Butylated hydroxytoluene inclusion in semen extender improves the post-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Theriogenology. 2009 May;71(8):1326-9. doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2008.12.023. Epub 2009 Feb 26.

Abstract

The study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the frozen-thawed semen quality of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Ejaculated bull semen was extended in a Tris-citrate egg yolk extender containing various concentrations of BHT (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0mM). Semen was frozen at -196 degrees C using 50 x 10(6) spermatozoa per 0.5 mL straws. Five straws from each treatment were thawed to assess the semen quality in terms of sperm motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity. Post-thawed sperm motility was determined using a phase-contrast microscope. Viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosomal integrity were evaluated by the supravital staining, hypo-osmotic swelling test and normal acrosomal reaction, respectively. The highest (P<0.05) motility, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling response of spermatozoa was achieved by addition of 1.0 and 2.0mM BHT to semen extender. However, highest (P<0.05) viability of spermatozoa was achieved by inclusion of 2.0mM BHT. The higher concentration of BHT (3.0mM) reduced the motility, acrosomal integrity, viability and hypo-osmotic swelling response of the spermatozoa compared to other concentration used. In conclusion, BHT when added in the semen extender can improve the semen quality of buffalo bulls.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study

MeSH terms

  • Acrosome / drug effects
  • Acrosome / physiology
  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Buffaloes* / physiology
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene / administration & dosage
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene / pharmacology*
  • Cryopreservation / methods*
  • Cryoprotective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Cryoprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Male
  • Semen / drug effects*
  • Semen Analysis
  • Semen Preservation / methods*

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Cryoprotective Agents
  • Butylated Hydroxytoluene