Dietary Propolis Supplement Improves Semen Characteristics in Egyptian Buffaloes

Abstract

Buffalo bulls frequently present with infertility, and reproductive improvement in such animals is of great importance. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary propolis supplementation on semen characteristics, including volume, sperm motility, viability, physiological abnormalities, sperm count, seminal antioxidant level, seminal α-glucosidase activity, and serum testosterone level. This study was carried out on nine buffalo bulls divided into three groups supplemented daily with 150 mg/kg DM/head propolis, 100 mg/kg DM/head propolis, or fed a basal control. After 2 months, semen samples were collected for biochemical analysis of various parameters and serum samples were collected for measuring total testosterone levels. Results showed that propolis supplementation increased semen volume, sperm motility, and live sperm percentage, with a concomitant reduction in the percentage of abnormal sperm. Antioxidant activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased in groups that received propolis, with a concurrent decline in malondialdehyde concentration. Also, α-glucosidase activity in seminal plasma and serum testosterone levels showed a marked increase after propolis supplementation. In conclusion, these results suggest that dietary propolis may enhance semen characteristics in Egyptian buffaloes