Palm Kernel Meal Protein Hydrolysates Enhance Post-Thawed Boar Sperm Quality

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Boar sperm is highly susceptible to cryopreservation damage, leading to reduced fertility.
• Bioactive peptides from palm kernel meal (PKMPH) possess antioxidant properties.
• The potential of PKMPH in boar semen cryopreservation remains unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of PKMPH bioactive peptides in improving post-thawed boar sperm quality.
• To determine the optimal concentration of PKMPH for boar semen cryopreservation.

Main Methods:

• Boar semen was cryopreserved with varying PKMPH concentrations (0–15 µg/mL).
• Post-thaw sperm parameters evaluated included motility, viability, acrosome integrity, and mitochondrial function.
• Lipid peroxidation was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with 2.5 µg/mL PKMPH significantly enhanced total motility (+10.7%), viability (+12.3%), acrosome integrity (+18.3%), and mitochondrial function (+12.7%) compared to the control.
• The 2.5 µg/mL PKMPH group exhibited the lowest MDA levels, indicating reduced lipid peroxidation.
• Higher PKMPH concentrations did not yield further improvements and potentially showed detrimental effects.

Conclusions:

• PKMPH bioactive peptides effectively protect boar sperm against cryopreservation-induced oxidative stress.
• A concentration of 2.5 µg/mL PKMPH is optimal for improving post-thawed boar sperm quality and fertility.
• PKMPH represents a promising supplement for boar semen cryopreservation protocols.