Improvement of antioxidant status and semen quality by oral supplementation with vitamins c and e in rams

Abstract

In males, most of the conditions leading to decreased fertility are associated with oxidative stress, where supra-physiological levels of reactive oxygen species exert detrimental effects on spermatogenesis and sperm function. The goal of the present work was to evaluate the effect of oral supplementation with vitamin C and E on antioxidant status and semen parameters in rams. Sixteen rams were daily supplemented with 600 mg of vitamin C and 450 IU of vitamin E, during 30 days (d). Other sixteen rams were not supplemented, acting as controls. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for vitamin C and E concentrations. Ejaculates were recovered and analyzed for volume, sperm concentration, overall and progressive motility, and sperm viability. In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in the seminal plasma. Plasma concentrations of vitamin C and E were significantly higher in the supplemented rams. Seminal plasma SOD, GPx and TAC were also higher in vitamin supplemented rams. Ejaculate volume showed no difference between supplemented and non-supplemented rams, while sperm concentration, overall and progressive motility, and sperm viability were significantly higher in the supplemented rams. It is concluded that daily oral supplementation of vitamins C and E during a period of 30 d, allows to improve both antioxidant parameters in seminal fluid and semen quality. This constitutes a simple and cheaper technique for increase ram efficiency during breeding season, especially when artificial insemination is used, and may be beneficial to improving the quality of refrigerated or frozen/thawed semen