Effects of soy isoflavones on intake, body weight, sex hormones, antioxidant performance, and semen quality in Xinong Saanen goats

Abstract

ABSTRACT Efficacy of soy isoflavones to promote semen quality by improving antioxidant parameters in Xinong Saanen goats was explored. Soy isoflavones (SI), regulator of steroid hormone synthesis and antioxidant in organism, was supplemented in a total mixed ration of male Xinong Saanen dairy goats to study their effects on intake, body weight, level of testosterone and oestradiol, antioxidant performance, and semen quality. Supplementation with SI increased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake expressed as kg/day or % of body weight, with body weight remaining unchanged. In animals receiving SI supplementation, we observed increases (P < 0.05) in serum superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity and decreases in oestradiol and malondialdehyde concentrations in comparison to the Control, while testosterone and glutathione peroxidase remained unchanged. An increase (p < 0.05) in plasma membrane integrity of sperm were observed in bucks received SI supplementation with no other effects on semen quality such as seminal pH, ejaculate volume, viability, motility, and acrosome integrity. The results indicated that SI supplementation improved semen characteristics via enhancing antioxidant parameters. Highlights Supplementation of soy isoflavones increased feed intake in Xinong Saanen bucks. Soy isoflavones decreased serum oestradiol but not testosterone concentrations. Soy isoflavones could be used as a safe, effective, and natural antioxidant in dairy goats. It alleviated oxidative stress, without negative influence on sperm quality of Xinong Saanen bucks.