Does ergothioneine and thawing temperatures improve rooster semen post-thawed quality?

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Cryopreservation of avian semen is crucial for genetic resource preservation.
• Rooster semen is particularly susceptible to cryodamage due to its unique cellular composition.
• Improving cryosurvival rates remains a key challenge in avian reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying ergothioneine concentrations on rooster semen cryopreservation.
• To evaluate the effect of different thawing temperatures on the post-thaw quality of cryopreserved rooster semen.
• To determine optimal ergothioneine levels and thawing protocols for enhanced rooster sperm cryosurvival.

Main Methods:

• Rooster semen was diluted in Lake extender supplemented with ergothioneine (5, 10, 15, 20 µM).
• Cryopreservation was followed by thawing at two temperatures: 37°C for 30 seconds and 60°C for 5 seconds.
• Post-thaw analysis included sperm motility, membrane integrity, morphology, viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation.

Main Results:

• Ergothioneine at 5 and 10 µM significantly increased total motility and average path velocity (VAP).
• 10 µM ergothioneine supplementation notably enhanced membrane integrity and mitochondrial activity.
• Thawing at 60°C for 5 seconds resulted in significantly higher total motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity, viability, and mitochondrial activity compared to 37°C for 30 seconds.
• Lower percentages of apoptotic and dead sperm were observed with 5 and 10 µM ergothioneine.

Conclusions:

• Supplementation with 5-10 µM ergothioneine is beneficial for rooster semen cryopreservation.
• A rapid thawing temperature of 60°C for 5 seconds significantly improves post-thaw sperm quality.
• Combining optimal ergothioneine levels with rapid thawing offers an effective strategy for preserving rooster cryopreserved semen quality.