Effect of the addition of platelet-rich plasma to Boer buck semen on sperm quality and antioxidant activity before and after cryopreservation and in vivo fertility

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of incorporating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into Boer buck semen at different stages of cryopreservation (dilution, equilibration, and post-thawing) on sperm quality, functionality, antioxidant activity, and in vivo fertility. One hundred sixty ejaculates were collected from eight Boer goat bucks over ten weeks during the breeding season. The semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina, evaluated, and pooled. The pooled semen was divided into four aliquots, then diluted with a Tris-based extender supplemented with varying proportions of PRP (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Subsequently, the samples were equilibrated and cryopreserved. The results showed that semen supplemented with 10% PRP has significantly higher total motility (P < 0.05) compared to the control and other groups during (dilution and equilibration) and after (post-thawing) cryopreservation. Furthermore, semen supplemented with 5% and 10% PRP significantly improved (P < 0.05) rapid sperm movement compared to the control and 15% PRP groups after equilibration and post-thawing. However, compared to the control, the supplementation of 10% PRP resulted in improved sperm progressive motility and viability during and after cryopreservation (P < 0.05), as well as increased acrosome, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential after equilibration and post-thawing of the semen (P < 0.05). Moreover, 10% PRP-supplemented semen exhibited higher levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) and lower levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) after equilibration and post-thawing compared to the control and 15% PRP groups. The pregnancy and kidding rates were higher (80%; 80%) for 10% PRP-supplemented semen compared to the control (48%; 40%), respectively, and other groups. In conclusion, the addition of PRP improved the cryo-tolerance of Boer buck sperm by enhancing quality, functionality, antioxidant activity, and in vivo fertility.