Addition of caffeine to equine thawed sperm increases motility and decreases nitrite concentration.
- Journal Article
Summary
This research was conducted to investigate the influence of adding caffeine to frozen-thawed horse sperm on its quality. It was found that the inclusion of caffeine enhanced sperm motility and simultaneously reduced nitrite concentration, resulting in a significantly increased fertility rate.
Methods of the Study
- The experiment involved the semen sample from nine stallions, which was frozen for the study.
- Different caffeine concentrations of 3, 5, and 7.5 mM were each added to the frozen-thawed semen to observe the changes.
Testing and Evaluation Procedures
- The sperm’s kinetic parameters, membrane functionality and integrity, and acrosome integrity were evaluated through computer-assisted sperm analysis, a hypoosmotic swelling test, and epifluorescent microscopy respectively.
- Nitrite and hydroperoxide concentrations in the frozen-thawed semen were measured using spectrophotometry.
- Sperm fertility was further evaluated by artificially inseminating 16 mares using the thawed ejaculates in both the control group and the group treated with 5 mM caffeine.
Results of the Research
- The inclusion of a 5 mM caffeine concentration resulted in enhanced sperm motility (38.9 ± 2.8 compared to 32.6 ± 3.4% in the control group).
- The nitrite concentration was also reduced in comparison to the control group (11.4 ± 2.1 versus 12.8 ± 2.9 µM/µg protein).
- The pregnancy rate from artificial insemination in the caffeine group was considerably higher at 62.5% as compared to 12.5% in the control group.
Conclusion of the Research
Through this study, it is suggested that caffeine plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of thawed horse sperm. This study implies a positive change in sperm motility and a decrease in nitrite concentrations, resulting in higher fertility rates. This study can lead to more efficient and successful artificial insemination procedures in horses, ultimately improving breeding practices.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, Betim, Brazil.
- René Rachou Research Center - Fiocruz, Laboratory of Diagnostic and Monitoring Biomarkers, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- René Rachou Research Center - Fiocruz, Laboratory of Diagnostic and Monitoring Biomarkers, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Veterinary School, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Caffeine / pharmacology
- Cryopreservation
- Female
- Horses
- Humans
- Insemination, Artificial / veterinary
- Male
- Nitrites
- Pregnancy
- Semen Preservation / veterinary
- Sperm Motility
- Spermatozoa
Grant Funding
- 1690817/2017-0487 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
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