The effect of adding pyridoxine to soybean lecithin-based extender on goat semen quality parameters after the freeze-thawing process.

Abstract

Supplementing the semen extender with various antioxidants can increase the quality of semen. The aim of the present study was to investigate the addition of pyridoxine (vitamin B6), a phenolic compound with antioxidant properties, to soybean lecithin extender on motility and quality indices of goat sperm after freezing-thawing process. Semen was collected at weekly intervals from four Mahabadi goats, mixed, and was divided into 7 subsamples. They were then diluted with the basal extender supplemented with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 mM pyridoxine. Following freeze-thawing process, quality parameters such as sperm motility characteristics, viability, plasma membrane integrity, and malondialdehyde content were determined. The results showed that pyridoxine at the level of 6 mM caused the highest total motility rate (P<0.05). Progressive sperm motility was highest at the 4, 6, and 8 mM pyridoxine (P<0.05). Although the control group showed the least progressive motility, it was not statistically significantly different from the 12 mM level. Among the pyridoxine levels, the 6 mM level recorded the best performance in term of plasma membrane integrity, sperm viability, and decreasing malondialdehyde concentration compared to the control group (P<0.05). The findings indicated that soybean lecithin extender supplemented with 6 mM pyridoxine can improve motility and quality parameters such as viability, plasma membrane integrity, and reduce oxidative stress of goat sperm after thawing.