Effect of nutraceutical supplementation on semen quality in stallions

Abstract

Abstract Background The use of reproductive biotechnologies in equine practice has shown that some stallions are subfertile, so ways to improve fertility have been sought. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nutraceutical supplementation on improving semen quality in Quarter Horse stallions. Methods Semen from six Quarter Horse stallions was assessed for 4 months every 20 days using the computer‐assisted semen analysis system. They were evaluated for 60 days before supplementation; then, the same stallions were re‐evaluated for 60 days with nutraceutical supplementation (30 g/day). Results Volume showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) with nutraceuticals. Sperm concentration (10x6) was significantly higher with supplementation (339.4 ± 17.5 sperm/mL) than without supplementation (224.6 ± 19.9). Sperm abnormalities (%) were significantly (p < 0.05) lower with supplementation (14.3 ± 0.6) than without supplementation (19.1 ± 0.4). Sperm kinematic parameters, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), rectilinear velocity (VSL), the velocity of the trajectory (VAP) and curvilinear velocity (VCL), were significantly better with supplementation (p < 0.05). Conclusions Based on the results, it is concluded that nutraceutical supplementation improved semen parameters in Quarter Horse stallions.

Keywords

• horses
• nutraceutical
• nutrition
• semen quality
• supplementation