scholarly journals Effect of sunflower lecithin on Kalahari Red goat semen during cryopreservation

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sakirat Opeyemi Adeyanju ◽  
James Olatinbo Daramola ◽  
Jimoh Alao Olanite ◽  
Olufiropo Samson Awokola
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Lecithin ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Domestic Animal ◽  
Arginase Activity ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Phospholipid Content ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Different Levels

Abstract Soybean lecithin had been used as an alternative to egg yolk in domestic animal semen extender during cryopreservation due to its characteristic phospholipid content which played a major cryoprotective role. This composition of soybean lecithin informed the replacement of soybean with sunflower lecithin (SL) in the extender for the Kalahari Red (KR) buck semen cryopreservation in this study. Effect of different levels of SL on the quality of the KR buck semen during cryopreservation using slow freezing method was evaluated. Semen samples were collected from four KR bucks of between two and two and half of age using artificial vagina, evaluated for motility and then diluted in extenders containing different levels of SL (1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5%) as experimental group and 0% SL or 20% egg yolk as control. Semen parameters including motility, acrosome integrity (AcI), membrane integrity (MI), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, cholesterol level and seminal arginase activity were evaluated for. The results showed that motility, acrosome integrity (AI) and membrane integrity were comparable at 0%, (22.00 ± 4.58, 82.00 ± 3.51 and 96.00 ± 2.03); 1.5%, (23.00 ± 2.08, 87.00 ± 3.79 and 89.00 ± 2.08); 3.0%, (13.00 ± 2.52, 81.33 ± 0.41 and 76.67 ± 1.20) and 4.5% (11.00 ± 4.51, 85.33 ± 9.88 and 84.00 ± 8.50), respectively, after thawing. SL at 0% had the highest (P < 0.05) values for MDA, cholesterol and seminal arginase activity (1.10 ± 0.008 nmol/ml, 236.35 ± 4.08 mg/dl and 0.54 ± 3.3 E-3 units/mg protein, respectively). Our data suggest that 1.5% sunflower lecithin can be used in place of soy lecithin as a substitute for egg yolk during the cryopreservation of caprine semen.

Preservation of Black Bengal buck semen in soybean lecithin based chemically defined extender

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pangdun Konyak ◽  
Ajoy Mandal ◽  
Mohan . ◽  
C. Bhakat ◽  
S. K. Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Soybean Lecithin ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Initial Dilution ◽  
Nitrogen Vapor ◽  
Sperm Characters

This experiment was conducted with the aim to study the effect of replacing egg yolk with soybean lecithin (SL) for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen. Sexually matured Black Bengal buck (n = 5) were used and the ejaculates were obtained using an artificial vagina method. The semen samples were pooled and diluted in Tris extender with 5% Glycerol containing either 15% egg yolk (control group) or SL at different concentrations (1% SL, 1.5% SL and 2% SL). The semen samples were filled in straws and cooled gradually to 5 °C. Semen straws were equilibrated for 3 hours at 5°C and were frozen in static liquid nitrogen vapor and stored in liquid nitrogen. Semen samples were evaluated after initial dilution, after completion of equilibration and after freeze thawing for in vitro sperm characters such as sperm motility, functional membrane integrity and malondioldehyde (MDA) concentration. Semen samples preserved in extender containing 1% SL was able to maintain in vitro sperm characters similar to the extender containing egg yolk. However, significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in all semen parameters was observed as the concentration of soybean lecithin increased above 1% level. It is concluded that an extender containing soybean lecithin @ 1% with 5% Glycerol can be used for replacing egg yolk for cryopreservation of Black Bengal buck semen.

scholarly journals Donkey Epididymal Transport for Semen Cooling and Freezing

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2209
Author(s):  
Yamilka Lago-Alvarez ◽  
Giorgia Podico ◽  
Lorenzo G. Segabinazzi ◽  
Lais L. Cunha ◽  
Leonardo Barbosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Mixed Models ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Skim Milk ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Sperm Activation ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Motility Parameters

The objectives of this study were to assess the cooling and freezing of donkey epididymal semen harvested immediately after castration (Experiment 1, n = 4) or after the shipment (24 or 48 h) of epididymides attached to testicles (Experiment 2, n = 14) or dissected apart (Experiment 3, n = 36). In each experiment, semen was frozen immediately (Non-Centrif) in an egg yolk-based semen extender (EY) or after processing through cushion-centrifugation (Centrif) while extended in a skim milk-based extender (SC). In all three experiments, cooled, pre-freeze, and post-thaw epididymal semen was assessed for total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP). Data were analyzed with R using mixed models and Tukey’s test as posthoc. Results showed that the cooling of epididymal semen up to 24 h after harvesting did not affect motility parameters or plasma membrane integrity; furthermore, in Experiment 3, the post-thaw evaluation of both Centrif and Non-Centrif achieved similar TM and PM. Collectively, the post-thaw results revealed low motility parameters across groups; while, the PMI and HMMP did not reflect this trend, and the values remained high, suggesting that there was a lack of epididymal sperm activation with either centrifugation or extenders. In summary, freshly harvested and cooled-shipped and cooled semen had satisfactory semen parameters. Future studies need to address donkey epididymal semen fertility in mares and jennies.

90 EFFECT OF EGG YOLK ON THE KINEMATICS AND ACROSOME MEMBRANE INTEGRITY OF COOLED-REWARMED CANINE SPERMATOZOA

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 204
Author(s):  
J. Dorado ◽  
M. J. Galvez ◽  
M. R. Murabito ◽  
S. Demyda ◽  
L. J. De Luca ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Semen Analysis ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Head Displacement ◽  
Healthy Dogs ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Digital Manipulation ◽  
Lateral Head

Tris-egg yolk-based diluents provide adequate cryoprotection for the sperm of most species. This study was conducted to compare the ability of Tris-glucose extender containing 2 different concentrations of egg yolk to maintain sperm motility and acrosome integrity of canine spermatozoa during 72 h of preservation. For this purpose, a total of 20 ejaculates from 4 clinically healthy dogs (2 Spanish Greyhound, 1 German Pointer, and 1 Crossbreed) were collected by digital manipulation. The sperm-rich fraction of each ejaculate was divided into 2 aliquots. Then, they were diluted in Tris-based extender and centrifuged at 700g for 8 min. Sperm pellets were resuspended in either Tris buffer added to 20% (EY20) or 10% centrifuged egg yolk (EY10) and cooled to 5°C over 72 h. The effects of these extenders on motility and acrosome integrity were assessed objectively using a computer-aided semen analyzer (Sperm Class Analyzer, Microptic SL, Spain) and Spermac® staining, respectively. Each cooled-rewarmed semen sample was evaluated after 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation. Sperm motion parameters shown by computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) are progressively motile (PMS) and motile spermatozoa (MS), curvilinear velocity (CLV), average path velocity (APV), progressive speed (SLV), and lateral head displacement (LHD). Data were statistically analysed by ANOVA. Dependent variables expressed as percentages were arsine-transformed before analysis. Differences between mean values were evaluated by the Duncan method. Data were presented as mean ± SEM. Differences were considered significant when P < 0.05. Analyses were performed using the statistical package SPSS 12.0. A total of 98 172 motile sperm trajectories were analyzed by CASA: 52 259 in EY20 and 45 913 in EY10. After 24, 48, and 72 h of preservation, MS and PMS were statistically higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. No significant differences were found for LHD using either extender over a 72-h period. No significant differences were observed for CLV using either extender during the first 2 days. At Day 3, CLV data were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in EY20. Similarly, from Day 2, APV was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. After 24 h of preservation, SLV was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY10, whereas the opposite tendency was found at Day 3. No significant differences were observed for SLV using either extender after 48 h of preservation. During the first 2 days, acrosome integrity was statistically higher (P < 0.001) in EY20. At hour 72, higher acrosome integrity (P < 0.001) was observed in EY10. In conclusion, we have observed that the EY20 extender provided higher motility after 72 h of chilled preservation; however, the acrosome membrane integrity was better preserved in EY10.

scholarly journals The Quality of Frozen-thawed Canine Semen With Respect to Semen Extender Composition and Sequence of Ejaculate Collection in Dogs

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 169-175
Author(s):  
Jiří Šichtař ◽  
Ondřej Šimoník ◽  
Petra Folková ◽  
Adéla Dokoupilová ◽  
Radko Rajmon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Time Interval ◽  
Sperm Analysis ◽  
Semen Collection ◽  
Movement Characteristics ◽  
Semen Extender

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of clarified egg yolk addition to semen extender, and the semen collection sequence on the quality of frozen-thawed semen in dogs. Semen was collected from 6 dogs in a time interval of 24 hours. As parameter of the quality of frozen-thawed (F-T) semen, the motility by computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) and plasma membrane integrity by hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOS) were evaluated. All kinematic parameters of sperm motility were higher in F-T samples containing the whole in comparison to the clarified egg yolk. The sequence of semen collection affected sperm movement characteristics of native as well as F-T semen, but it was not possible to determine whether the fresh semen from the 1st or 2nd collection is of higher quality. All motility parameters of sperms frozen with extender containing the whole egg yolk were significantly higher in the case of the 2nd collection. The situation was not so clear in the case of clarified egg yolk addition, but the velocity values were higher in F-T samples from the 2nd collection. In contrast to proven differences in motility, the effect of the addition of clarified egg yolk and the sequence of semen collection were not projected at all on the quality of plasma membrane of canine sperms evaluated by HOS test.

98 Efficacy of commercial equine semen freezing extenders for cryopreservation of southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) sperm

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
C. Young ◽  
N. Ravida ◽  
P. Pennington ◽  
B. Durrant
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Reproductive Technologies ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Semen Cryopreservation ◽  
White Rhinoceros ◽  
Southern White Rhinoceros ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Cryopreservation Protocol

Once nearly extinct in the wild, the southern white rhinoceros is currently listed as near threatened by IUCN. This status is likely to change as poaching continues to escalate. To preserve the species’ current genetic diversity, cryopreserving and biobanking white rhinoceros sperm is imperative. The horse is the closest domestic relative of the rhinoceros and a useful model for the development of assisted reproductive technologies, including semen cryopreservation. Two equine semen cryopreservation protocols were compared to a common rhinoceros freezing method. Semen was collected from a single male on 3 occasions by electroejaculation. Initial semen parameters were 86% motility; speed 3.2 (scale 1-5); 89% plasma membrane integrity; and 95% intact acrosomes. Semen was extended 1:1 in INRA 96 (IMV Technologies, L’Aigle, France) before centrifugation at 400×g for 10min. Supernatant was removed and the sperm pellet was subjected to 1 of 2 treatments: resuspension in 500µL of either BotuCrio (Botupharma, Botucatu, Brazil) or Cryomax (ARS Inc., Chino, CA, USA), both containing a proprietary combination of glycerol and an amide as cryoprotectants. Following a 40-min cool at 4°C, extended semen was frozen in vials at a cooling rate of 30°C/min for 3min before LN submersion. Control semen was extended 1:1 in TEST-Y buffer without cryoprotectant and cooled for 2.5h before adding glycerol to a final concentration of 4%. Extended sperm (500µL) was frozen in vials at 12.5°C/min for 15min before LN submersion. Initial motility score (IMS;% motile×speed of progression2), plasma membrane integrity (IPL), and acrosome integrity (IAC) were recorded after extension. All vials were thawed at 37°C for 60s and the cryoprotectant was removed by centrifugation. Sperm pellets were resupended in M199+HEPES and sperm was evaluated for the characteristics described above at 37°C at 0, 30, and 60min (T0, T30, T60) post-thaw. All data are expressed as a percentage of initial (%IMS,%IPL, and%IAC) to account for the differences in sperm parameters between ejaculates. Cryopreservation protocol significantly affected%IMS at T0 (P=0.0131, Table 1). Although the differences were significant only at T0, sperm frozen in Botucrio or Cryomax tended to maintain a higher%IMS than the control freeze at all time points. However, sperm frozen in Cryomax lost a greater percentage of%IMS over time (67% from T0 to T60v. 44 and 46% for Botucrio and TEST-Y, respectively). Cryopreservation protocol did not affect%IAC or%IPL at any time point, but again Cryomax and Botucrio tended to be higher than TEST-Y. This study indicates that rhinoceros sperm may suffer less cryodamage in Botucrio or Cryomax frozen at 30°C/min than in the conventional TEST-Y frozen at 12.5°C/min. Table 1.Percent of initial motility score (IMS), plasma membrane integrity (IPL), and acrosome integrity (IAC) at 0, 30, and 60min post-thaw (T0, T30, and T60, respectively)

Soybean lecithin in stallion semen extender maintains frozen-thawed sperm membrane integrity

2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 101
Author(s):  
Hongyun Duan ◽  
Xiang Zhang ◽  
Liang Deng ◽  
Shenming Zeng ◽  
Guocai Han
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Lecithin ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Sperm Membrane ◽  
Semen Extender

scholarly journals Ram semen preserved at 0°C with soybean lecithin Tris-based extender substituted for egg yolk

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-197
Author(s):  
Jian-qing Zhao ◽  
Guo-liang Xiao ◽  
Wen-liang Zhu ◽  
Di Fang ◽  
Na Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soybean Lecithin ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Normal Offspring ◽  
And Control ◽  
Ram Sperm ◽  
Artificial Vagina

Objective: The present study evaluated the preservation of ram semen at 0°C using soybean lecithin with a Tris-fructose extender.Methods: Semen was collected by artificial vagina ejaculation from six rams with proven fertility. High quality ejaculates were diluted by soybean lecithin (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%) using Tris-fructose extender and control (Tris-fructose egg yolk extender), respectively. The ejaculates were diluted to a concentration of 5×10<sup>8</sup> sperm/mL, followed by cooling to 0°C in 90 min and maintaining the temperature for 12 days. The diluted semen samples were examined and recorded for sperm progressive motility, acrosome integrity at 0, 24, 72, 144, 216, 288 h, respectively. Two hundred and twenty-three ewes were inseminated for 216 h with optimal soybean lecithin concentrated semen or control via trans-cervical insemination.Results: The results showed that there were no differences in sperm progressive motility at 0, 24, 72, and 144 h (p>0.05). After 216 h, the sperm progressive motility in the control group and 0.5% concentration groups was significantly higher when compared to 0.25% concentration (p<0.05). The 0.5% concentration group demonstrated the highest survival rate and had no difference with the control group (p>0.05). At 216 h, the sperm progressive motility of all groups was still above 50%. The acrosome integrity of all groups was decreased with prolongation of storage time, but there was no difference at each time point (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the lambing rate and pregnancy rate between the 0.5% concentration group and the control group (p>0.05).Conclusion: These results suggest that ram sperm is capable of fertilization after preservation at 0°C with 0.5% of soybean lecithin in Tris-based extender substituted for egg yolk and produce normal offspring after insemination.

70 REFREEZING POST-THAWED GOAT SEMEN

2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
D. B. Carwell ◽  
B. R. Scott ◽  
G. T. Gentry ◽  
K. R. Bondioli ◽  
R. A. Godke
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Nitrogen ◽  
Sperm Morphology ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Slow Cool ◽  
Semen Parameters ◽  
Slow Cooling ◽  
Freeze Thaw ◽  
Thaw Cycle ◽  
Frozen Semen

The ability to successfully refreeze caprine sperm could provide a means of salvaging semen that was mistakenly thawed. The objective of this study was to compare treatment post-thaw semen parameters of twice-frozen caprine semen. Frozen semen from six mature Boer bucks (range in age from 2 to 6 years) was utilised for this experiment. Semen from each buck was extended in an egg yolk-based extender and packaged in 0.5-mL plastic straws before freezing and stored in liquid nitrogen. Three units of frozen semen from each buck was randomly allotted to each of four treatments as follows: (A) thaw and evaluate (control), (B) thaw, then plunge into liquid nitrogen, thaw, and evaluate, (C) thaw, incubate for 3 min at 37°C, slow cool and freeze, thaw, and evaluate, and (D) thaw, incubate for 5 min at 37°C, slow cool and freeze, thaw, and evaluate. Post-thaw parameters included total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), membrane integrity (MI), and sperm abnormalities (AB). To obtain MI and AB, samples were stained with an eosin-nigrosin stain. A computerized programmable freezer was used to refreeze semen samples in treatment (Trt) C and Trt D. During the slow cooling portion of the protocol, samples were allowed to equilibrate at 38°C, then cooled to 4°C at a rate of 0.30°C min–1, and then held for 5 min. Samples were then cooled to –8°C at a rate of 15°C min–1, seeded, and cooled to –10°C at 15°C min–1, samples were then ramped to –80°C at 30°C min–1 before plunging into liquid nitrogen. Results indicate that post-thaw TM was significantly greater for Trt A (60%) when compared with Trt B, C, and D (0.05, 35, and 39%, respectively). Mean TM were not different between Trt C (35%) and Trt D (39%) but were greater than that for Trt B (0.05%). The PM for post-thaw semen in Trt A was also significantly greater (P < 0.05) when compared with that for Trt B and C (0.05 and 25%); however, no difference was found for mean PM for Trt A (47%) and Trt D (30%), nor were differences found between Trt C (25%) or Trt D (30%). Membrane integrity was higher in Trt A (27%) when compared to Trt B (2.2%). No differences in membrane integrity where found between Trt A, C, and D (27, 13, and 14%, respectively). Additionally, no differences were found between Trt B, C, and D for membrane integrity. Sperm morphology were not different were found with across all treatment groups. These results (i.e. Trt C and D) indicate that semen from mature Boer bucks can undergo a second freeze thaw cycle and still retain motility without dramatically affecting sperm morphology and membrane integrity. These findings indicate that directly plunging recently thawed semen back into liquid nitrogen should not be used for artificial insemination.

scholarly journals Butaphosphan and Cyanocobalamin Supplementation in Semen Extender on Chilled Boar Sperm Quality and Life Span

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Suwimonteerabutr ◽  
S. Chumsri ◽  
P. Tummaruk ◽  
Morakot Nuntapaitoon
Keyword(s):  
Plasma Membrane ◽  
Life Span ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Plasma Membrane Integrity ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Boar Sperm ◽  
Acrosome Integrity ◽  
Semen Extender

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation in semen extender on chilled boar sperm quality and life span. A total of 35 ejaculates of boar semen were included. The semen was diluted with Beltsville thawing solution extender supplemented with different concentrations of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin [0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5%] in the diluted semen. The semen samples were evaluated using a computer-assisted sperm analysis system to determine sperm motility and sperm kinetic parameters (i.e., the curvilinear velocity, VCL; straight line velocity, VSL; average path velocity, VAP; linearity, LIN; straightness, STR; amplitude of lateral head, ALH; wobble, WOB; and beat cross frequency, BCF). Additionally, sperm viability, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial activity, and plasma membrane integrity were evaluated after 4 (day 0), 72 (day 3), 120 (day 5), and 168 (day 7) h of storage using SYBR-14–ethidium homodimer-1 (EthD-1), EthD-1, JC-1, and the short hypo-osmotic swelling test, respectively. The analyses were carried out by using the general linear mixed model (MIXED) procedure of SAS. The statistical models for each data set included group, day after storage, and interaction between group and day after storage. The boar was included as a random effect. On day 0 after storage, progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, and plasma membrane integrity of boar sperm in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the 0.4 and 0.5% groups (P &lt; 0.05). On day 3 after storage, total motility and progressive motility, VCL, VSL, VAP, LIN, WOB, BCF, and plasma membrane integrity in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were significantly greater than those in the control group (P &lt; 0.05). The total motility and progressive motility, VAP, and WOB in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the control group on day 5 after storage (P &lt; 0.05). No effects of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation on acrosome integrity and mitochondria activity were found on days 3, 5, and 7 after storage. However, the motility and progressive motility and the values for all sperm kinetic parameters except ALH in 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation were greater than those in the control group on day 7 after storage (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, 0.3% of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin supplementation in semen extender improved sperm motility, sperm activity, morphology, and life span in chilled boar sperm.

scholarly journals Effect of quercetin or butylated hydroxytoluene on cooled or frozen-thawed ram sperm quality

2022 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 841-854
Author(s):  
Lucas Emanuel Ferreira Canuto ◽  
◽  
Lorenzo Garrido Teixeira Martini Segabinazzi ◽  
Endrigo Adonis Braga de Araújo ◽  
Luis Fernando Mercês Chaves Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Motility ◽  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Membrane Integrity ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Butylated Hydroxytoluene ◽  
Epifluorescence Microscopy ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Semen Extender ◽  
Ram Sperm ◽  
Motility Parameters

Cooling and freezing processes cause physical and chemical damage to sperm by cold shock and oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two antioxidants on sperm parameters of cooled and frozen-thawed ram semen diluted in an egg yolk-based extender. Semen was collected from 30 rams and processed in two consecutive experiments to test the inclusion of different concentrations of quercetin and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) in an egg yolk-based semen extender. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added as a solvent to the semen extender in a ratio of 1 mL DMSO for 90 mg of quercetin and 1 mL DMSO for 880 mg of BHT. After collection, semen was diluted at 200 × 106 motile sperm/mL (control) and split into different groups in each experiment. In experiment 1, semen was diluted with the extender containing quercetin (Q5, 5 μg/mL; Q10, 10 μg/mL; Q15, 15 μg/mL) or DMSO alone (DMSO1, 0.055 μL DMSO per mL; DMSO2, 0.165 μL DMSO per mL). In experiment 2, semen was diluted with the extender with BHT (BHT1, 0.5 μg/mL; BHT2, 1 μg/mL; BHT3, 1.5 μg/mL) or DMSO alone (DMSO3, 0.375 μL DMSO per mL; DMSO4, 1.125 μL DMSO per mL). After dilution, the semen was divided into two aliquots. Treated ram sperm samples were also subjected to different storage methods. The first set of samples was cooled at 5 °C for 24 h, whereas the second set of samples was frozen-thawed. Sperm motility parameters and plasma membrane integrity (PMI) were evaluated immediately after dilution (0h) and 24 h after cooling and in the frozen-thawed samples via computer-assisted sperm analysis and epifluorescence microscopy, respectively. The inclusion of quercetin or BHT did not affect sperm motility parameters or PMI of fresh, cooled, or frozen-thawed sperm in this study (P < 0.05). However, further studies are needed to test the effects of these antioxidants on the fertility of cryopreserved ram semen.

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