Antioxidants improve male broiler breeder semen: A review

Semen cryopreservation is an invaluable tool for facilitating artificial insemination and preserving genetic resources in many animal species. However, semen cryopreservation is often less successful in poultry than in mammals, due to unique biological and physiological features of avian semen. Sperm cryopreservation promotes ice formation and osmotic stress, producing reactive oxygen species (ROS); furthermore, the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in poultry sperm cell membranes renders these cells particularly susceptible to lipid peroxidation. To ensure proper functioning of cells, it is necessary to have an appropriate balance between ROS formation and protective actions of the antioxidant system. The objective of this review is to discuss molecular and cellular aspects of rooster sperm, the antioxidant system in rooster semen, and adding antioxidants to extenders to improve rooster semen quality and fertility and to delay or prevent age-related declines in broiler breeder roosters, with benefits for poultry production.