Efecto de la concentración de la menaquinona-4 sobre el semen ovino en refrigeración

Abstract

Sperm cryoconservation is one of the practices with the most significant impact in Veterinary Medicine, helping small and large farmers, integrating modern genetic technologies to improve the viability and motility of sperm through the use of antioxidants such as menaquinone-4, MK-4, or vitamin K2, which neutralizes the increase in free radicals. This study aimed to examine this effect at doses of 1 mM and 10 mM on the sperm quality of three sheep breeds (Dorper, Katahdin, and Pelibuey), which participate in a genetic improvement program. For this analysis, five ejaculated individuals from each animal were used, which were evaluated using Host, Eosin-Nigrosima, Propidium Iodide, and Rhodamide tests, observing the viability, integrity, and potential of the mitochondrial membrane. At the same time, the parameters of PR, NP, IM, VCL, VAP, VSL, STR, LIN, ALH, and BCF were analyzed by the CASA (Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis System), yielding statistically favorable results when using doses of 1 mM and 10 mM. While in the evolution of 0, 24, and 48 hours, a gradual variation was seen in the viability and integrity tests. On the other hand, the Katahdin breed stood out in its sperm quality. However, the group was homogeneous, concluding that using Manaquinone-4 as an antioxidant proved to be a factor that helps cryopreservation in refrigerated sheep semen. These results provide new information for future research on using menaquinone-4 in sheep semen and other species.

Keywords: vitamin K2; semen, cryopreservation