Assessing undiluted, diluted and frozen-thawed Nili-Ravi buffalo bull sperm by using standard semen assays

The influence of rutin and chlorogenic acid on oxidative stress and in vivo fertility: Evaluation of the quality and antioxidant status of post-thaw semen from Azari water buffalo bulls

BACKGROUND

The vulnerability of buffalo sperm to cryoinjury necessitates the improvement of sperm cryo-resistance as a critical strategy for the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies in buffalo.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of rutin and chlorogenic acid (CGA) on buffalo semen quality, antioxidant activity and fertility during cryopreservation.

METHODS

The semen was collected and pooled from the 3 buffaloes using an artificial vagina (18 ejaculations). The pooled sperm were divided into nine different groups: control (Tris-based extender); 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mM rutin (rutin + Tris-based extender); and 50, 100, 150 and 200 µM CGG (CGA + Tris-based extender). Sperm kinematics, viability, hypo-osmotic swelling test, mitochondrial activity, antioxidant activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of frozen and thawed buffalo sperm were evaluated. In addition, 48 buffalo were finally inseminated, and pregnancy was rectally determined 1 month after insemination.

RESULTS

Compared to the control group, adding R-0.4, R-0.6, CGA-100 and CGA-150 can improve total and progressive motility, motility characteristics, viability, PMF and DNA damage in buffalo sperm. In addition, the results showed that R-0.4, R-0.6, CGA-50, CGA-100 and CGA-150 increased total antioxidant capacity, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione activities and decreased MDA levels compared to the control group. Furthermore, it has been shown that adding 150 µM CGA and 0.6 mM rutin to an extender can increase in vivo fertility compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, adding rutin and CGA to the extender improves membrane stability and in vivo fertility of buffalo sperm by reducing oxidative stress.

Effect of autologous platelet-rich plasma on the fertility and quality of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen: a comparative study using OptiXcell® and tris egg yolk extenders

BACKGROUND

Buffalo spermatozoa have a distinct membrane structure that makes them more vulnerable to cryopreservation, resulting in lower-quality post-thawed sperm. This decreases the success rate of artificial insemination in buffaloes. Understanding and addressing these specific vulnerabilities are essential for improving reproductive techniques in buffalo populations. The properties of cryopreserved buffalo bull semen were examined in this study regarding the impact of adding autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to OptiXcell® or Tris egg yolk-based extenders. Ten buffalo bulls were used to collect semen. Each bull's ejaculate was separated into two main equal amounts, each of which was then diluted with either OptiXcell® or Tris egg yolk-based extender, supplemented with various PRP concentrations (5%, 10%, and 15%), and the control (0%), before being cryopreserved according to established protocols. Following equilibration and thawing, the quality and functionality of the sperm were evaluated, along with the antioxidant enzyme activities (GSH and TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and in vivo fertilization rate of the thawed semen.

RESULTS

All PRP concentrations in both extenders, particularly 10% PRP, improved the quality and functionality of the sperm in both equilibrated and frozen-thawed semen. Additionally, the antioxidant enzyme activities in both extenders were higher in the PRP-supplemented groups compared to the control group in thawed semen (P < 0.05). All post-thaw sperm quality, antioxidant enzyme activities, and functionality aside from DNA integrity were higher (P < 0.05) in the PRP-supplemented OptiXcell® than in the PRP-supplemented Tris egg yolk-based extender. The fertility of cryopreserved semen in the extenders supplemented with 10% and 15% PRP increased (P < 0.05) significantly more than that of the control extenders, with 10% PRP being the optimum concentration in OptiXcell® (80%) compared to that of Tris egg yolk-based extender (66.67%) and control of two extenders (53.33% and 46.67%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Even though autologous PRP-supplemented extenders have a protective impact on equilibrated and cryopreserved semen, 10% PRP-supplemented OptiXcell® extenders are more effective at preserving post-thaw semen quality, functionality, and antioxidant capacity, which increases the in vivo fertility of buffalo bulls.

Effects of intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol and saline on the quality of donkey sperm, indicators of oxidative stress and testicular tissue pathology

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to examine donkey sperm quality after intratesticular injection of hypertonic mannitol (HM) and saline (HS).

METHODS

Randomly assigned to five treatment groups were 15 adult male donkeys: (1) Control group (no treatment), (2) Surgery group (surgical castration for testosterone control), (3) NS group (normal saline intratesticular injection), (4) HS group (hypertonic saline), and (5) HM group. We injected 20 mL per testicle. We took 5 mL blood from all donkeys before injection. Castration was performed under general anesthesia 60 days later. Samples included blood and testicular tissue. Total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), movementy features, DNA damage, morphology, viability, and plasma membrane functionality were evaluated. Hormone analyses, histomorphometric studies and oxidative stress indices including total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADP+/NADPH were evaluated. Apoptosis, pyroptosis-related Bax, Caspase-1, GSDMD, and Bcl-2 expression were also assessed.

RESULTS

In HS and HM groups, testosterone, epididymal sperm count, motility, viability, and plasma membrane functionality dropped while sperm DNA damage increased. HS and HM groups had significantly lower histomorphometric parameters, TAC, GPx, SOD, GSH, and Bcl-2 gene expression. MDA, NADP+/NADPH, Bax, Caspase-1, and GSDMD gene expression were substantially higher in the HS and HM groups than in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Toxic effects of hypertonic saline and mannitol on reproductive parameters were seen following, hence, they might be considered as a good chemical sterilizing treatment in donkeys.

Effect of olive, flaxseed, and grape seed nano-emulsion essential oils on semen buffalo freezability

The existing treatise targeted to compare the effects of adding different nano-emulsions essential oils (olive, flaxseed, and grapeseed oils) in freezing extender on semen quality and freezability in buffalo. Nano-emulsions were prepared from olive, flaxseed, and grapeseed oils and characterized for their sizes and shapes. Semen extended in four tubes were supplemented with 0 (control) and 3.5% nanoemulsion oils, including olive (NEO), flaxseed (NEFO) and grape seed oils (NEGSO) respectively. NEGSO resulted in the highest (p < 0.05) membrane integrity, vitality, progressive motility (P-motility) of sperm compared to the other groups in post-thawed buffalo bull semen (at 37 °C for 30 s). The addition of NEGSO had the best results for membrane integrity, progressive motility, and vitality of sperm after incubation (at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for 2 h). A superior (p < 0.05) value of total antioxidant capacity in frozen-thawed spermatozoa was monitored in all supplemented groups as relative to the control. The values of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were lower (p < 0.05) in NEGSO group compared with other groups. Both NEO and NEFO exhibited the same results for MDA, and NO levels (p > 0.05). All supplemented groups exhibited lower hydrogen peroxide levels (p < 0.05) as relative to the un-treated group. The lowest (p < 0.05) caspase 3 levels were verified in NEGSO treatment, followed by NEFO and NEO treatments. Post-thawed sperm showed ultrastructural damages in the control group, and theses damages were attenuated or resorted by the NEGSO, NEFO and NEO supplemented to freezing extender. In consequences with in vitro results regarding the sperm attribute, a greater pregnancy rate (92%) was observed in NEGSO group as compared with NEFO (88%), NEO (76%) and CON (68%) groups. Our findings demonstrate that NEGSO (3.5%) could be used as a new strategy in enhancing sperm functionality, potential fertility and reducing the oxidative damage and apoptosis markers. This could be significantly applicable for sperm physiology cryopreservation in the milieu of assisted reproduction systems.

The influence of L-proline and fulvic acid on oxidative stress and semen quality of buffalo bull semen following cryopreservation

BACKGROUND

This study investigates the effects of cryopreservation and supplementation of Azeri water buffalo's semen with proline (Lp) and fulvic acid (FA).

OBJECTIVES

Therefore, this study aimed to assess motility parameters, sperm viability, oxidative stress parameters, and DNA damage to detect the optimum concentrations of Lp and FA for buffalo semen cryopreservation.

METHODS

Thirty semen samples of three buffalo bulls were diluted in Tris-egg yolk extender and divided into 12 equal groups including control (C), Lp-10, Lp-20, Lp-40, Lp-60, Lp-80 (containing 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 mM L-proline, respectively), FA-0.2, FA-0.5, FA-0.8, FA-1.1, FA-1.4 and FA-1.7 (containing 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1.1%, 1.4% and 1.7% fulvic acid, respectively).

RESULTS

The velocity parameters, TM and PM were improved by FA-1.7, FA-1.4, Lp-40 and Lp-60 groups compared to the C group but no significant difference was found regarding the amplitude of lateral head displacement and straightness compared to the control groups. The percentage of sperm viability and PMF were increased by FA-1.7, FA-1.4, FA-1.1, Lp-40 and Lp-60 groups compared to C group, while in terms of sperm DNA damage FA-1.7, FA-1.4, FA-1.1, Lp-10, Lp-20, Lp-40 and Lp-60 groups showed better results compared to C group. The results also showed that FA-1.7, FA-1.4, FA-1.1, Lp-20, Lp-40 and Lp-60 groups could improve TAC, SOD, GSH and decrease MDA levels. Also, FA-1.7, FA-1.4, Lp-20 and Lp-40 groups could improve GPx levels but just FA-1.7, and Lp-40 groups could improve CAT levels compared to C group.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, it can be concluded that L-proline and fulvic acid supplementations can improve the quality parameters of post-thawed buffalo bull semen.

Reducing oxidative stress by κ-carrageenan and C60HyFn: The post-thaw quality and antioxidant status of Azari water buffalo bull semen

Azeri water buffalo is a species of great interest due to the high quality of its products such as milk. Due to the decreasing trend of its number and risk of extinction in the future, our attention is directed towards ensuring the preservation of its genetic reserves by keeping its sperm. Using antioxidants in semen extender is one of the ways to reduce the detrimental effects of freezing process on post-thawed quality of spermatozoa. This study was conducted to determine the effect of κ-carrageenan (k-CRG) and C60HyFn supplemented semen extender on the quality of post-thawed Azari water buffalo spermatozoa. A total of 30 semen samples were obtained from three buffaloes using an artificial vagina (twice a week for five weeks = 10 replicates). The samples (n = 3) from each replicate were pooled and divided into equal aliquots to prepare 14 extender groups, including control (C), k-0.2, K-0.4, K-0.6, K-0.8 (containing 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg K-CRG/mL, respectively), C-0.1, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, C-10, C-20, and C-40 (containing 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1, 5, 10, 20, 40 μM C60HyFn, respectively), and then frozen. After thawing, motility and velocity parameters, plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and functionality (PMF), DNA damage, Hypo-osmotic swelling (HOS) test, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase glutathione activities and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging were evaluated. In vivo fertility was compared between k-0.6, C-1 and control groups. 60 buffalo were inseminated 24 h after the onset of estrus. The diagnosis of pregnancy was performed rectally at least 60 days after fertilization. Total and progressive motility and velocity parameters were improved by k-0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups) compared to the other groups. Plasma membranes integrity and PMF were improved by k-0.4, k-0.6, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups compared to other groups, while in terms of sperm DNA damage K-0.4, K-0.6, K-0.8, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups showed better results compared to the control group. The evidence also showed that k- 0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups could improve TAC, and decrease MDA levels. Also, k-0.4, k-0.6, k-0.8, C-0.2, C-0.4, C-0.8, C-1, C-5, and C-10 groups could improve GPx, CAT, and GSH levels, but no significant difference was found regarding SOD compared to the other groups. DPPH scavengers were tested by K-0.6, K-0.8 and C-1, C-5, C-10, C-0.8, C-0.4 and C-0.2 groups and compared to other groups improved. The fertility rate [70% (14/20)] was higher in C-1 than other groups. To conclude that k-CRG and C60HyFn supplementation can increase the quality parameters of cryopreserved buffalo semen after thawing and that 1 M C60HyFn can increase in vivo fertility of buffalo semen.

Supplementation of Alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanoliposomes in semen extender improves freezability of buffalo spermatozoa

This research was designed to explore the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid-loaded nanoliposomes (ALAN) during cryopreservation of buffalo sperm. Buffalo semen was cryopreserved in a tris-citrate egg yolk extender without any supplement (ALAN0, control group) or with ALAN at levels of 25, 50, 75 or 150 µg (ALAN25, ALAN50, ALAN75 and ALAN150, respectively). The ALAN had a size of 171.80 nm and a negative zeta potential (- 43.40 mV). The progressive motility, vitality and membrane integrity significantly improved in all ALAN groups (except ALAN25 for membrane integrity). ALAN150 group exhibited the best values of progressive sperm motility, vitality and membrane integrity after thawing at 37 °C for 30 s or incubated for 2 h at 37 °C and 5% CO₂ compared with those in other groups. Both ALAN75 and ALAN150 groups significantly improved the TAC, GR and catalase, while lipid peroxidation and early apoptotic spermatozoa significantly decreased in ALAN150 group followed by ALAN75 group. Collectively, the adding ALAN to buffalo semen freezing extender plays a substantial shielding function against cryodamage by preserving the sperm functional parameters.

PCR investigation of the vertical transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in Montbéliarde cattle in Gonbad, northeast of Iran

Bovine tuberculosis is an important global zoonosis. The causative agent of the disease is Mycobacterium bovis, belonging to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. This study aimed to identify vertical transmission of Mycobacterium bovis in tuberculin positive pregnant dairy cows referred to the slaughterhouse and commercial sperm used to inseminate them in Gonbad, Gorgan province, Iran, by PCR assay. From March to September 2016, one thousand and seven hundred artificially inseminated cows were subjected to the tuberculin test; then, tuberculin positive cows were referred to the Gonbad slaughterhouse. Samples containing milk, lymph node, placenta, foetal abomasal fluid, and amniotic fluid were prepared from all affected cows and stored at -80 °C until analysis. Bacterial DNA was extracted from all specimens by a commercial kit. Detection was performed by amplifying pncATB gene using special primers via the polymerase chain reaction method. Results of tuberculin test revealed 144 positive cases (8.47%). PCR results for 48 milk samples, 120 biopsy samples, 63 samples of foetuses showed 9, 93 and 43 positive cases, respectively which all belonged to tuberculin positive samples. No positive sperm samples were identified. It was concluded that the infection rate with M. bovis in Montbéliarde cattle was high and also, that vertical transmission was not seen.

Effect of turmeric extract and dimethyl sulfoxide on buffalo semen freezability and fertility

The freeze-thaw process results in structural and functional damages caused by overaccumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Addition of antioxidants to semen extenders is of a great importance to overcome this oxidative damage. The study objective was to evaluate the consequence of using Tris-citric acid fructose egg yolk (TCFY) extender supplemented with a combination of turmeric extract and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) [TTD] on sperm freezability and fertility. From five tubes (each containing 5 mL TCFY), the first tube contained neither turmeric extract nor DMSO and was kept as control. The other four tubes contained 1.5% DMSO plus 100 µL/5 mL, 200 µL/5 mL, 300 µL/5 mL and 400 µL/5 mL turmeric extract. Semen samples were pooled and extended to reach an application of 60×106 sperm/mL (TT1D to TT4D, respectively). Diluted semen was exposed to the freezing protocol. The post cooling results revealed significant improvement in percent of alive spermatozoa in TT1D, significant decrease in sperm abnormalities in all concentrations used, significant improvement in intact acrosome percentage in TT1D, TT2D and TT4D. The post thawing results exhibited significant improvement in sperm motility in TT1D, TT2D and TT4D; significant amelioration of sperm membrane integrity (HOST) in TT1D, TT2D, TT3D and TT4D. Acrosome integrity was maintained in all concentrations as in the control. It was concluded that TT1D revealed the best semen quality in cooled semen; and TT1D, TT2D exhibited the superior post thawing semen quality. In addition, conception rate (CR) of the post-thawed semen was ameliorated in TT1D, TT2D, TT3D and TT4D with TT1D being the best one with this regard.

Caffeic acid improves microscopic sperm parameters and antioxidant status of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bull semen following freeze-thawing process

This study investigates the effects of cryopreservation and supplementation of buffalo's semen with Caffeic acid. It studies the effects of different Caffeic acid concentrations on cryopreservation capacity of the buffalo and evaluates their influence on various sperm parameters like motility, viability, progressive motility, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and antioxidant status. Twenty-four semen samples were collected with an artificial vaginal from three adult water buffalos. The semen samples were evaluated and the qualified ejaculates were separated and were diluted in a Tris-based extender. The resulting samples were classified into 5 groups: No antioxidant (control), Control sham (NaOH), Caffeic acid 50 μM, Caffeic acid 100 μM, and Caffeic acid 200 μM. The semen samples encountered cryodamage and the quality was deteriorating during the cryopreservation (P < 0.05). The semen evaluation after thawing showed that the groups of samples receiving 100 μM Caffeic acid had higher viability, total motility, and lower abnormal sperm and better linearity (LIN), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL) and path velocity and higher intact plasma membrane (P < 0.05) compared to other groups. It is notable that adding 100 μM Caffeic acid to freezing extenders enhances the CAT, GPx, SOD, and GSH and also ameliorates total antioxidant capacity of spermatozoa after thawing. It is notable that the addition of 100 μM Caffeic acid decreases the amount of Malondialdehyde. These reactions lead us to conclude that 100 μM Caffeic acid enhances the semen quality of water buffalo after thawing.

Effect of fans and showers on the physiological measures and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during subtropical summer

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of fans and showers on the physiological measures and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during subtropical summer in Pakistan. Thirty-six bulls with an average body weight of 898.0 ± 135.2 kg (mean ± SD) and an average age (4 to 6 years) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (1) CTL, bulls kept under shade only; (2) FN, bulls provided with fans under shade; and (3) FNS, bulls provided showers in addition to fans under shade. The trial was carried out for 6 months from April to September 2016 and was categorized into two seasons (dry summer and humid summer). Ambient temperature, relative humidity, temperature-humidity index, dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, rectal temperature (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were recorded daily. Semen characteristics and selected blood metabolites were measured every 2 weeks. The results indicated that the DMI of the bulls was similar between the treatment groups. Water intake, RT, PR and RR were significantly lower in the FNS group than in the CTL and FN groups (P < 0.001). Semen characteristics, including semen concentration, post-thaw semen motility, progressive motility, amplitude of lateral head displacement, straightness, live-to-dead ratio, plasma membrane integrity, normal acrosomal ridge and DNA integrity, were not different between the treatment groups (P > 0.05). The FNS group tended to have a higher semen volume than that of the FN and CTL groups (P = 0.10). Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the FNS group than in the FN and CTL groups (P < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen and testosterone were not different among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). The current results indicated that showers with fans improved the welfare of Holstein Friesian bulls by lowering physiological measures in addition to increasing trends in semen volume during subtropical summer.

Effect of fat supplementation on physiological and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during summer

The objective of current study was to determine the effect of fat supplement on physiological and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during subtropical summer in Pakistan. Eighteen bulls were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: (1) CTL, basal diet without fat supplementation; (2) FS100, basal diet with 100 g fat supplementation (Energizer-RP-10®, IFFCO, Johor, Malaysia); (3) FS200, basal diet with 200 g fat supplementation. Basal diet consisted of 50% green fodder (corn silage), 25% wheat straw, and 25% concentrate on dry matter basis. Diets were offered for 14 weeks from May to August 2016. The average daily temperature-humidity index ranged from 85 to 88 for the experimental period. The results indicated that there was no difference in dry matter intake, water intake, rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiration rate among the treatment groups. Fat supplementation did not influence semen traits including sperm motility, progressive motility, amplitude of lateral head displacement, live-to-dead ratio, normal acrosomal ridge, plasma membrane integrity, and DNA integrity. The interaction of season with fat revealed that FA200 significantly increased post thaw semen motility and progressive motility during hot humid summer (P < 0.05). Analysis of blood metabolites showed that blood urea nitrogen was higher in FS200 compared with CTL and FS100 groups (P < 0.05). There was no effect of fat supplementation on blood testosterone level. Glucose showed quadratic trend in response to fat supplementation. It could be concluded that addition of fat only improved motility and progressive motility of sperms during hot humid summer.

Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Male Ruminant Reproduction - A Review

Fatty acids such as n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are critical nutrients, used to improve male reproductive performance through modification of fatty acid profile and maintenance of sperm membrane integrity, especially under cold shock or cryopreservation condition. Also, PUFA provide the precursors for prostaglandin synthesis and can modulate the expression patterns of many key enzymes involved in both prostaglandin and steroid metabolism. Many studies carried out on diets supplemented with PUFA have demonstrated their capability to sustain sperm motility, viability and fertility during chilling and freezing as well as improving testis development and spermatogenesis in a variety of livestock species. In addition to the type and quantity of dietary fatty acids, ways of addition of PUFA to diet or semen extender is very crucial as it has different effects on semen quality in male ruminants. Limitation of PUFA added to ruminant ration is due to biohydrogenation by rumen microorganisms, which causes conversion of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids, leading to loss of PUFA quantity. Thus, many strategies for protecting PUFA from biohydrogenation in rumen have been developed over the years. This paper reviews four aspects of PUFA in light of previous research including rumen metabolism, biological roles, influence on reproduction, and strategies to use in male ruminants.

Effect of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched diet on plasma IGF-1 and testosterone concentration, puberty and semen quality in male buffalo

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA enriched diet on plasma IGF-1 and testosterone concentrations, puberty, sperm fatty acid profile and semen quality in male buffalo. Eighteen male buffalo calves were distributed randomly in three different groups and fed concentrate mixture along with green fodder and wheat straw in 50:40:10 ratios as per requirements. Basis ration of animals in group I was supplemented with 4% of prilled fat (PFA), while in group II and group III were added 4.67% of Calcium salt from Soybean (CaSFA) and Linseed oil (CaLFA), respectively. Male buffalo fed omega-3 PUFA high diet significantly increased concentrations of IGF-1 and testosterone in plasma as compared to two other diets (p<0.05). The age of puberty and scrotal circumference significantly increased by dietary fat effect (p<0.05) of which n-3 PUFA enriched diet (CaLFA) had the largest influence as compared to other diets (PFA and CaSFA). Feeding of n-3 PUFA rich diet significantly increased the DHA (C22:6n-3) content in sperm (p<0.05), which contributed to increased fluidity of plasma membrane, elevated quality of sperm (motility, viability) and in vitro fertility (plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity) in both fresh and post-thawing semen. These findings indicate that feeding of n-3 PUFA enriched diet increased IGF-1 and testosterone secretion, reduced pubertal age and improved both fresh and post-thawing semen quality in male buffalo.

Effects of different concentrations of BHT on microscopic and oxidative parameters of Mahabadi goat semen following the freeze-thaw process

Oxidative damage to sperm is one of the main causes for decline in motility and fertility of frozen-thawed sperm. Thus, it is crucial to use cryoprotectant agents in extender in order to prevent lethal intracellular ice crystal formation. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of the antioxidant butylated hyroxytoluene (BHT) on sperm parameters post-thaw. Semen was diluted into five equal aliquots of extender containing different concentrations of BHT (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4mM), aspirated into 0.25 mL straws, and equilibrated at 5°C for 2h. After equilibration, straws were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. Sperm parameters, including motility and progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and capacitation status, were assessed. Malondialdehiyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activity were also evaluated after freezing-thawing. Results of this experiment show that addition of 1mM of BHT to the extender for freezing of goat semen can improve motility, progressive motility and viability (P<0.05) and reduce the MDA level (P<0.01). HOST (hypo-osmotic swelling test), acrosome integrity, capacitation status and GSH-PX were not affected by the concentrations of BHT (P>0.05). Therefore, we conclude that the optimum concentration of BHT for cryopreservation of goat semen is 1mM.

Butylated hydroxytoluene inclusion in semen extender improves the post-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Ejaculated bull semen was extended in a Tris-citrate egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mM). Semen was frozen at -196 degrees C using 50 x 10(6) spermatozoa per 0.5 mL straws. Five straws from each treatment were thawed to assess the semen quality in terms of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility was determined using a phase-contrast microscope. Viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by the supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test and normal acrosomal reaction, respectively. The highest (P<0.05) motility, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling response of spermatozoa was achieved by addition of 1.0 and 2.0mM BHT to semen extender. However, highest (P<0.05) viability of spermatozoa was achieved by inclusion of 2.0mM BHT. The higher concentration of BHT (3.0mM) reduced the motility, acrosomal integrity, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling response of the spermatozoa compared to other concentration used. In conclusion, BHT when added in the semen extender can improve the semen quality of buffalo bulls.