Improving Rooster Semen Storage with Nettle Extract at Low Temperatures

Jenn Hoskins
11th September, 2024

Improving Rooster Semen Storage with Nettle Extract at Low Temperatures

Image Source: Majkel Berger (photographer)

Key Findings

  • The study from the University of Kurdistan found that nettle root aqueous extracts at 0.5 mg/100 mL significantly improved rooster sperm quality during storage
  • Improvements included better sperm motility, viability, fertility, and membrane integrity, along with reduced oxidative damage
  • These findings suggest that nettle extracts could enhance avian breeding programs by protecting sperm during storage
The preservation of avian semen is a critical issue in avian breeding programs and artificial insemination practices. One of the primary challenges is the peroxidation of spermatozoa membrane phospholipids, which leads to irreversible damage during storage. A recent study from the University of Kurdistan[1] explored the potential of Urtica dioica (commonly known as nettle) extracts in protecting avian spermatozoa during prolonged storage. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nettle extracts in enhancing the quality of rooster semen stored at low temperatures. The researchers employed gas chromatography-mass spectroscopic techniques to identify the bioactive compounds in the aqueous and ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts and roots of U. dioica. Semen samples were collected from 16 roosters twice a week, diluted in Lake's extender containing different concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 mg/100 mL) of the extracts, and stored at 5°C. Sperm quality parameters were then assessed at intervals of 0, 12, 24, and 36 hours. The findings demonstrated that the addition of nettle root aqueous extracts, particularly at a concentration of 0.5 mg/100 mL, significantly improved various sperm quality parameters. These included total and progressive sperm motilities, viability, fertility, membrane integrity, acrosomal membrane integrity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) production, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The improvements were validated through both conventional manual methods and computer-assisted sperm analysis, underscoring the reliability of the results. These findings align with earlier research that has highlighted the antioxidative properties of U. dioica. For instance, a study on broiler chickens fed with U. dioica showed significant upregulation of antioxidant genes and reduced lipid peroxidation, leading to better health outcomes[2]. This supports the notion that the antioxidant properties of U. dioica can be beneficial in biological systems prone to oxidative stress. The current study also resonates with earlier work on the cryopreservation of bull and rooster semen. For example, the addition of antioxidants like thiols and L-Carnitine (LC) to semen extenders has been shown to enhance sperm motility and viability after freeze-thawing[3][4]. In particular, thiols were effective in maintaining high sperm motility in bull semen by counteracting oxidative stress[3], while LC improved the quality of rooster sperm post-cryopreservation[4]. These studies collectively highlight the importance of antioxidants in semen preservation. Furthermore, another study demonstrated the benefits of feeding dried apple pomace (AP) to aging breeder roosters, which led to improved sperm motility, livability, and reduced lipid peroxidation[5]. The current study's use of nettle extracts similarly aims to mitigate oxidative damage, thereby improving sperm quality during storage. In conclusion, the study from the University of Kurdistan provides compelling evidence for the use of U. dioica extracts, especially the aqueous extract from nettle roots at 0.5 mg/100 mL, in enhancing the preservation of avian spermatozoa. The significant improvements in various sperm quality parameters and the dual validation of results through manual and computer-assisted methods suggest that U. dioica extracts could be a valuable addition to avian breeding programs and artificial insemination practices. This study builds on previous research demonstrating the efficacy of antioxidants in semen preservation, offering a new avenue for improving reproductive outcomes in avian species.

BiochemPlant ScienceAnimal Science

References

Main Study

1) Supplementation of Rooster Semen Extender with Aqueous Extract of Urtica dioica for a Long Time Preservation by Low Temperature.

Published 10th September, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1089/bio.2022.0165

Related Studies

2) Expression of antioxidant genes in broiler chickens fed nettle (Urtica dioica) and its link with pulmonary hypertension.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aninu.2019.04.004

3) Thiols prevent H2O2-mediated loss of sperm motility in cryopreserved bull semen.

Journal: Theriogenology, Issue: Vol 56, Issue 2, Jul 2001

4) L-Carnitine in rooster semen cryopreservation: Flow cytometric, biochemical and motion findings for frozen-thawed sperm.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cryobiol.2016.10.009

5) Reproductive performance, semen quality, and fatty acid profile of spermatozoa in senescent broiler breeder roosters as enhanced by the long-term feeding of dried apple pomace.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2014.03.006


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