Iberian pig sperm may be more susceptible to lipid peroxidation during the cryopreservation process due to the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of three antioxidants (reduced glutathione, α‑tocopherol, hydroxytyrosol) when these are included in the cooling‑freezing or in the thawing extender. Twelve ejaculates from healthy Iberian boars were used and cryopreserved with an adequate protocol for Iberian pig sperm. Different sperm quality parameters were evaluated at 30 min and 150 min post‑thaw: the percentage acrosome intact sperm (AIS), live sperm (LS), total motile sperm (TMS) and progressively motile sperm (PMS). In addition, different parameters related to redox balance were evaluated at the same incubation times. The inclusion of antioxidants in the cooling‑freezing extender improved LS, AIS, TMS and PMS, but only these last two parameters were improved by including antioxidants in the thawing extender, especially over incubation time. The results showed differences in the production of reactive oxygen species and the total antioxidant capacity between the treatments that include antioxidants in the cooling‑freezing medium or in the thawing medium, without differences between any treatment in lipid peroxidation and reaching all similar values over time. In conclusion, it would be advisable to include antioxidants, especially reduced glutathione, in the cooling-freezing extender. And the inclusion antioxidants in the thawing extender could maintain greater sperm motility over time.

Arranz‑Virseda L, Tomás‑Almenar C, Ciruelos JJ, Gómez‑Izquierdo E, de Mercado E (2021). Uso de antioxidantes en los medios de congelación y descongelación de semen de cerdo Ibérico. ITEA‑Información Técnica Económica Agraria 117(5): 544-556. https://doi.org/10.12706/itea.2021.010