China Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (7): 3242-3255.doi: 10.16431/j.cnki.1671-7236.2025.07.025

• Genetics and Breeding • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Effect of Antioxidants on Freezing Effect of Semen in Ruminants

WANG Ru1,2, WANG Jiahao1,2, OU Jingyu1,2, TANG Wenhui1,2, CHENG Xiao1,2, WANG Qiangjun1,2, CHEN Jiahong3, ZHANG Zijun1,2, REN Chunhuan1,2   

  1. 1. College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China;
    2. Anhui Provincial Laboratory of Animal and Poultry Genetic Resources Protection and Biological Breeding, Hefei 230036, China;
    3. New Rural Development Research Institute, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230036, China
  • Received:2024-09-21 Online:2025-07-05 Published:2025-07-01

Abstract: Artificial insemination technology plays a significant role in livestock genetic improvement and reproductive management,while semen cryopreservation facilitates the full utilization of superior sires’ reproductive potential and reduces production costs in the breeding industry.With the popularization of artificial insemination technology,the requirements for the quality and time of cryopreservation of ruminant semen have been also increasing.However,sperms in semen are susceptible to ice crystal damage and oxidative stress damage during the freezing-thawing process,which affects sperm motility and fertilization ability.As an important substance to reduce oxidative damage and improve semen quality,exogenous antioxidants have attracted extensive attention in the cryopreservation of animal semen.At present,numerous studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of exogenous antioxidants in ruminant semen cryopreservation,highlighting their substantial potential for improving frozen semen quality.To this end,this article systematically reviews the effects of ultra-low temperature on oxidative damage in sperm and how antioxidants protect sperm from oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).It comprehensively discusses the application of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in ruminant semen cryopreservation,including specific antioxidant types,optimal concentrations,and their precise effects on sperm motility parameters.In addition,the potential application value of novel antioxidants (e.g.,kaempferol,rutin,astaxanthin) in the freezing of semen from ruminants are also explored.However,the optimal concentration,application mode and mechanism of action of antioxidants still require further investigation and refinement.By systematically analyzing the efficacy of various antioxidant types and concentrations in ruminant semen cryopreservation,this review aims to provide theoretical foundations and practical references for advancing and optimizing ruminant frozen semen technologies.

Key words: antioxidant; oxidative stress; sperm; semen freezing; ruminant

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