Methionine supplementation improves freezability of Jamnapari Buck semen

Aim: The study aimed to assess the effect of methionine supplementation as a semen additive to augment the freezability of Jamnapari buck semen. Methodology: A total of forty-eight ejaculates were collected from four Jamnapari bucks (n=12x4) twice a week using an artificial vagina from October to November 2023. The sperm concentration was estimated using a photometer and semen was diluted with tris-citrate-fructose-yolk extender and divided into four equal aliquots (control, T1, T2 and T3) and methionine was added @ 0, 2, 2.5, and 5.0 mM in C, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The post-diluted and frozen-thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility, viability, acrosomal integrity, sperm abnormalities, sperm plasma membrane integrity, sperm penetration distance, and enzyme leakage (AST, ALT, ACP and AKP). Results: Methionine applied @ 2.0 and 5.0 mM in the extender seemed to be less effective at maintaining sperm structural integrity and functionality in comparison to the 2.5 mM treatment. The inclusion of 2.5 mM methionine has significantly enhanced the freezability of Jamnapari buck semen. Interpretation: In conclusion, methionine in tris-citrate-fructose-yolk extender can improve the sperm quality and fertility potential of post-thawed spermatozoa of Jamnapari buck. Key words: Cryopreservation, Jamnapari bucks, Methionine, Semen