Optimizing Equilibration Protocols through Ubiquinone Supplementation in Goat Frozen Semen Diluent

Abstract

The equilibration period is essential for sperm to adjust to the diluent, thereby preventing severe damage during cryopreservation. The elevation of lipid peroxidation during equilibration, indicating potential oxidative stress involvement, underscores the importance of optimizing equilibration protocols to minimize the detrimental effects of free radical production on sperm quality. This study aims to investigate the supplementation effect of adding ubiquinone to semen diluent on the membrane integrity, motility, and survivability of goat spermatozoa following an hour of equilibration. Ubiquinone supplementation was administered at varying doses: Group 2 (B) received 5 mg/dL, Group 3 (C) received 10 mg/dL, Group 4 (D) received 15 mg/dL, Group 5 (E) received 20 mg/dL, and Group 6 (F) received 25 mg/dL. Group A served as the negative control. Following one-way ANOVA examination of the research data, additional Duncan tests were conducted. The study results revealed that ubiquinone addition significantly (p<0.05) affected the percentage of motility, viability, and membrane integrity of Kacang goat spermatozoa after one hour of equilibration. According to statistical analysis, the optimal concentration of ubiquinone in egg yolk skim milk to sustain motility is 12.5 mg/dL. Conversely, the most effective concentration for preserving the viability and membrane integrity of Kacang goat spermatozoa following equilibration is 25 mg/dL. In conclusion, the addition of ubiquinone to the frozen semen diluent maintains the stability of Kacang goat spermatozoa quality after equilibration.