Staff Members - Benha University
Effect of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) on Cryopreserved Piedmontese Bull Semen Characteristics
Animals • 2022
Publication Information
Authors
Ahmed R. Alkhawagah, Alessandro Ricci, Penelope Banchi, Nicola A. Martino 3
,
Mariagrazia Lucia Poletto, Gian Guido Donato, Tiziana Nervo and Leila Vincenti
Keywords
bull spermatozoa; cryopreservation; epidermal growth factor; sperm quality; DNA;
mitochondrial activity
Journal
Animals
Publisher
MDPI
Volume
12
Issue
22
Pages
Not Available
publication.type
International
Paper Link
Open Link
Supplementary Materials
Not Available
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect on fresh and post-thaw beef bull
semen quality of the supplementation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the semen extender at
various concentrations (0-control, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL). For 8 weeks, sperm was collected from
four fertile bulls, yielding a total of 32 ejaculates. Semen samples were pooled, diluted with Bullxcell®
extender, and then cooled, equilibrated, and frozen. After thawing, semen was tested for motility
and velocity parameters. Furthermore, semen was evaluated for vitality, integrity, mitochondrial
and antioxidant (SOD) activities, mucus penetration distance, and in vitro fertilizing capability. The
supplementation with EGF prior to cryopreservation improved the total sperm motility at various
concentrations over long incubation periods (from 1 to 4 h). Interestingly, EGF addition improved
both progressive and rapid motility, particularly at 50, 200, and 400 ng/mL. In addition, EGF,
primarily at 200 and 400 ng/mL, significantly increased several velocity parameters after different
incubation periods. We can conclude that adding EGF to bull sperm extender before cryopreservation
has a positive stimulatory effect on sperm motility without affecting vitality, integrity, or in vitro
fertilizing capability
semen quality of the supplementation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the semen extender at
various concentrations (0-control, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL). For 8 weeks, sperm was collected from
four fertile bulls, yielding a total of 32 ejaculates. Semen samples were pooled, diluted with Bullxcell®
extender, and then cooled, equilibrated, and frozen. After thawing, semen was tested for motility
and velocity parameters. Furthermore, semen was evaluated for vitality, integrity, mitochondrial
and antioxidant (SOD) activities, mucus penetration distance, and in vitro fertilizing capability. The
supplementation with EGF prior to cryopreservation improved the total sperm motility at various
concentrations over long incubation periods (from 1 to 4 h). Interestingly, EGF addition improved
both progressive and rapid motility, particularly at 50, 200, and 400 ng/mL. In addition, EGF,
primarily at 200 and 400 ng/mL, significantly increased several velocity parameters after different
incubation periods. We can conclude that adding EGF to bull sperm extender before cryopreservation
has a positive stimulatory effect on sperm motility without affecting vitality, integrity, or in vitro
fertilizing capability