Yudit Oktanella, Imam Mustofa, Suherni Susilowati, Widjiati Widjiati, Ayunda A. Cahyani, Fahrunnisak A. R. An-Haru, Achmad Muzaqqi, Sabrina N. Fathiyananda, Juhi S. Caula, Errelyna C. P. Kinasih, Desinta D. M. Putri, Annisa N. S. D. Febrianti, Aswin R. Khairullah
During cryopreservation, goat spermatozoa are highly susceptible to oxidative stress due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, which can damage the sperm cell membrane and DNA by excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). This condition can lower sperm quality. To overcome this problem, antioxidants are added to semen extenders, although their effectiveness depends heavily on the type and concentration used. This study aims to compare the effects of three antioxidants: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), coenzyme-Q10 (CoQ10), and quercetin, on the quality of post-thawed sperm in Kacang goats. Fresh semen samples were cryopreserved using extenders supplemented with various concentrations of each antioxidant. Post-thawed evaluation included sperm motility, viability, intact plasma membrane (IPM), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels as a marker of oxidative stress. CoQ10 was found to be the most effective of the three. The highest motility (52.00 ± 1.58%) was observed at 50 mg/dL, while the highest viability (67.16 ± 0.85%) was observed at 100 mg/dL. CoQ10 was also the most effective at maintaining IPM (58.00 ± 0.70%) and had the lowest MDA levels (16.08 ± 1.29 ng/mL), indicating the strongest protection against oxidative damage. Quercetin provided moderate improvements, especially at low doses (5–10 mg/dL). Meanwhile, EGCG showed benefits only at high concentrations (400–800 mg/dL) and was less consistent. The consistency of CoQ10's performance across all parameters confirms its superiority. Its dual function, as both a mitochondrial cofactor for energy production and a fat-soluble antioxidant, helps maintain ATP supply, protect membrane integrity, and reduce lipid peroxidation. Its wide effective dose range also makes it very promising for application. In conclusion, CoQ10 is highly recommended for supplementation, as it significantly improves motility, viability, membrane integrity, and oxidative stability of goat sperm after thawing compared to EGCG and quercetin. © 2025 Authors.
Program of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, East Java, Surabaya, Indonesia; Professional Program of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya, East Java, Malang, Indonesia; Research Center for Veterinary Science, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), East Java, Bogor, Indonesia
