Abstract
BACKGROUND: Artificial insemination (AI) is one of the most important reproductive technologies used to modify animals genetically. Using this method, the genetic composition of the herd can be improved and selected by choosing bulls with excellent genetic characteristics. Taxifolin (TXF), a plant flavonoid, has shown an antioxidative effect. AIMS: The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of TXF on the quality of frozen-thawed semen in Fleckvieh (Simmental) dual-purpose bulls. METHODS: Freezable semen specimens were obtained by an artificial vagina. Ejaculates were equally divided into six parts for six experimental groups, including without adding TXF to diluent (C), adding 25 (T25), 50 (T50), 100 (T100), 200 (T200), and 400 (T400) μM TXF. Sperms were frozen in a one-step dilution method. Semen factors, including motility, viability, sperm membrane integrity, DNA damage, and oxidant and antioxidant enzyme activities, were examined after thawing. RESULTS: Our findings revealed that all semen quality parameters, antioxidant enzyme activities, and free radical levels were superior in TXF-treated groups compared to the control group, and the differences were noticeably higher in the T100 group than the other groups. CONCLUSION: Adding 100 μM TXF to diluent could improve the quality of bull frozen semen.