Impact of Zinc Supplementation on Tharparkar Bull Semen Quality: Comparative Study of Commercial and Lab Extenders

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the impact of zinc supplementation on chilled and frozen thawed quality parameters of Tharparkar bull semen by comparing the use of BULLXcell® (Commercial) and tris-based egg yolk (Lab based) extenders impact on semen quality parameters. The research was conducted at the Department of Animal Reproduction, Sindh Agriculture University Tandojam. Total 44 semen ejaculates were collected from four Tharparkar Bulls (A, B, C, and D) aged 4-5 years using an artificial vagina. Macroscopic and Microscopic parameters i.e. color: visual observation, volume: graduated tube, pH: digital pH meter, Progressive Motility (20x magnification), morphology and viability (eosin-nigrosin stain), concentration (haemocytometer method), and membrane integrity (HOST solution), were evaluated. Semen samples with progressive motility, morphology, viability, and membrane integrity exceeding 70% were pooled and processed. The pooled semen samples were further extended by pouring into four groups [A: BullXcell® control, B: BullXcell®+Zinc (0.2 mg/100 ml), C: Tris+Control, D: Tris+Zinc (0.2 mg/100 ml)]. Chilled assessment of progressive motility, morphology, viability, and membrane integrity revealed that Group B (78.65±0.85, 85.23±0.81, 81.22±1.17, 80.51±0.73) (P<0.05) demonstrated improved results compared to Group D (73.82±0.91, 81.66±1.14, 76.51±1.22, 76.27±1.07). Similarly, post-thawed assessment of these parameters indicated superior results for Group B (57.25±0.82, 75.17±1.02, 70.22±1.34, 63.55±1.39) (P<0.05) compared to Group D (47.35±0.66, 63.24±1.47, 65.05±1.63, 57.14±1.02) followed A and C. Based on the findings, it was concluded that Group B [BullXcell®+Zinc (0.2 mg/100 ml)] significantly improved both Chilled and post thawed quality parameters of Tharparkar cattle bull semen and the inclusion of Zinc in extenders is recommended as it improved viability of spermatozoa.