The impact of procyanidin supplementation on Turkey semen quality, oxidative stress parameters, and fertilization during preservation at -196 °C.

This study investigated the effects of procyanidin (PC)-supplemented semen extenders on the quality and fertility of cryopreserved turkey sperm. Semen was pooled and diluted using a glucose-based extender enriched with PC at concentrations of 10, 30, and 50 μg before freezing. Post-thaw evaluations included motility, motion characteristics, viability, plasma membrane functionality (PMF), DNA integrity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels. Fertility and hatchability assessments were conducted via artificial insemination using thawed semen. Extenders with 30 and 50 μg PC significantly enhanced motility, viability, PMF, TAC, and SOD activity while reducing DNA damage, abnormal morphology, and lipid peroxidation compared to other groups. Moreover, fertility rates were notably higher with PC concentrations of 30 and 50 μg. The findings highlight that adding PC at 30 or 50 μg improves the quality of cryopreserved turkey semen, optimizing fertility and hatchability outcomes.