Seminal Quality Research Articles

Influence of vitamins C and E on the quality of cryopreserved semen Prochilodus brevis (Prochilodontidae, Teleostei)

Seminal cryopreservation allows the long-term conservation of gametes of various species, including endangered species, such as Prochilodus brevis. However, the application of this biotechnology can cause damage to sperm cells, reducing seminal quality. Thus, we have sought substances that minimize the damage caused by this process, such as antioxidants. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the association between two cryoprotectants and two vitamins, in different concentrations, on the quality of cryopreserved semen of P. brevis. For cryopreservation, the experiment was performed in two stages. In the first stage, the semen of 10 animals was submitted to six different freezing means, coming from the combination of 5% glucose, two cryoprotectants (Dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO] or Methyl glycol) and two vitamins (C or E to 0.0001 mg) for cryopreservation. In the second stage, semen samples of eight animals were diluted in 5% glucose and the best cryoprotectant found in the first stage, associated with three different concentrations of vitamins C or E (0.01, 0.001, and 0.0001 mg). In both steps, the in natura and post-thawed samples were submitted to kinetic analysis, morphology, and sperm membrane integrity. The cryopreserved semen with DMSO presented significantly higher results (p < 0.05) than that frozen with Methyl glycol, regardless of the vitamin used. The morphologically normal spermatozoa rate was higher (p < 0.05) in the vitamin-containing samples, however, vitamin E reduced sperm motility rates, independent of the cryoprotectant used. As for vitamin concentrations, higher motility rates were obtained when cryopreserved semen with 0.01 and 0.0001 mg of any of the vitamins. However, the higher concentration had a deleterious effect on the spermatic morphology of P. brevis. Therefore, the glucose associated with DMSO and the lower concentration of vitamin C provides good quality for the post-thawed semen of P. brevis.

Evaluación del efecto de un suplemento mineral sobre la calidad seminal de cerdos reproductores

Se evaluó el efecto de la adición de diferentes concentraciones de un suplemento mineral, sobre la calidad seminal en cerdos machos adultos usados para la reproducción. El ensayo se realizó en el municipio de Sincelejo. El experimento constó de tres ciclos de suplementación mineral, en donde se suministraron 10, 20 y 30 g/día en cada cerdo por ciclo. Cada ciclo duró 55 días, y se obtuvo 1 eyaculado/cerdo/semana (10 eyaculados/ciclo). Las colectas seminales fueron realizadas con el método de mano enguantada. Posterior a cada colecta, el semen fue transportado al laboratorio en donde se procesó y se realizó su respectiva evaluación de calidad espermática (variables macroscópicas y microscópicas). Los resultados evidenciaron que el volumen seminal, la motilidad espermática (individual, progresiva), la morfología espermática (colas) y la vitalidad espermática, mostraron valores de probabilidad asociados a un efecto lineal (P<0,05) relacionado a un incremento en el nivel de suplementación. La motilidad espermática (masal), la morfología espermática (normales) y la concentración espermática, presentaron valores de probabilidad asociados a un efecto cuadrático (P<0,05), del nivel de suplementación. Por otro lado, la morfología espermática (cabezas, colas citoplasmáticas) no fueron afectadas por los tratamientos evaluados (P>0,05). Finalmente, se evidenció un efecto de los niveles de suplementación sobre el aspecto seminal (P<0,05), pero no sobre el pH y color seminal (P>0,05). Se puede concluir que la suplementación dietaria micromineral favorece algunas variables seminales tales como el volumen y la concentración, manteniendo las demás características, dentro de los parámetros normales.

Study on the short-term effects of increased alcohol and cigarette consumption in healthy young men\u2019s seminal quality

Many studies have reported a negative impact of lifestyle factors on testicular function, spermatozoa parameters and pituitary-gonadal axis. However, conclusions are difficult to draw, since studies in the general population are rare. In this study we intended to address the early and late short-term impact of acute lifestyle alterations on young men’s reproductive function. Thirty-six healthy male students, who attended the Portuguese academic festivities, provided semen samples and answered questionnaires at three time-points. The consumption of alcohol and cigarette increased more than 8 and 2 times, respectively, during the academic festivities and resulted in deleterious effects on semen quality: one week after the festivities, a decrease on semen volume, spermatozoa motility and normal morphology was observed, in parallel with an increase on immotile spermatozoa, head and midpiece defects and spermatozoa oxidative stress. Additionally, three months after the academic festivities, besides the detrimental effect on volume, motility and morphology, a negative impact on spermatozoa concentration was observed, along with a decrease on epididymal, seminal vesicles and prostate function. This study contributed to understanding the pathophysiology underlying semen quality degradation induced by acute lifestyle alterations, suggesting that high alcohol and cigarette consumption are associated with decreased semen quality in healthy young men.

Ethanol-induced male infertility: Effects of aqueous leaf extract of Tetracarpidium conophorum.

This study investigated the effects of Tetracarpidium conophorum leaf extract on infertility induced by ethanol in male rats. Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals each: Group 1 (positive control) received 0.9% saline only; Group 2 (ethanol alone) were given only 30% ethanol orally at 7ml/kg body weight per day, thrice in a week; groups 3, 4 and 5 were given ethanol and co-treated with 50, 500 and 1,000mg/kg body weight of leaf extract, respectively, while Group 6 was given ethanol and co-treated with a fertility drug, clomiphene citrate. Ethanol treatment resulted in significant (p<.05) decrease in LDH activity, G-6PDH activity, glycogen content, 3β and 17β HSD activities and testicular and epididymal Zn and Se contents and furthermore decrease in testicular sperm count, viability and marked increment in total sperm abnormalities, rate of sperm analysis parameters and consequently decreased reproductive hormone levels. Interestingly, co-administration of ethanol with either T.conophorum extract or drug almost ameliorated the toxic assault imposed by ethanol on reproductive organs and improved seminal qualities of the rats.

A Preliminary Comparison of Semen Quality between Competing and Non-Competing Equine Stallions

Rationale: Artificial insemination allows sport horse stallions within breeding programmes to breed and compete concurrently. The level of exercise of stallions complete during the breeding season is a controversial subject. Daily exercise at low intensities is important for the mental and reproductive well-being of the stallion, however higher intensities of exercise, as seen in competing stallions, may have detrimental effects on seminal quality. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding into the effects of competition and discipline on equid stallion semen through analysis of seminal parameters. The identification of optimal competition management for breeding stallions may lead to increased stallion fertility and economic gain. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated the seminal data of 1130 stallion collections from two UK based stud farms between 2009 and 2015. Seminal volume, concentration and progressive motility were analysed for differences between competing and non-competing stallions, then for differences between stallion disciplines. Results: Competing stallion semen concentration and progressive motility was significantly lower than noncompeting stallions (p<0.05). Semen volume was significantly higher in competing stallions (p<0.05) than noncompeting stallions. Non-competing stallion semen count was significantly higher than that of competing stallions (p<0.05). Conclusion: The difference in semen quality between competing and non-competing stallions, as well as the difference between disciplines suggests endocrinological and physiological changes occur in relation to training intensity and competition. Further research into semen quality considering exercise and competition will allow for contextualisation as to why these differences occurred.

Can feed supplementation of the refined vegetable oils enhance the seminal quality of rabbit bucks (Oryctolagus cuniculus)?

Can feed supplementation of the refined vegetable oils enhance the seminal quality of rabbit bucks (Oryctolagus cuniculus)?

The Efficacy of In Vitro Sperm Tests in Predicting Pregnancy Success after Artificial Insemination in the Bitch

In many species, including the dog (Canis familiaris), semen analysis protocols has improved in recent years. In vitro assessment of semen quality provides important information; however, the ultimate parameter for determining semen quality is pregnancy outcome. The objective of the present study was to investigate the efficiency of in vitro sperm tests in predicting seminal quality in dogs by correlating those results with pregnancy success after artificial insemination (AI). Forty-eight semen samples refrigerated for 24, 48 or 72 hours were examined for sperm motility and progressive motility, membrane integrity, and zona pellucida-binding capacity before being used to artificially inseminate bitches. Results indicated positive correlations between pregnancy success and sperm motility (0.77), vigor (0.72), membrane integrity (0.72) and zona pellucida-binding (0.81). Both pregnancy success and the sperm characteristics declined with increased semen storage time. In conclusion, the semen characteristics evaluated in this study can be used to predict the conception potential of semen samples in the dog.

Profiling of sperm gene transcripts in crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) bulls

Crossbred cattle in some sectors of the world have a significant role in enhancing milk production thereby enhancing the per capita milk availability as a human food source. However, there are certain constraints associated with crossbred animals, such as disease susceptibility, increased reproductive problems, repeat breeding and poor seminal quality. The semen of crossbred bulls has a poor freezing capacity, increased cryo-damage, poor mass cell motility, greater percentages of dead/abnormal sperm and poor initial and post-freeze cell motility. The rejection rate of crossbred bulls for cryostorage of semen has been reported to be as great as 50% as a result of unacceptable semen quality. The identification of superior bulls using molecular technologies is needed which necessitates identification of the genes having a role in sperm function. The present study was, therefore, conducted to gain information on identification and expression of genes having a role in sperm motility in crossbred bulls. The gene transcripts in bulls with sperm of superior and inferior quality were profiled in Vrindavani crossbred cattle by microarray analyses and the results were verified by real time-quantitative PCR. Microarray analyses revealed 19,454 genes which were differentially expressed. At a two-fold cut off, 305 genes were differentially (P<0.01) expressed with 160 genes upregulated and 145 genes down regulated. Some of the upregulated candidate genes were further validated by RT-qPCR. These genes had a four to 16 fold upregulation in sperm with inferior motility as compared to sperm of crossbred bulls with superior motility.

Efecto de la suplementación con zinc y selenio sobre la calidad seminal en cerdos

El sistema de producción porcina en Colombia, ha tenido un gran crecimiento en los últimos años, gracias a la implementación de técnicas como la inseminación artificial, la cual permite realizar un mejoramiento genético incrementando la productividad. Sin embargo, el modelo de manejo de los reproductores y donantes de semen no es el adecuado, siendo mantenidos en confinamiento, alimentados con dietas que no suplen los requerimientos de micronutrientes (Zn y Se) alterando la calidad seminal. Por lo anterior, se han propuesto modelos de suplementación con microminerales, tales como el Zinc y el Selenio. En el presente artículo se recopila, relaciona y discute, los diferentes efectos de la suplementación con estos microminerales, sobre los distintos mecanismos fisiológico-moleculares que afectan las principales características seminales del cerdo.

Infecciones micóticas del tracto urogenital masculino, importantes aunque poco frecuentes: revisión sistemática

Introducción: las infecciones del tracto urogenital son una de las causas más frecuentes durante las consultas por infertilidad masculina. Comúnmente se evalúan aquellas causadas por bacterias y virus, mientras que las producidas por hongos han sido subvaloradas; sin embargo, en las últimas décadas su frecuencia ha aumentado. Objetivo: describir algunas micosis del tracto urogenital masculino y su posible efecto sobre la fertilidad. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura publicada sobre las micosis del tracto urogenital masculino y la fertilidad en las bases de datos PubMed, ScienceDirect, SciELO, Redalyc, Springer y Google Académico. Resultados: se encontraron un total de 3.426 publicaciones que hablaban sobre el tema. Entre la información revisada se comprobó que el 90% de las micosis reportadas en el tracto urogenital masculino son ocasionadas por Candida spp., Aspergillus spp., Cryptococcus spp. y Coccidioides spp., microorganismos que podrían ser los causantes de uretritis, balanopostitis, úlceras, pseudotumores, orquitis y prostatitis; además de afectar negativamente la calidad espermática, lo que causa alteraciones en la fecundación. Conclusiones: las infecciones fúngicas del tracto urogenital pueden desatar infertilidad, que si se tratan correctamente disminuirán la diseminación, morbilidad y mortalidad a causa de estos microrganismos.

Detecting reproductive system abnormalities of broiler breeder roosters at different ages.

The objective of this study was to detect the reasons of rooster's fertility decrease at 50weeks of age. Therefore, the reproductive system of broiler breeder roosters was laparoscopic, macroscopic and histopathology evaluated, and a comparison of the anatomical aspect with the sperm analysis and birds' age was realized. Cobb roosters (n=59) were distributed into two groups (30 and 50weeks). Evaluations were performed with laparoscopy, macroscopy and histopathology, and seminal quality, blood serum testosterone concentration and weight were also determined. The old roosters presented smaller testicle size, higher intensity epididymal lithiasis and lower testicle sperm production, compared to the young roosters. The use of the endoscope could easily distinguish a normal-sized testicle than an atrophic one. Four old roosters with severe testicular atrophy did not show spermatogenesis, although three still had sperm in the ejaculate. This would falsely indicate a wrong diagnosis of normal fertility before the testicular atrophy took place. In conclusion, in addition to the weight increase with age, the testicular atrophy and impairment of sperm production seemed to be the main reason to the decrease in the rooster's fertility at 50weeks of age. Therefore, the use of the laparoscopy as a way to detect the roosters with testicular atrophy before 50weeks of age and their removal from them flock could be useful as a diagnostic tool to prevent the birds' fertility loss.

Molecular expression of caprine estrogen receptor gene 1 in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues.

During the last decades, physiological effects of oestrogens have been increasingly explored by scientists and biotechnologists. Estrogens exert a wide range of effects on a large variety of cell types. Oestrogen and its receptors are essential for sexual development and reproduction. Estrogen receptor alpha is a nuclear receptor activated by the hormone oestrogen. In male, ERα is encoded by the gene estrogen receptor gene 1 (ESR1), responsible for better fertility. The ESR1 is involved in the reabsorption of luminal fluid during the transit of spermatozoa from the testis to the head of the epididymis which is important for their survival and maturation during epididymal storage. The absence of ESR1 leads to reduced epididymal sperm content, reduced sperm motility and fertilizing ability. Therefore, this is a good startby to study the expression pattern of estrogen receptor 1 gene in high-fertile (G1) and low-fertile (G2) bucks of Jamunapari and Barbari breeds identified on the basis of seminal quality traits and fertility trials. RNA was extracted from the tissues by TRIzol method. The identification and expression pattern of caprine ESR1 gene was analysed by real-time PCR (Roche LC-480). Our work shows that the relative quantification by RT-PCR indicates more fold in head of epididymis as compared to spleen of caprine ESR1 gene. Furthermore, the RT-PCR indicated that fertile bucks of Jamunapari breed have more fold value as compared to Barbari breed in respect of reproductive organ.

Estrogen receptor gene 1 expression in caprine and its effect on fertility.

The present study was undertaken to analyze the expression pattern of estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) in Barbari bucks (fertile and non-fertile) identified on the basis of seminal quality traits and fertility trials. RNA was extracted from the spleen by Trizol method. The expression pattern of ESR1 gene was analyzed using real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression pattern of ESR1 gene was analyzed by RT-PCR (Roche LC-480). Relative quantification by RT-PCR indicated that the ESR1 gene expression showed more fold in fertile bucks as compared to non-fertile.

Continuous contact with females in estrus throughout the year enhances testicular activity and improves seminal traits of male goats

The “female effect” consists in the stimulation of males' reproductive activity by different signals emitted by females. This stimulation leads to endocrine and behavioral changes that may modify the seasonal pattern of male ruminants. The aims of this experiment were (1) to describe the local reproductive seasonal pattern of Gabon bucks and (2) to determine if continuous chemical, auditory, and visual contact with does in estrus enhances bucks' testicular activity and improves seminal traits throughout the year and modify their seasonal pattern. We used 16 adult Gabon bucks assigned to two experimental groups: nine bucks remained continuously isolated from females (isolated bucks, group IB) and seven bucks were in continuous chemical, auditory, and visual contact through a fence line with does in estrus (stimulated bucks, group SB). During 13 months, scrotal circumference and testosterone concentration were measured weekly and testicular echogenicity was measured every 2 weeks. Also, sperm motility mass and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa were determined, and sperm concentration and total number of motile spermatozoa were calculated every 2 weeks. Testicular echogenicity was greater in IB than that in SB bucks (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences in scrotal circumference. Overall, testosterone concentration was greater in IB than that in SB bucks (P = 0.04), but from late winter to mid-summer, when testosterone concentration presented basal concentrations, SB bucks had greater values than IB bucks (P = 0.004). Sperm concentration (P = 0.05) and sperm mass motility (P = 0.01) were greater in SB than that in IB bucks, and the total number of progressive motile spermatozoa tended to be greater in SB than in that IB bucks (P = 0.1). The percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was lower in SB than in IB bucks in several time points (P < 0.0001). Testicular and seminal traits were better from the end of the spring until mid-autumn. We concluded that does in estrus stimulated bucks' testicular activity, including better seminal quality and a greater increase of testicular fluid content than bucks isolated from females. However, the general seasonal pattern was not modified by stimulation with does in estrus.

Morfologia testicular e qualidade seminal em touros: revisão

The aim with this study was to review the factors that influence the testicular thermoregulation and its relation to testicular morphology and seminal quality of bulls. It can be considered that besides the scrotal circumference, testicular form and volume may, in future, be used as selection criteria, because some studies have shown that animals with elongated testicles had better sperm quality, probably due to a more efficient thermoregulation, with less change in their sperm tissue

Effect of Monotherapy with Darunavir/Ritonavir on Viral Load in Seminal Fluid, and Quality Parameters of Semen in HIV-1-Positive Patients.

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) who receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) often achieve increased survival and improved quality of life. In this respect, monotherapy with darunavir/ritonavir (mDRV/r) can be a useful treatment strategy. This prospective study analyses the effect of mDRV/r on sperm quality and viral load in a group of 28 patients who had previously been given conventional ART and who had recorded a viral load <20 copies/mL for at least six months. These patients were given mDRV/r at a dose of 800/100 mg for 48 weeks. At baseline (V0), CD4, CD8, FSH, LH and testosterone levels were measured, together with HIV-1 viral load in plasma and semen. In addition, seminal fluid quality was studied before mDRV/r treatment was prescribed. At week 48 (V1), HIV-1 viral load in plasma and semen and the quality of the seminal fluid were again measured. The results obtained indicate that at V0, 10% of the patients with ART had a positive viral load in seminal fluid (>20 copies/ml), and that at V1, after mDRV/r treatment, this figure had fallen to 3%. The quality of seminal fluid was close to normal in 57% of patients at V0 and in 62% at V1. We conclude that, similar to ART, mDRV/r maintains HIV-1 viral load in most patients, and that there is no worsening in seminal fluid quality.

Quality of Fresh, Cooled, and Frozen Semen From Stallions Supplemented with Antioxidants and Fatty Acids

This study assessed the effect of oral supplementation with the primary antioxidants and fatty acids involved in spermatogenesis (L-carnitine, selenium, vitamin E, omega-3, and omega-6) on the seminal quality in fresh, cooled, and frozen semen of stallions (n = 8), using a randomized design. The animals were divided into Group I (n = 4) and Group II (n = 4) for a 30-week experiment. The two groups alternated between nutraceutical supplementation and a placebo over the course of the experiment. Semen collections were performed in two sets: once in the middle of the experiment, before the two groups switched treatments, and once at the end. The volume, appearance, sperm concentration, spermatozoa kinetics, and membrane integrity of fresh semen were evaluated. The spermatozoa kinetics and membrane integrity of cooled (for 24, 36, and 48 hours) and frozen semen were also evaluated. No differences were observed in volume, appearance, and sperm concentration between treatment and control. However, compared with placebo, nutraceutical supplementation increased (P < .05) total motility, trajectory speed, as well as plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity in spermatozoa from fresh semen. In cooled semen, nutraceutical treatment also increased (P < .05) total motility, speed, and membrane integrity of spermatozoa compared with the control. In frozen semen, supplementation increased (P < .05) spermatozoa progressive motility and plasma membrane integrity. Our results suggest a positive, synergistic effect of the antioxidant L-carnitine and selenium on spermatozoa kinetics. Similarly, the increase in plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity could be attributed to higher concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids (a key cell-membrane component), combined with the prevention of excess lipid peroxidation by antioxidants. In conclusion, supplementation with nutraceuticals containing fatty acids and antioxidants improved the quality of fresh, cooled, and frozen stallion semen. Therefore, nutraceutical use should increase the success of artificial insemination with cooled and cryopreserved semen.

Reversible Anti-Fertility Effects of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ocimum Sanctum (Linn.) in Male Mice

Present study was undertaken to evaluate the reversible anti-fertility effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) on male mice. Aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum was orally administered (0.1ml) for 10 (P < 0.05), 20 (P < 0.01), 30 (P < 0.001), 40 (P < 0.001) and 50 (P < 0.001) days of exposure. Treatment of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum showed significant decrease in sperm counts during 10 (P<0.1), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.01), 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. Motility of spermatozoa also declined significantly in treated group after 10 (P<0.01), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.001) 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. However, abnormality of spermatozoa increased significantly in treated group of mice during 10 (P<0.01), 20 (P<0.01), 30 (P<0.001) 40 (P<0.001) and 50 (P<0.001) days treatment than the control. Thus significant decrease in sperm counts, motility and increased abnormality of spermatozoa altered the seminal quality which caused infertility among treated group of mice. Effect of the treatment on reproductive organs and fertility was also investigated. The results revealed that Ocimum treatment caused decrease in the weight of reproductive organs viz., testis (P<0.001), epididymis (P<0.01), seminal vesicle (P<0.001), vas deferens (P<0.01) and ventral prostate (P<0.001) significantly when compared to the control group. The recovery group of animal, which also received 50 days treatment, was maintained for 90 days without any treatment to check the reversibility. All the animals after the recovery period showed normal fertility rate. Thus Ocimum sanctum adversely affects fertility in mice and showed anti-fertility effect among them. From this we can conclude that Ocimum sanctum can be used as a potent anti-fertility agent which is reversible. Key-wordsOcimum sanctum, Anti-fertility, Sperm count, Motility, Sperm abnormality -------------------------------------------------IJLSSR----------------------------------------------INTRODUCTION One of the important concerns today’s is the problem of over population. If the population increase is not controlled or checked, it will lead to several problems (Sailani and Moeini, 2008). The solution to this predicament is population control. India opted for family planning to control the increase in population (Sarkar, 1996). Various methods of contraception were used for fertility control. There are a variety of methods available and are in use for female contraception (Bajaj, 1999). In contrast, except for the barrier method and vasectomy, there are no methods available for male contraception. Thus, there is need to develop multiple male contraceptive methods. The risk obtained by the drugs has triggered the need to develop newer molecules from medicinal plants. Access this article online Quick Response Code: Website: www.ijlssr.com

Repetibilidade das características seminais, espermáticas e fertilidade de garanhões

The aim of this study was to evaluate seminal and spermatozoa quality of stallions from North of Rio de Janeiro State in the breeding season and non-breeding...

Características seminais e de membrana espermática em touros suplementados com tocoferol

RESUMO O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a integridade da membrana plasmática e qualidade seminal de touros suplementados com tocoferol. Foram utilizados 16 touros com idade média de 24 meses e peso médio de 462,2kg, em dois tratamentos: grupo controle (GC) e grupo suplementado com tocoferol (GE- 400 UI de tocoferol/ animal/dia) adicionados ao suplemento concentrado. Os grupos foram mantidos em pastejo com suplementação de 4,5kg/ animal/ dia de concentrado. A suplementação com tocoferol foi fornecida por 60 dias. Foram realizadas 4 coletas de sêmen, sendo: nos dias 0, 30, 60 e 15 dias após o término da suplementação. O sêmen foi coletado por eletroejaculação, aferiu-se as características físicas e morfológicas. Para avaliar a integridade de membrana utilizou-se o teste hiposmótico, coloração eosina/ nigrosina, coloração Pope e trypan blue. Os dados foram analisados através da ANOVA e do teste SNK com um nível de significância de 5%. Foi encontrado efeito da suplementação para vigor (p=0,0183) (GC=2,71±0,095 e GE=2,23±0,16). Não foram encontradas diferenças (p&gt;0,05) para as demais variáveis: volume, motilidade, concentração, morfologia, integridade acrossomal, viabilidade espermática e integridade de membrana. Com os resultados obtidos, nas condições experimentais do presente trabalho, conclui-se que a suplementação oral com tocoferol de 400UI/dia não apresenta melhoria sobre a qualidade seminal nem a integridade da membrana espermática de touros.