Supplementation of Epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) improves goat semen characteristics following cryopreservation

Cryopreservation facilitates long-term semen storage and enables the exchange of genetic material among elite livestock over extensive distances. A decrease in sperm quality is an unavoidable outcome of the cryopreservation process. Prior research has established that incorporating cryoprotectants into the diluent can mitigate freeze-induced damage and enhance sperm quality. This study aims to assess the impact of Epimedium polysaccharide (EPS) on the cryopreservation of goat semen. Samples were obtained from six healthy goats following an initial examination. One portion of the semen was diluted with a base solution containing EPS for treatment purposes, whereas another was diluted without EPS, serving as the control. Results indicated that varying concentrations (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mg/mL) of EPS in the diluent enhanced both physiological characteristics and antioxidant enzyme activities in cryopreserved goat sperm. Further analysis showed that the 3 mg/mL EPS concentration significantly improved sperm motility (52.10 %), plasma membrane integrity (57.01 %), tail plasma membrane integrity (52.37 %), acrosome integrity rate (52.45 %), and antioxidant enzyme activities relative to other groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, the inclusion of 3 mg/mL EPS substantially improved the sperm's fertilization capability. In conclusion, our experiments confirm that EPS supplementation significantly enhances sperm quality post-freezing, with 3 mg/mL identified as the optimal concentration.