164 Comparison of different concentrations of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and epididymis semen recovery period on post-slaughter bull sperm parameters after storage at 5°C for 120 h

N. C. Negota; M. R. Ledwaba; E. Bhebhe; T. L. Nedambale; M. L. Mphaphathi

doi:10.1071/RDv37n1Ab164

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Previous Next Contents Vol 37(1)

164 Comparison of different concentrations of Moringa oleifera leaf extract and epididymis semen recovery period on post-slaughter bull sperm parameters after storage at 5°C for 120 h

N. C. Negota ^A , M. R. Ledwaba ^C , E. Bhebhe ^A , T. L. Nedambale ^B and M. L. Mphaphathi ^C

+ Author Affiliations

- Author Affiliations

^A University of Venda, Department of Animal Science, Reproduction, and Physiology, Centre of Excellence in Animal Assisted Reproduction, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province, South Africa

^B Tshwane University of Technology, Department of Animal Science, Pretoria, South Africa

^C Agricultural Research Council, Animal Production, Germplasm, Conservation & Reproductive Biotechnology, Irene, South Africa

Reproduction, Fertility and Development 37, RDv37n1Ab164 https://doi.org/10.1071/RDv37n1Ab164

Livestock farmers often lose superior genetic material due to unexpected deaths or injuries. To recover the semen for future use, a suitable semen extender and clear biotechnological protocol are needed. The post-death or post-slaughter recovery period of the bull and the type of semen extender significantly affect sperm quality. Moringa oleifera leaf extracts (MOLEs) can effectively scavenge free radicals in vitro for sperm preservation. The study evaluated the effect of different recovery periods (0, 2, and 4 h) of epididymis semen and MOLE concentrations supplemented into Tris-egg yolk (TEY) extender (TEY+MOLE0%, TEY+MOLE4%, TEY+MOLE8%, and TEY+MOLE12%) on post-slaughter epididymal sperm parameters (motility and viability). A total of 50 bull testicles were randomly collected from the local slaughterhouse and transported at 5°C to the laboratory. After recovery of the epididymis (0, 2, and 4 h) semen was flushed and diluted in a TEY extender supplemented with varying levels (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) of MOLE and stored at 5°C for 120 h. The semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility and viability. Data were analyzed using a computer-assisted sperm analyzer. The General Linear Model procedures of Minitab statistical package version 20 were used to evaluate treatment effects at a 95% confidence interval. The ANOVA (ANOVA) in a 3 × 4 factorial design was performed on the recovery period, different levels of MOLE, and semen storage periods. Live and dead sperm were manually counted after staining, and live sperm was recorded as a percentage. The study’s results indicate that retrieving sperm from the epididymis at different time intervals (0, 2, and 4 h) post-slaughter significantly affected sperm motility and viability (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the inclusion of MOLE in the TEY semen extender at varying concentrations (TEY+MOLE 4%, 8%, and 12%) enhanced sperm motility (80.79%, 88.94%, 88.68%) compared with the control (TEY+MOLE 0%) at 77.47%. Similarly, sperm viability (live) also improved with MOLE inclusion in the TEY semen extender (TEY+MOLE 4%, 8%, and 12%) to 74.92%, 78.45%, and 75.27%, respectively, compared with the control (TEY+MOLE 0%) at 72.15%. Therefore, sperm viability decreased with the sperm recovery period: 97.79% (0 h), 81.45% (2 h), and 72.00% (4 h), while progressive motility showed percentages of 84.90% (0 h), 50.19% (2 h), and 41.53% (4 h). In conclusion, the inclusion of MOLE in the TEY extender can enhance sperm quality, and early recovery of sperm from the epididymis after slaughter positively affects sperm motility and viability.