Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and green tea polyphenols do not improve stallion semen parameters during cooling at 4°C.

The research article evaluates the effect of two antioxidants on stallion semen quality during cool storage and finds that these elements – epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and green tea polyphenols, do not improve the semen parameters.

Objective of the Research

• The study was conducted to understand the impact of two natural antioxidants – epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and green tea polyphenols on the quality of stallion semen during cool storage.

Research Methodology

• The researchers monitored specific sperm parameters (sperm motility, viability/acrosome integrity, and DNA quality) in extended semen immediately after its collection and after varying intervals (2, 6, 24 and 48 hours) of cool storage.
• The testing was conducted on two ejaculates from three trotter stallions, which were analysed after 48 hours of storage at 4°C.

Findings of the Study

• The study revealed that the two antioxidants did not have any beneficial effect on the sperm quality even after 48 hours of storage.
• They were not able to improve sperm quality despite the cooling process.
• The observed results are consistent with previous studies, which have also shown that stallion semen maintains good antioxidant capacity even after 24 hours of dilution.

Conclusion

• The positive impact observed by antioxidant molecules in other species is not evident in the equine species.
• The particular technique of using the natural antioxidants EGCG and green tea polyphenols during cool storage does not benefit stallion sperm quality in terms of the parameters examined in the research.