Extract of Cincau (Mesona palustris B.) Supplementation in Semen Extender Improves Boer Goat Sperm Cryopreservation

The spermatozoa freezing process of Boer goat sperm leads to cold shock and lipid peroxidation, which increases reactive oxygen species. To reduce oxidative stress, antioxidants are required as semen diluents, which can be supplemented with the extract of black cincau (Mesona palustris B.) leaves. This study aimed to analyze the effects of black cincau leaf extract supplementation at dosages of 0%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% in a basic diluent of skim milk yolk on the quality of post-thawing frozen semen and to determine the in vivo fertile quality of frozen semen through artificial insemination. This study used a completely randomized design using 110 sperm samples. There were four dilution treatments: skim milk yolk supplemented with 0%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5% (v/v) black cincau leaf extract, and added to sperm samples labeled T0, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The motility, viability, membrane integrity of spermatozoa, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed. The best quality of spermatozoa from this study was used for artificial insemination to determine the percentage of conception rate and observed until the female gave a birth. Treatment of T2 (2% black cincau leaf extract supplementation) was found to have the best record on motility, viability and integrity of plasma membranes, and lower level of MDA. The results of artificial insemination on 30 female goats using T0 (without black grass jelly extract supplementation) and 30 female goats using T2, each resulted in a conception rate of 63.33% vs 80%. It could be concluded that skim milk yolk base diluent supplemented with 2% black cincau leaf extract has the capability to protect the motility, viability, and plasma membrane integrity, decreased MDA level of sperm after freezing and increase conception rate.