Zinc supplementation within the reference ranges for zinc status in cattle improves sperm quality without modifying in vitro fertilization performance

GALARZA, E.M.; LIZARRAGA, R.M.; ANCHORDOQUY, J.P.; FARNETANO, N.A.; FURNUS, C.C.; FAZZIO, L.E.; ANCHORDOQUY, J.M.

ANIMAL REPRODUCTION SCIENCE

ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV

Año: 2020 vol. 221

0378-4320

Zinc (Zn) has important functions in mammalian reproductive processes. In cattle, Zn status canbe classified as deficient, marginal, and adequate, depending on the plasma Zn concentration. Inaddition, Zn deficiency can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of this study was to investigatethe effect of maternal Zn status at the beginning of a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI)treatment regimen on pregnancy rate in cattle, and evaluate the effect of supplementing in vitrofertilization (IVF) medium with Zn concentrations within the reference range for Zn status onsperm quality and IVF performance. Pregnancy rates of animals with marginal and adequate Znstatus did not differ, and there were no Zn-deficient animals detected. Supplementation of 0.8 μg/mL Zn to IVF medium enhanced progressive motility, sperm viability, functional sperm membraneintegrity (HOST), acrosomal integrity and sperm-zona binding, without modifying pronuclearformation, or development of embryos to the cleavage or blastocyst stage after IVF. Inconclusion, the present results indicate pregnancy rates are not associated with maternal Zn statusat the beginning of the FTAI treatment regimen if Zn status is marginal or adequate. Furthermore,supplementation of IVF medium with Zn at concentrations which is considered adequate for Znstatus in cattle led to improved sperm quality, without having effects on embryo development incattle.