Effect of bovine and human follicular fluid on semen quality of fresh and frozen-thawed semen in dual purpose Simmental (Fleckvieh) bulls: a new method of adding follicular fluid to bull semen.

Abstract

Background: Follicular fluid (FF) is a biological fluid that contains many compounds such as proteins, hormones, metabolites, antioxidants, etc.

Aims: The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of adding cattle and human follicular fluid on bulls' semen quality during the freezing process.

Methods: Semen sampling from 12 Simmental bulls was performed in a period of 3 months (36 ejaculations with three ejaculates per bull). Each ejaculate was divided into four equal portions. Three portions were used for control (C) (semen without follicular fluid), semen containing human follicular fluid (HFF), semen containing cow follicular fluid (CFF). Another part of semen was also used to prepare seminal plasma. Sperm quality assessment was performed on fresh and thawed frozen (immediately after thawing, 1 and 2 h after thawing) semen.

Results: Adding human follicular fluid to the bulls' semen can slow down the process of reducing sperm motility and can delay the increase in the percentage of dead sperm in frozen-thawed semen.

Conclusion: The human follicular fluid maintains the viability and motility of bull sperms better than the control and bovine follicular fluid. The possible effect of human follicular fluid on the metabolism of sperms during the process of freezing and thawing needs to be clarified in future studies.