Short communication: Influence of vitamins C and E on sperm motility of rabbit bucks

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of vitamin C and E supplementation on rabbit sperm motility. Forty INAT breed bucks aged 8.5 mo were divided into 2 groups: control group (C) and treated group (T) receiving vitamins C (1 g/L) and E (1 g/L) incorporated in the drinking water. Semen was collected using an artificial vagina over 6 wk (C, total ejaculates=81; T, total ejaculates=76). The massal motility (MM) was evaluated in the fresh and raw semen. Then, the individual motility at 0 (IMo, 2 (IM2) and 4 h (IM4) after semen collection was determined in diluted semen and conserved at +4°C for the 2 groups. MM was higher in T than in C group (P=0.0012). However, the individual motilities IM0, IM2 and IM4 did not vary between the 2 groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of vitamins C and E in the drinking water for rabbit influenced only the MM in both fresh and raw semen. © WRSA, UPV, 2003.