Effect of azolla supplementation in feed on semen freezability in bucks

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of azolla supplementation on semen freezability in Barbari bucks. Ten adult Barbari bucks (2–4 years old) were selected, and divided into control and treatment group (5 bucks in each group) as per completely randomized design. Bucks of control group were fed with 400 g concentrate pellet/day along with 6–7 h grazing while bucks of treatment group were supplemented with 100 g fresh azolla along with 400 g concentrate pellet and 6–7 h grazing. Semen ejaculates (8) were collected from each buck of control and treatment groups after 60 days of azolla supplementation. Immediately after collection, semen samples were evaluated for colour, volume, density, mass motility, progressive motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa. Then semen samples were diluted with tris–citric acid fructose diluents having 6% (v/v) glycerol as cryoprotective agent and 10% (v/v) egg yolk. After equilibration, semen samples were filled in straws and vapour frozen for 10 min 4 cm above the liquid nitrogen and finally stored into liquid nitrogen container. Post thaw motility, live sperm count, abnormalities, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling test were conducted to check the effect of azolla feeding on the freezability. Post thaw motility, live sperm count, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa were significantly higher in treatment group. It could be concluded that dietary azolla supplementation to breeding bucks improved the quality and freezability of semen favouring the use in artificial insemination program.

Effect of Spirulina platensis Supplementation on Reproductive Parameters of Sahrawi and Jabbali Goat Bucks

“…The possible reason for libido enhancement in the supplemented groups may be attributed to the elevated levels of Zn and Cu present in SP, which are also detected in Azolla, as reported by Chetna and Ravindra [28] as well as Gupta and Chandra [29]. Another study conducted by [30] investigated the effect of zinc in bulls and concluded that zinc deficiency led to poor semen quality and reduced testicular size and libido.…”

Bolstering Buck Fertility: The Impact of Asparagus racemosus Aqueous Extract on Semen Cryopreservation and Antioxidant Defense System

“…1). In our previous study, we found that dietary azolla supplementation signi cantly improves the semen quality and libido in bucks (Gangwar et al, 2019). Earlier study has shown that buck sperm motility was 68.59% after three days of storage at 5℃ (Wen et al, 2019); it reached 78.2% (a signi cant increase) after three days of liquid preservation with Shatavari supplementation.…”

Genetic and Non-genetic Factors Influencing Semen Production Traits in Dairy Bulls

“…The semen production data were divided into five periods: I (2001-2004), II (2005II ( -2008, III (2009-2012), IV (2013-2016) and V (2017-2020. Each year was further subdivided into four seasons: winter (December to February), summer (March to April), south-west monsoon (June to August) and north-east monsoon (September to November).…”

“…Some studies, including Mukherjee and Bhattacharya (1952), Kodagali (1962), Sinha and Prasad (1966), Tomar et al (1970), Rao and Rao (1975) and Tomar and Gupta (1984), have reported higher initial motility during winter compared to summer, which is consistent with the results of this study. However, there have been conflicting findings, with studies such as Tomar et al (1966), Sinha and Prasad (1966), Mandal et al (2005), Khan et al (2007) and Tiwari et al (2012) reporting no influence of season on initial motility.…”