94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.05.031

Castilho C, Garcia JM, Renesto A, Nogueira GP, Brito LFC. Follicular dynamics and plasma FSH and progesterone concentrations during follicular deviation in the first post-ovulatory wave in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers. Anim Reprod Sci. 2007;98:189-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2006.03.008

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings N, Wilde R, Crews D, Jr., Mir P, et al. Circulating metabolic hormones during the peripubertal period and their association with testicular development in bulls. Reprod Domest Anim. 2007;42:502-8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2006.00813.x

Brito LFC. Evaluation of stallion sperm morphology. Clin Tech Equine Pract. 2007;6:249-64. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1053/j.ctep.2007.09.004

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings NC, Wilde RE, Crews DH, Jr., Mir PS, et al. Effect of nutrition during calfhood and peripubertal period on serum metabolic hormones, gonadotropins and testosterone concentrations, and on sexual development in bulls. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2007;33:1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.04.001

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings NC, Wilde RE, Crews DH, Jr., Mir PS, et al. Effect of improved nutrition during calfhood on serum metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, and testosterone concentrations, and on testicular development in bulls. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2007;33:460-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.domaniend.2006.09.004

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Rawlings NC, Wilde RE, Crews DH, Jr., Boisclair YR, et al. Effect of feed restriction during calfhood on serum concentrations of metabolic hormones, gonadotropins, testosterone, and on sexual development in bulls. Reproduction. 2007;134:171-81. https://doi.org/10.1530/rep-06-0353

Palmer CW, Brito LFC, Arteaga AA, Söderquist L, Persson Y, Barth AD. Comparison of electroejaculation and transrectal massage for semen collection in range and yearling feedlot beef bulls. Anim Reprod Sci. 2005;87:25-31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.09.004

Arteaga AA, Barth AD, Brito LFC. Relationship between semen quality and pixel-intensity of testicular ultrasonograms after scrotal insulation in beef bulls. Theriogenology. 2005;64:408-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.12.008

Palmer CW, Amundson SD, Brito LFC, Waldner CL, Barth AD. Use of oxytocin and cloprostenol to facilitate semen collection by electroejaculation or transrectal massage in bulls. Anim Reprod Sci. 2004;80:213-23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2003.07.003

Brito LFC, Silva AE, Unanian MM, Dode MA, Barbosa RT, Kastelic JP. Sexual development in early- and late-maturing Bos indicus and Bos indicus x Bos taurus crossbred bulls in Brazil. Theriogenology. 2004;62:1198-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2004.01.006

Brito LFC, Silva AE, Barbosa RT, Kastelic JP. Testicular thermoregulation in Bos indicus, crossbred and Bos taurus bulls: relationship with scrotal, testicular vascular cone and testicular morphology, and effects on semen quality and sperm production. Theriogenology. 2004;61:511-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00231-0

Brito LFC, Palmer C. Cystic ovarian disease in cattle. In: In: Large Animal Veterinary Rounds. Saskatoon, Canada: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine; 2004. https://doi.org/www.researchgate.net/profile/Leonardo-Brito-9/publication/213860186_Cystic_ovarian_disease_in_cattle/links/0f86425a1131e1772cfc9d64/Cystic-ovarian-disease-in-cattle.pdf

Barth AD, Arteaga AA, Brito LFC, Palmer CW. Use of internal artificial vaginas for breeding soundness evaluation in range bulls: an alternative for electroejaculation allowing observation of sex drive and mating ability. Anim Reprod Sci. 2004;84:315-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2004.02.010

Barth AD, Brito LFC. Pubertal development of Bos taurus bulls. In: Large Animal Veterinary Rounds. Saskatoon, Canada: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine; 2004. https://doi.org/www.researchgate.net/profile/Leonardo-Brito-9/publication/213859515_Pubertal_development_of_Bos_Taurus_bulls/links/0c87bc9fac3abfb6a9a9da0e/Pubertal-development-of-Bos-Taurus-bulls.pdf

Brito LFC, Silva AEDF, Barbosa RT, Unanian MM, Kastelic JP. Effects of scrotal insulation on sperm production, semen quality, and testicular echotexture in Bos indicus and Bos indicus × Bos taurus bulls. Anim Reprod Sci. 2003;79:1-15. https://doi.org/doi.org/10.1016/S0378-4320(03)00082-4

Brito LFC, Barth AD, Bilodeau-Goeseels S, Panich PL, Kastelic JP. Comparison of methods to evaluate the plasmalemma of bovine sperm and their relationship with in vitro fertilization rate. Theriogenology. 2003;60:1539-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00174-2

Brito LFC, Barth AD. Endometritis in mares. In: Large Animal Veterinary Rounds. Saskatoon, Canada: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine; 2003. https://doi.org/www.researchgate.net/profile/Leonardo-Brito-9/publication/213858523_Endometritis_in_mares/links/0afef948ac79ed7ff5e1ed8b/Endometritis-in-mares.pdf

Brito LFC, Silva AE, Rodrigues LH, Vieira FV, Deragon LA, Kastelic JP. Effect of age and genetic group on characteristics of the scrotum, testes and testicular vascular cones, and on sperm production and semen quality in AI bulls in Brazil. Theriogenology. 2002;58:1175-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0093-691x(02)00921-4

Brito LFC, Silva AE, Rodrigues LH, Vieira FV, Deragon LA, Kastelic JP. Effects of environmental factors, age and genotype on sperm production and semen quality in Bos indicus and Bos taurus AI bulls in Brazil. Anim Reprod Sci. 2002;70:181-90. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00009-x

Brito LFC, Satrapa R, Marson EP, Kastelic JP. Efficacy of PGF(2alpha) to synchronize estrus in water buffalo cows (Bubalus bubalis) is dependent upon plasma progesterone concentration, corpus luteum size and ovarian follicular status before treatment. Anim Reprod Sci. 2002;73:23-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-4320(02)00124-0

Gábor G, Kastelic JP, Cook RB, Sasser RG, Brito LFC, Csik JV, et al. Effects of GnRH treatment on scrotal surface temperatures in bulls. Can J Vet Res. 2001;65:60-3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1189644/

Brito LFC, Silva A, Barbosa R, Wilde R, Kastelic J. Testicular thermoregulation and its relationship with sperm production and quality in Canchim and Aberdeen Angus. Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal. 1999;23:220-2.

Barros C, Oba E, Brito LFC, Cook R, Coulter G, Groves G, et al. Testicular blood flow and oxygen evaluation in Aberdeen Angus bulls. Revista Brasileira de Reproducao Animal. 1999;23:218-20.