Effects of different concentrations of honeysuckle ( Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.) and barberry ( Berberis vulgaris L.) extracts in cryopreserving of duck semen on sperm quality.

The current study examines the effects of honeysuckle (Lonicera iberica M. Bieb.) (Li) and barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) (Bv) extracts in cryopreserved duck semen on sperm quality due to their proposed antioxidant effects. Of both extracts, 0.1% and 0.2% were added to the duck semen extender and the sperm quality was evaluated after thawing. For this purpose, semen was collected from six 1-year-old drakes by abdominal massage (for 4 weeks, twice a week, 48 ejaculates). Semen volume, sperm density, motility, and viability were determined. An extender containing 6% dimethylformamide (DMF) cryoprotectant (sodium lactate 3 g; sodium chloride 6 g; potassium chloride 0.4 g; calcium chloride dihydrate 0.3 g; dextrose monohydrate (D-glucose) 50 g) and Li and Bv extracts were used. After pooling, collected duck semen samples were randomly divided into 5 equal parts in amount. Then, using an extender at a 1:3 ratio, control (without Li- or Bv-additive), 0.1% Li, 0.2% Li, 0.1% Bv, and 0.2% Bv groups were formed. Semen samples divided into groups were subjected to freezing procedure and preserved in liquid nitrogen. Then, the sperm quality parameters of the groups were assessed after the semen samples were thawed at 37°C. Our findings revealed that the use of plant extracts in different concentrations in the cryopreservation of duck semen can positively affect sperm quality after thawing. Consequently, the extender with 0.1% Bv extract proved to be potentially useful for the long-term preservation of duck semen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]