Glutathione and Vitamin C Optimize Muscovy Duck Semen Quality and Longevity During Cold Storage

Maintaining high semen quality during storage is crucial for successful artificial insemination (AI) in poultry breeding programs. Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata), a valuable genetic resource, faces challenges with current semen preservation methods, which often lead to reduced sperm viability and function over time. Traditional extenders may not adequately protect sperm from oxidative stress and cellular damage during cold storage. This research addresses the need for improved preservation techniques by investigating the antioxidant properties of glutathione and vitamin C to enhance semen quality and extend its shelf-life, thereby supporting more effective breeding initiatives.

Researchers collected fresh semen from adult Muscovy ducks and diluted it using a Ringer's lactate extender. This extender was supplemented with varying concentrations of either glutathione (GSH) at 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mM or vitamin C at 0.568, 1.136, 1.704, and 2.272 mM. The diluted semen samples were then stored at 5°C and evaluated every 12 hours for key quality parameters. Primary endpoints included motility, viability, abnormalities, and membrane plasma integrity. Longevity was specifically defined as the duration for which both motility and viability remained above 50%.

Both glutathione and vitamin C supplementation significantly influenced all measured semen quality parameters throughout the cold storage period, with a high statistical significance of p < 0.01. Specific concentrations proved most effective in preserving semen quality. > Treatment with 0.1 mM GSH and 0.568 mM vitamin C consistently demonstrated superior preservation, maintaining higher motility, viability, and membrane integrity while simultaneously minimizing the occurrence of sperm abnormalities. These optimal concentrations also yielded the highest semen longevity, ensuring that critical parameters like motility and viability remained above the 50% threshold for extended periods. The study clearly established a dose-dependent effect, identifying specific low concentrations as most beneficial for long-term preservation.