Vol. 11, Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
P Inwati, NK Shakya, S Chouksey, A Bisen, J Kumar and B Aharwal

Abstract:
Male infertility is the major problem in livestock which causes economic loss as well as wastage of precious germ plasm. Kastelic and Thundathil (2008) stated that, in an unselected population, 20–40% of bulls are likely to have a reduced fertility due to impaired semen quality. Free radicals display both harmful as well as beneficial effects on semen production depending upon their concentration. Physiological concentration of free radicals are required to mediate normal process of reproduction (Gonçalves et al., 2010). However, the higher concentration of free radicals disturb the endogenous antioxidant machinery of the spermatozoa resulting in oxidative stress. Free radical induced oxidative stress in animal reproduction causes great loss to the livestock industry. Less attention has been given in improving the semen production using exogenous plant derived antioxidants in feed supplementation in male animals than that of female animals. The application of exogenous plant derived antioxidant is likely to improve health status of male animal (Nantia et al., 2000). Antioxidant therapy has been implicated to be effective in preventing diseases resulting from oxidative stress. Considering the advantages of lower side effects of natural antioxidants than those of synthetic antioxidants, plants and their extracts have been extensively used in improving the semen quality in human and lab animals. Limited literature is available on sheep, goat and cattle regarding the application of plant derived antioxidants for the improvement of semen quality as well as quantity. Further studies are required for identification of active principles in herbs and their application for the improvement of semen production in particularly livestock.