Effects of mucuna seed extract on sperm functional integrities and seminal oxidative stress indices of vitrified goat semen

Abstract

Effects of mucuna seed extract (MSE) in tris-extenders on sperm functional integrities and seminal oxidative stress indices of vitrified sperm of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat bucks were investigated. Varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1 g/100 mL of diluent) of MSE in tris-extenders were diluted with semen specimens. Diluted semen specimens were vitrified and preserved in liquid nitrogen. The results showed that sperm functional integrities (acrosome and membrane integrities) in MSE extenders were comparable. However, seminal oxidative stress indices (malondialdehyde [MDA] and acrosin activity) differed (P<0.05) among the various treatments and the control. The results revealed that semen vitrified with MSE had reduced (P<0.05) MDA concentrations compared to the control. Higher (P<0.05) acrosin activities were recorded in semen vitrified with MSE compared to the control except at 0.25g MSE and optimal values were recorded at 1g MSE. The findings indicated that MSE in the tris-extenders reduced MDA concentration with congruent elevated acrosin activity and consequently maintained sperm functional integrities of vitrified spermatozoa of the WAD goat.

Keywords

• antioxidant
• freezing
• mucuna
• oxidative stress
• spermintegrity