The Effects of Anthocyanins Added to Semen Diluent on Semen Quality, Semen Antioxidant Capacity, and Sperm Apoptosis in Zi Geese

The Zi goose is an excellent local goose breed in China, characterized by strong tolerance to roughage, high cold resistance, and high egg production. Anthocyanins are natural water-soluble pigments with numerous biological functions such as growth promotion, antioxidant activity, and immune regulation. However, there are few reports on whether anthocyanins have an improving effect on Zi goose semen. This study aimed to explore the effects of anthocyanins on semen quality, semen antioxidant capacity, and sperm apoptosis of Zi geese, so as to provide references for the large-scale breeding and industrial utilization of Zi geese. Sixty 12-month-old Zi geese were selected for the experiment, and their semen was collected by the massage method. Semen diluent containing different concentrations of anthocyanins was added to the mixed semen, which was then stored at 37 °C for detections. The results showed that the sperm survival rate of Zi geese was the highest when 30 mg/L of anthocyanins was added to the diluent. Compared with the control group, the anthocyanin group showed significantly higher sperm survival rate, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while the sperm mortality rate was significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05). There were no significant differences in semen pH value, sperm density, and sperm abnormality rate (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The contents of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the anthocyanin group. Anthocyanins significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of <i>Bcl-2</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of <i>Bax</i>, <i>Caspase-3</i>, and <i>P53</i> (<i>p</i> < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 30 mg/L anthocyanins to semen diluent can improve semen quality in Zi geese.