Effect of caffeic acid on freezing of epididymal sperm in domestic cat

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of caffeic acid on the freezing of epididymal cat sperm. After castration, cauda epididymis were obtained from 10 cat testes. Epidididymal spermatozoa were analysed for motility, viability, and concentration were evaluated and mixed. The mixed sperm was diluated with containing different amounts of caffeic acid (0.003 mg/mL (A1), 0.006 mg/mL (A2) and 0.010 mg/mL (A3)) and without caffeic acid (control). The groups were cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen vapour and the samples were thawed at 37°C for 30 seconds. After thawing, motility, viability, abnormal spermatozoa ratio, and HOS test were evaluated. As a result of the evaluation, although the caffeic acid groups were numerically higher than the control, they were not statistically different (P>0.05). It is concluded that caffeic acid supports spermatological parameters but future applications are needed to establish a standard freezing protocol.