Alpha-tocopherol improves frozen-thawed sperm quality by reducing hydrogen peroxide during cryopreservation of bull semen

  • Mona Motemani Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Dept. of Animal Science, Tehran 1477893855
  • Mohammad Chamani Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Dept. of Animal Science, Tehran 1477893855
  • Mohsen Sharafi Tarbiat Modares University, Faculty of Agriculture, Dept. of Poultry Science, Tehran 1411713116
  • Reza Masoudi University of Tehran, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dept. of Animal Science, Karaj 1417614418
Keywords: antioxidant, bioxcell, lipid peroxidation, sperm, H2O2

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of α-tocopherol in cryopreservation media on the bull sperm quality after thawing. Semen samples were collected from six Holstein bulls using artificial vagina twice a week. Semen samples were pooled to eliminate individual differences and then divided into four equal parts for freezing with extenders containing different concentrations of α-tocopherol according to experimental groups as follows: 0 (control), 1.2 mM (E1), 2.4 mM (E2) and 4.8 mM (E4). Motion characteristics, viability, plasma membrane functionality, lipid peroxidation and H2O2 status were determined after thawing. Results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly lower in E4 (6.1±0.6 nmol/mL) than E1 and E2 extenders (8.1±0.6 nmol/mL and 8±0.6 nmol/mL, respectively). Also, the lowest significant concentration of H2O2 was observed in E4 (3.2±0.13 nmol/mL) compared to E1 (4 ±0.1 nmol/mL), E2 (5.3± 0.1 nmol/mL) and control (6.7±0.1 nmol/mL). Moreover, E2 and E4 produced the highest significant motility (74.2±1.6%, 75.9±1.6%), viability (78.2±1.8%, 76.1±1.8%) and membrane functionality (73±1.6%, 70.5±1.6%) compared to other groups. It can be concluded that α-tocopherol at the concentration of 4.8 mM can be an efficient antioxidant additive in Bioxcell extender for cryopreservation of bull semen.


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References

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Published
2017-04-20
How to Cite
Motemani, M., Chamani, M., Sharafi, M., & Masoudi, R. (2017). Alpha-tocopherol improves frozen-thawed sperm quality by reducing hydrogen peroxide during cryopreservation of bull semen. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 15(1), e0401. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2017151-9761
Section
Animal breeding, genetics and reproduction