Dose-Response of Sodium Selenite Supplementation in AndroMed® Chilled Extender on Saanen Buck Spermatozoa Integrity Across Age Groups

HistoryChilled semen preservation supports artificial insemination (AI) programs.However, oxidative stress (OS) during cold storage can impair sperm function, particularly in older bucks with diminished antioxidant defence.This study evaluated the combined effects of sodium selenite supplementation and age on the maintenance of semen quality and cellular and sperm membrane integrity of Saanen buck spermatozoa in AndroMed® chilled extender.Nine Saanen bucks were assigned to three age groups: G1 (18 months), G2 (36 months), and G3 (72 months).Semen was collected and diluted with AndroMed® extender supplemented with sodium selenite at 0, 1, 5, 10, and 25ppm.Sperm quality parameters, including motility, viability, abnormalities, and plasma membrane integrity (PMI), were evaluated during liquid storage at 5°C (0, 24, and 48-h).The results indicated that buck age significantly affected fresh semen quality, with G2 bucks exhibiting optimal parameters.Supplementation with 5ppm sodium selenite was the most effective in maintaining sperm motility, viability, and PMI during chilled storage across all age groups.Conversely, excessive sodium selenite supplementation (25ppm) had detrimental effects on chilled semen quality.Furthermore, the combination of G2 bucks and 5ppm sodium selenite supplementation in AndroMed® extender can effectively maintain sperm quality during chilled storage.This approach may improve AI outcomes using chilled semen.