Effect of the simultaneous addition of cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside in boar semen preserved under refrigeration at 17°C for 168 hours

Abstract

Artificial insemination is widely used in swine reproductive management, allowing a single high-genetic-value male to fertilize a larger number of females. However, the dilution of spermatozoa in cooling media does not prevent oxidative processes that reduce the fertilizing capacity of sperm cells. This study investigated the effects of the antioxidant compounds cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside, present in açaí extract, on sperm motility and the integrity of the plasma and acrosomal membranes of boar spermatozoa cooled to 17 ºC for up to 168 hours and the impact of these compounds on preventing the formation of superoxide anions. Semen samples were diluted with different concentrations of these compounds and compared with a long-term extender (Vitasem®) and a negative control. The results were evaluated at three time points: initial (time 0), after 96 hours, and after 168 hours of cooling. Vitasem® maintained high levels of motility and sperm plasma membrane integrity, while the cyanidins did not provide significant improvements compared to the negative control. Statistical analysis indicated that the addition of cyanidin 3-glucoside and cyanidin 3-rutinoside at the tested concentrations did not result in significant improvements in sperm characteristics. These findings suggest the need to explore other concentrations and combinations of antioxidants to optimize sperm preservation during cold storage.