Evaluation of the in vitro cryopreservative performance of Juniper berry oil (Juniperus communis) on frozen-thawed bull semen

This study aimed to reveal the effects of juniper (Juniperus communis) berry oil (JB) when added to the Tris extender, on bull (Holstein) sperm motility characteristics, abnormal sperm ratio, DNA fragmentation and some oxidative stress markers. The pooled ejaculate was divided into five equal parts as control (C) and Tris diluent containing 25, 50, 100, 200 mu g/ml JB. Diluted semen was incubated at 4 degrees C for 4 h and then frozen in liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C). After freezing-thawing, motility characteristics were determined using a sperm analyzer system. The results showed that the 25 mu g/ml dose of JB had an improving effect on overall sperm motility (P < 0.05). The total abnormal spermatozoa ratio was not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). The JB25 and JB50 groups had higher DNA integrity than the other groups (P < 0.05). This finding was supported by low malondialdehyde levels (P < 0.05). Especially the 25 mu g/ml dose of JB was found to have a remedial effect on DNA integrity, as well as increasing progressive and total motility rates. This study has revealed new information on the effects of JB on bull semen cryopreservation. Juniper berry oil may be used as an antioxidant in bull semen freezing.