To evaluate the effect of different concentrations of reduced glutathicne (GSH)
supplemented to the freezing extender on motility, livability and abnormality of
Friesian bull spermatozoa during cooling, freezing and thawing phases of the
cryopreservation process, a total of five Holstein bulls with average age of 3.5 years
were used in this investigation. Semen ejaculates were collected twice weekly by
means of artificial vagina. Only ejaculates having mass motility of 70% or more was
pooled for each collection day for 5 weeks. The pooled semen was divided into 4
parts including control, and three concentrations of GSH (0.4, 0.8 and 1.2 mM).
Percentages of motility, livability and abnormality were determined during different
following phases of cryopreservation process: initial percentage in pooled semen pre-
dilution; post-dilution; post-equilibration period and post-thawing. Results show
insignificant effect of GSH concentration on sperm motility post diiution. During
equilibrium period, sperm motility was higher (P<0.05) with 0,4 GSH than 0 and 1.2
mM GSH (68.0 vs. 58.5 and 60.0%, respectively), but did not differ Significaniiy than
semen with 0.8 mM GSH. However, the differences between semen with 0.8 mM
GSH and the other concentrations wer not significant. in frozen-thawed semen,
sperm motility was higher (P<0.05) with 0 04 and 0.8 mM GSH than 0 and 1.2 mM
GSH (55.5 and 51.0% vs. 33.0 and 381%, respectively). The lowest (P<0.05)
reduction in sperm motility during all semen processes was obtained With 0.4 or 0.8
mM GSH, which resulted in the highest recovery rate (74%) of motile spermatozoa in
thawed semen. The effect of GSH concentration on live sperm percentage post
dilution was not significant. Post 4 h at 4°C as an equilibrium period. live sperm
percentage was higher (P<0.05) with 0.4 mM GSH (68.4%) than 0, 0.8 and 1.2 mM
GSH (60.7, 63.4 and 62.2%, respectively). Post freezing and thawing, sperm livability
in semen diluted with 0.4 and 0.8 mM GSH was higher (P<0.05) than 0 and 1.2 mM
GSH (56.8 and 51.3 vs. 35.2 and 40.6%, respectively) The lowest reduction in sperm
livability during all semen processes was obtained with 0.4 or 0.8 mM GSl—l, which
resulted in the highest recovery rate (71.4%) of live spermatozoa. The effect of GSH
concentrations on sperm abnormality, post dilution, during equilibrium period, and
post freezing and thawing was not significant. The lowest (P<0.05) increase in sperm
abnormality during all semen processes was obtained with 0.4 mM GSH,
In conclusion, the addition of GSH with a concentration of 0.4 mM to the
freezing Tris—extender improved percentages of motility, livability and abnormality of
bull spermatozoa.