The effect of different levels of Vitamin E in semen extender during the cooling on Caspian stallion sperm quality

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Postgraduate Student, University College of Agriculture & Natural resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

2 Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, University College of Agriculture & Natural resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

4 Professional Doctorate, National Animal Breeding Center and Promotion of Animal Products, Iran

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of different concentrations of vitamin E (Vit. E) in the quality of preserved stallion semen at 5C for a period of 48 h. Semen was collected and most (≥90%) seminal plasma removed by centrifugation at 600 × g. Pooled samples divided in four equal parts and diluted with extenders that was supplemented with different concentrations of Vit. E [(0 (control, C), 5 and 10 mM)] and DMSO positive control group [as vitamin E solvent, (DC)] to a final concentration of 50 × 106 sperm/ml. Motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity, total abnormality and lipid peroxidation were determined at 0, 6, 24 and 48h. The results showed that 5mM vitamin E resulted in higher viability and plasma membrane integrity compared to control after 48 h of storage (P<0.05). Different concentrations of vitamin E had no significant effects on sperm motility and total abnormality compared to C and DC extender (P>0.05). Also, 5mM Vit. E was decreased lipid peroxidation compared C and DC extenders after 48h of storage (P<0.05). In conclusion, between above-mentioned different concentrations, 5mM Vit. E could improve Caspian stallion sperm quality during cooled-storage at 5°C.

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