Flaxseed Oil as a Source of Omega n-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Semen Quality from Livestock Animals: A Review

Abstract

The demand to conserve indigenous species through the cryo-gene bank is increasing. Spermatozoa remain sensitive to cryopreservation damages especially that of avian species thus limiting the use of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination in the conservation programs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFAs), specifically omega n-3, expanded a research interest to improve animal reproductive efficiency through improving spermatozoa quality. This is driven by the fact that mammals cannot synthesize omega-3 de-novo because they lack delta-12 and delta-15 desaturase enzymes thus supplemented in the diet is mandatory. Delta-12 and delta-15 add a double bond at the 12th and 15th carbon-carbon bond from the methyl end of fatty acids, lengthening the chain to 22 carbon molecules. Fish oil is a pioneer source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. However, there is a report that numerous fisheries are over-exploited and could collapse. Furthermore, processing techniques used for processing by-products could complement alterations of the amino acid profile and reduce protein retrieval. Alternatively, flaxseed oil contains ±52–58% of total fatty acids and lignans in the form of α-linolenic and linoleic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3) is enzymatically broken-down de-novo by delta-6 desaturase and lengthened into a long-chain carbon molecule such as eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3). Nevertheless, controversial findings following the enrichment of diet with flaxseed oil have been reported. Therefore, this paper is aimed to postulate the role of flaxseed oil as an alternative source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids to improve semen quality and quantity from livestock animals. These include the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and spermatogenesis, the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and testicular cells, and the effect of flaxseed oil on semen quality. It additionally assesses the antioxidants to balance the level of PUFAs in the semen.

Seasonal Variations in Semen Quality, Testosterone Levels, and Scrotal Size following Dietary Flaxseed Oil and Ascorbic Acid in South African Indigenous Rams

“…There was a significant difference in the NC, PC, and FLAX; however, ASCA and FLAX + ASCA led to non-significant differences. It is well known that the season has an effect on sperm quality [ 54 ], and flaxseed oil and natural antioxidants (vitamins C and E) are capable of improving the sperm quality of livestock [ 55 ]. In Chios rams, sperm motility could not differ between seasons [ 20 ], even after freezing and thawing [ 56 ].…”

Hydroalcoholic extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra root combined with Linum usitatissimum oil as an alternative for hormone replacement therapy in ovariectomized rats

“…Also, Linum usitatissimum has been introduced as the first-line treatment for cyclic mastalgia, due to its structural similarity to tamoxifen, and aromatase enzyme inhibitors resulted in a reduction in the severity of breast pain [ 81 ]. Improvements in the semen quality were reported during the consumption of Linum usitatissimum [ 82 ].…”