Effect of [alpha]-tocopherol supplementation during ram semen cryopreservation on subsequent embryo development

چکیده مقاله

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of α-tocopherol (Toc) supplementation to semen extender during sperm freezing on developmental competence of derived embryos.

Materials and Methods: The pooled semen samples collected from three rams of Shal breed were diluted in extender with different concentrations (5 mM and 10 mM; Toc-5 and Toc-10 groups, respectively) or without Toc (control groups) before freezing. The abattoirderived COCs were fertilized with above frozen semen (treatment and control group). The parameters of embryo development such as cleavage, blastocyst, and hatching rates were subsequently recorded. The data were analyzed using ANOVA test.

Results: The blastocyst rate on day 8 in Toc-5 group was greater than Toc-10 and control groups (48.2±11.1 vs. 36.4±7.8 and 39.3±8, respectively). However, the hatching in Toc-10 group was greater than Toc-5 and control groups (52.6±4 vs. 55.9±15.4 and 43.8±8.3, respectively). Conclusion: The presence of different concentrations of α-tocopherol in semen extender may exert different effects on embryo developmental parameters using frozen-thawed semen.