Effect of different cryopreservation extenders added with antioxidants on semen quality and in vitro embryo production efficiency in cattle

Abstract

To evaluate the addition of antioxidants in extenders on post-thaw bovine semen quality and in vitro embryo production effi ciency. Six semen samples were collected from fi ve Holstein bulls. In the experiment I, the samples were diluted with AndroMed® and Bovimix® and added antioxidants glutathione (1.5 and 2.5 mM) and melatonin (0.5 and 1.0 mM). In the experiment II, the best treatments obtained in experiment I were used for in vitro fecundation. Glutathione did not improve sperm viability. Melatonin had a negative effect on semen characteristics. Andromed® showed better results in sperm kinetics parameters. Bovimix® was more effi cient in maintaining cell integrity parameters. Signifi cant correlation was found between sperm kinetics parameters and between cell integrity parameters. For in vitro embryo production, after oocyte selection, maturation, fertilization and cultivation were performed using the four treatments previously evaluated. Andromed® was more effi cient in the cleavage rate, no effect of the addition of glutathione. However, the addition of 2.5 mM glutathione in the Bovimix® improved the cleavage rate. There was a signifi cant moderate correlation between cleavage rate and sperm kinetic characteristics. Glutathione did not improve sperm viability. Melatonin reduced the maintenance of sperm characteristics. Andromed® was more effi cient in in vitro embryo production and no effect of glutathione was found in this extender. Addition of 2.5 mM glutathione in the Bovimix® extender provided a higher cleavage rate.

Bull Semen Obtained on Beef Farms by Electroejaculation: Sperm Quality in the First Two Hours of Storing with Different Extenders and Holding Temperatures

“…This hyperactivity led to a change in motility, increasing VCL and ALH values and decreasing VSL [43,55]. This hyperactivation can be positive because it favours the penetration of the sperm into the oocyte [59], but if this activation occurs early, it can be unstable [60] and undesirable because it would reduce the spermatozoa lifespan and fertilisation capacity [53].…”

An Overview of Reactive Oxygen Species Damage Occurring during In Vitro Bovine Oocyte and Embryo Development and the Efficacy of Antioxidant Use to Limit These Adverse Effects

“…Hypotaurine is not the only antioxidant studied for its ability to function during sperm cryopreservation. For example, GSH supplementation improved sperm motility, progressive sperm motility, average velocity, and progressive linear velocity [160]. This GSH supplementation did not, however, improve cleavage or blastocyst rates [160], suggesting that GSH may provide more of a benefit when cryopreserved semen is thawed and inseminated into cattle rather than used for IVF.…”