Antioxidants and poultry semen quality

Abstract

Avian spermatozoa are characterised by high proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) which is associated with increased susceptibility to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Recent advances in avian reproduction have focused on the potential of ROS as one of the prime mediators of infertility. Although ROS are involved in many physiological functions of spermatozoa, their excessive production may result in oxidative stress. The production of ROS is enhanced during unfavourable environmental and stressful conditions, and an effective scavenging system is essential to counter the production of ROS. Antioxidants are compounds that suppress the formation of ROS. Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants build a powerful antioxidant system in avian semen which is able to protect it against ROS and lipid peroxidation. The balance between ROS and antioxidants in avian semen is a fundamental determinant of membrane integrity, sperm viability and fertilising ability. A regulating role of ROS in sperm function in mammalian sperm along with their counteractive mechanisms have been extensively studied; but their role for avian species reproduction remains to be elucidated. Various antioxidants belonging both to enzymatic and nonenzymatic groups can counter oxidative stress. Hence the rationale of using antioxidants is advocated.

Effect of different levels of alpha tocopherol on performance traits, serum antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ) under low ambient temperature

“…Antioxidant vitamins have an inverse relationship with lipid peroxidation inside the body, resulting in damage of cells. It is well documented that vitamin E is an antioxidant vitamin and plays an essential role in the defense against lipid peroxidation (Khan, 2011). In the current work, serum level of the antioxidant enzymes, SOD and GPx, was significantly higher in group D. Jena et al (2013) reported that SOD and catalase increased significantly when broilers were supplemented with vitamin E under heat stress condition.…”

“…The results of experiments are variable chiefly depending upon the dose and duration of feeding, genetics, and age . Unfortunately, birds are unable to synthesize vitamin E in their body and, therefore, they largely depend upon external sources of this vitamin in their diet (Khan, 2011;Ipek and Dikmen, 2014). The minimum requirement of vitamin E in the feed is 10 mg/kg of feed, and a deficiency of this vitamin may result in retarded performance .…”

“…Antioxidants are the substances that can scavenge, dispose of, or reduce the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or suppress their action (Khan, 2011;Majid et al, 2015). As a consequence of extensive lipid peroxidation, ROS are continuously produced, which is detrimental to the productive performance of the birds.…”

“…These metals are required for the catalytic properties, which have widespread distribution and functions in animal biology (Rahman et al, 2014;Majid et al, 2015). Reports on animal models have shown that antioxidant enzyme level varies with the level of antioxidants in the food (Khan, 2011;Majid et al, 2015).…”

Serum antioxidants and trace minerals as influenced by vitamins, probiotics and proteins in broiler breeders

“…The study of free radicals is immensely important as it results in the pathogenesis of lipid peroxidation of the plasma membrane (Khan 2011;Khan et al 2011b). The blood plasma has been endowed with a considerable amount of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, which are constantly combating against the free radicals to neutralise their deleterious impacts on the body (Khan 2011).…”