Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc and copper on in vitro semen fertility in goat

The effect of organic copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation on fertilizing potential of frozen goat semen was investigated through sperm-zona pellucida binding test and cleavage rate. In total, 478 oocytes were matured and in vitro fertilization was carried out in the presence of frozen semen from goats that had been given supplements of organic Zn or Cu in different concentrations. The results showed significant differences between trace mineral treated (T5: 26.83 ± 1.23, T6: 22.06 ± 1.98, T7: 22.85 ± 1.20) and control (14.87 ± 1.15) groups in terms of relative number of sperm cells bound to the zona pellucida of in vitro mature goat oocytes. The observed cleavage rates (%) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in treatment group (T3: 30 ± 7.07, T7: 40 ± 10.8, T10: 30 ± 5.4) as compared to control group (18 ± 3.73). These differences demonstrated the influence of trace minerals, Zn and Cu on the cleavage rate/sperm-zona pellucida binding capacity and the fertility related properties in goats.