Cryopreservation of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss spermatozoa: Effects of extender supplemented with different antioxidants on sperm motility, velocity and fertility

In present study, it was examined whether addition of different antioxidants to the cryopreservation extenders had an effect on semen post-thaw fertility and motility in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and also it was investigated the sperm characteristics post-thaw sperm characteristics and fertility. The collected semen was pooled to minimize individual variation. Each pooled ejaculate was split into 12 equal aliquots and diluted with base extenders supplemented with the antioxidants, and a base extender with no additives (control). The pooled semen samples diluted at the ratio of 1:10 by the extenders were subjected to cryopreservation. Antioxidants were separately added to the extenders (one per experimental group): catalase (250 U/l), superoxide dismutase (250 U/l), peroxidase (250 U/l), oxidized glutathione (1.5 mmol/l), reduced glutathione (1.5 mmol/l), l-methionine (1.5 mmol/l), uric acid (0.25 mmol/l), l-ascorbic acid (0.5 mmol/l), α-tocopherol (2.0 mmol/l), β-carotene (0.5 mmol/l) and carnitine (0.5 mmol/l). After dilution the semen was aspirated into 0.25 ml straws, the straws were placed on the tray, frozen for 10 min, and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Our results indicated that the post-thaw motility rate increased in extenders supplemented with uric acid, l-methionine, SOD, l-carnitine, α-tocopherol and l-reduced glutathione (p < 0.05). The motility duration of frozen thawed semen increased in extenders supplemented with uric acid, l-methionine, SOD, α-tocopherol and l-reduced glutathione (p < 0.05). Fertilization rate and hatching rate of frozen-thawed semen was not affected by the tested antioxidants. Consequently, the tested antioxidants affected the motility parameters and cryopreservation extenders could be supplement with antioxidants. This study suggested usage of antioxidants in the cryopreservation of rainbow trout.