Dietary supplementation with α-linolenic acid improves the reproductive performance of blue foxes (Alopex lagopus)

Introduction As a valuable fur-bearing species, enhancing the reproductive performance of male foxes is crucial for genetic advancement and productivity. α -Linolenic acid (ALA) has been reported to improve semen quality in male animals; however, its effects on reproductive parameters in blue foxes remain poorly characterized. Methods In this study, 40 male blue foxes of similar age and condition were randomly assigned to four dietary groups ( n = 10 per group) receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.25, or 2 g/kg of ALA. Semen quality, antioxidant capacity, serum hormone levels, and testicular histomorphology were evaluated. Results The results showed that compared with the control group (ALA, 0 g/kg), the 0.5 α group (ALA, 0.5g/kg), 1.25 α group (ALA, 1.25 g/kg), and 2 α group (ALA, 2 g/kg) significantly increased sperm motility, viability, sperm concentration, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), testosterone (T), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as the perimeter and area of seminiferous tubules, while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly reduced ( p < 0.05). Sperm abnormality rates were significantly lower in the 1.25 α and 2 α groups compared to 0 α group, along with elevated total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), luteinizing hormone (LH), and sertoli cell counts ( p < 0.05). Discussion In conclusion, dietary ALA supplementation improves reproductive performance in male blue foxes by enhancing semen antioxidant capacity, modulating serum hormone profiles, and promoting testicular development, with an optimal supplementation level of 1.25 g/kg.