Enhancing Stallion Semen Cryopreservation: Selected Antioxidant Extracts and Sperm Freezability

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Reproductive Biology
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Equine semen cryopreservation faces challenges due to significant individual variability in cryotolerance.
• Spermatozoa are highly susceptible to oxidative stress induced by the freezing process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of natural antioxidant extracts (matcha, spirulina, horseradish) and quercetin in improving equine semen cryopreservation.
• To assess the impact of these compounds on sperm kinetics, bioenergetics, oxidative stress, and DNA fragmentation.

Main Methods:

• Semen from 12 Salernitano stallions was analyzed before and after cryopreservation.
• Freezing extender was supplemented with matcha, spirulina, horseradish extracts, or quercetin.
• Sperm parameters including motility, viability, oxidative stress markers, and DNA integrity were assessed.

Main Results:

• Supplementation with natural extracts or quercetin did not significantly enhance sperm freezability or post-thaw quality.
• High inter-individual variability in cryotolerance was observed among stallions.
• Stallion age significantly affected most evaluated sperm parameters.

Conclusions:

• Antioxidant supplementation with matcha, spirulina, horseradish, or quercetin is not effective in improving stallion semen cryopreservation outcomes.
• Individual variability and stallion age are critical factors influencing sperm cryotolerance.
• Personalized strategies are needed to optimize cryopreservation for individual stallions.