Male fertility with (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids

Abstract

A method of controlling the viability of sperm is disclosed, the method comprising controlling the levels of antioxidants (and/or polyunsaturated fatty acids) in sperm or seminal fluid, or in the diet of the animal producing the sperm.

1  The use of an antioxidant to enhance sperm function and/or viability.  
     
     
         2  The use of a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) to enhance sperm function and/or viability.  
     
     
         3  The use of an antioxidant accompanied by a PUFA to enhance sperm function and/or viability.  
     
     
         4  The use claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the antioxidant and/or the PUFA is administered to the animal producing the sperm.  
     
     
         5  The use claimed in any of  claim 1  to  3 , wherein the antioxidant and/or the PUFA is added to the sperm or to fluid surrounding the sperm.  
     
     
         6  The use claimed in any of  claims 2  to  5 , wherein the PUFA is an n-3 fatty acid.  
     
     
         7  The use claimed in any claims  1  and  4  to  6 , wherein the antioxidant is selected from vitamins, plant extracts and carotenoids.  
     
     
         8  The use of a PUFA to enhance sperm function and/or viability in avians, wherein the PUFA is an n-6 fatty acid.  
     
     
         9  A method of enhancing sperm function and/or viability, comprising adding to the semen of an animal substantially sperm-free seminal fluid containing an antioxidant and/or a PUFA.  
     
     
         10  A method as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said seminal fluid is produced from the semen of another animal.  
     
     
         11  A method as claimed in  claim 9  or  10 , wherein said seminal fluid is producd by removing sperm from the semen of an animal.  
     
     
         12  A method as claimed in  claim 9 ,  10  or  11 , wherein the antioxidant is selected from vitamins, plant extracts and carotenoids.  
     
     
         13  A method as claimed in any of  claims 9  to  12 , wherein the PUFA is an n-3 fatty acid.  
     
     
         14  A method as claimed in any of  claims 9  to  13 , wherein the semen with the added seminal fluid is then placed in cryoscopic storage.  
     
     
         15  A method as claimed in any of  claims 9  to  14 , wherein the semen with the added seminal fluid is used for artificial insemination.