Intra-Species Variation and Correlation Among Antioxidant Potential, Mitochondrial Performance, and Quality Parameters in Fresh and Cryopreserved Japanese Quail Semen.

Aim: The poultry sector is currently witnessing heavy demand for its products especially meat, which is expected to intensify in the coming years. However, while Japanese quail displays a lot of promise to help meet the soaring demands, its sustainable production requires assisted reproduction via sperm cryopreservation. Hence, the current study was designed to elucidate the impact of cryopreservation on Japanese quail semen quality, antioxidant potential, and mitochondrial activity and intra-species variation in terms of freeze-tolerance. Materials and Methods: Semen was collected individually from seven mature males, diluted with NaCl extender and cryopreserved. Samples were analyzed for sperm motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity, viability, DNA fragmentation, and biochemical parameters at the fresh collection, post-dilution, post-cooling, post-equilibration, and post-thaw stages of freezing. Results: Sperm motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity, viability, antioxidant potential, scavenging capacity, and mitochondrial activity were reduced (p < 0.05) and DNA fragmentation was increased (p < 0.05) at all the stages of cryopreservation. Further, all the parameters were negatively correlated with DNA fragmentation during cryopreservation. The percent incline rates for DNA fragmentation and decline rates for the rest of the parameters in individual birds showed intra-species variation (p < 0.05) with respect to freeze-tolerance. Conclusion: Japanese quail semen quality, antioxidant potential, and mitochondrial activity are severely affected by the freezing process and the level of freeze-resilience varies among individuals.