Influence of nano‐formulations of clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) extract on freezing ability, antioxidant capacity, caspase‐3 activity, acrosome reaction and fertility of frozen rabbit semen

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of nano‐formulations of clove bud ethanolic extract (CBENF) in the extender on sperm characteristics, antioxidant capacity, oxidative biomarkers, enzymatic activity, apoptosis and fertility of post‐thawed rabbit semen. Twelve mature male rabbits semen samples were pooled and cryopreserved in a Tris‐egg yolk‐based extender containing varying concentrations of CBENF (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg/mL). After the equilibration and freezing–thawing process, CBENF (100 μg /mL) significantly enhanced progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity. Conversely, sperm abnormality was significantly reduced by CBENF supplementation. Total antioxidant capacity was increased in the post‐thawed sperm medium, while nitric oxide and malondialdehyde were decreased in all CBENF concentrations. The lactic dehydrogenase and caspase‐3 activities were decreased, whereas the number of live spermatozoa with an intact acrosome was increased in all CBENF concentrations. Conception rate and litter size per doe were higher in doe rabbits inseminated with semen supplemented with 100 μg CBENF/mL than un‐supplemented group (76% vs. 52% and 8.4 vs. 7.7/doe), with no statistical differences. These findings suggest that supplementing rabbit extenders with 100 μg of CBENF/mL could be an effective strategy for enhancing freeze–thawing rabbit sperm attributes and fertility.