Pomegranate seed in diet, affects sperm parameters of cloned goats following freezing-thawing

Semen cryopreservation is affected by individual differences and use of cloned animal from the same source is the main tool to eliminate genetic variation. Pomegranate seed (PS) contains fatty acids and phenolic compounds which have antioxidant properties. Essential fatty acids and antioxidants are vital for production of healthy sperm by improving sperm membrane integrity and protecting sperm from oxidative stress. In this study, the effect of dietary supplementation of PS on some blood metabolites and sperm parameters following freezing-thawing of semen of cloned goats were investigated. 5-6 years cloned male goats (N = 9, 50 ± 2 kg) were randomly assigned to three different isocaloric and isonitogenous diet groups: supplemented with 0 (control), 30 and 60% (g/100 g of barley) replaced with PS for a total of 9 weeks. Sperm collection was carried out within 10-14 weeks. Semen samples were diluted whit cryo-protectant and frozen in liquid nitrogen. Sperm parameters, reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as, ability to induce fertilization were evaluated following freezing/thawing. According to the results of our study, treatment with PS induce higher plasma cholesterol production compared to control group at 8th week. However, testosterone and MDA (malondialdehyde) level of blood plasma were not significantly affected by PS treatment. In comparison to control group, PS supplementation significantly improved total sperm motility and viability in both 30 and 60% PS groups and reduced ROS production. Cleavage rate and developmental competency to blastocyst stage were similar to fresh sperm. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PS can improve sperm motility and viability following freezing-thawing and maintain developmental competency.