Effects of DHA-enriched hen egg yolk and L-cysteine supplementation on quality of cryopreserved boar semen.
The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)-enriched hen egg yolks and L-cysteine supplementation on the qualities of the cryopreserved boar semen. A total of 15 ejaculates from 5 Pietrain boars were divided into 4 groups according to the compositions of the freezing extenders used, that is, normal hen egg yolk (group I), DHA-enriched hen egg yolk (group II), normal hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L(-1) of cysteine supplementation (group III) and DHA-enriched hen egg yolk with 5 mmol L(-1) of cysteine supplementation (group IV). The semen was cryopreserved using controlled rate freezer and was thawed at 50 degrees C for 12 s. Progressive motility, sperm viability, acrosome integrity and functional integrity of sperm plasma membrane of the post-thawed semen were evaluated. The supplementation of L-cysteine in the freezing extender alone (group III) improved progressive motility (P < 0.05), and the supplementation of L-cysteine in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk (group IV) improved both progressive motility (P < 0.05) and acrosome integrity (P < 0.01). The use of DHA-enriched hen egg yolk alone (group II) did not enhance any of the post-thawed semen qualities (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the supplementation of antioxidant L-cysteine alone or in combination with DHA-enriched hen egg yolk significantly improved the post-thawed semen qualities, especially progressive motility and acrosome integrity.
Chanapiwat
Panida
P
Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand.
Kaeoket
Kampon
K
Tummaruk
Padet
P
D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002645:Chickens; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003545:Cysteine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004530:Egg Yolk; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000187:drug effects; D055101:Semen Analysis; D012662:Semen Preservation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects; D013552:Swine
D000975:Antioxidants; D003451:Cryoprotective Agents; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D003545:Cysteine