The Effect of Sodium Phytate on the Liquid Preservation of Porcine Semen.

Semen quality plays a critical role in artificial insemination; however, the accumulation of oxidised substances during semen storage impairs sperm viability and function, ultimately reducing fertility. Sodium phytate is a naturally occurring compound found in plants, known for its potent antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sodium phytate on the preservation of porcine semen at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). The study employed a variety of methods, including the assessment of sperm quality parameters (sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were determined. The experiment was divided into a control group and different concentrations of sodium phytate. Sperm quality parameters were evaluated in the control group (0 μg/mL) and in the sodium phytate group (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/mL) on Days 2, 4, and 6 of sperm storage at various storage temperatures (17°C and 4°C). Additionally, the antioxidant capacity of porcine sperm was evaluated on Days 2 and 4. The results indicated that the addition of sodium phytate to porcine semen dilutions significantly enhanced sperm viability, plasma membrane integrity, and mitochondrial activity (p < 0.05), while simultaneously reducing MDA levels produced during semen preservation (p < 0.05). The optimal concentration of sodium phytate was found to be 1-10 μg/mL under ambient storage conditions and 100 μg/mL under low-temperature storage conditions. These findings suggest that sodium phytate has potential effects on porcine semen during preservation under various storage conditions, providing a theoretical foundation for improving artificial insemination fertility rates.