Differential effects of vitamin D and vitamin E supplementation on post-thaw sperm quality and fertility in cryopreserved drone semen
APIDOLOGIE, cilt.57, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 57 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13592-026-01304-1
- Dergi Adı: APIDOLOGIE
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Geobase, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest)
- Hatay Mustafa Kemal Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Long-term storage of honeybee semen by cryopreservation is essential for preserving genetic resources and supporting sustainable apiculture. This study evaluated the effects of vitamin D and vitamin E supplementation on post-thaw sperm quality and fertility in drone semen. Semen was collected using a Schley-type device and allocated into seven groups, including a non-supplemented control and treatment groups supplemented with vitamin D (25, 50, and 100 ng) or vitamin E (0.5, 1, and 2 mg). In the first experiment, semen from 42 drones per group was cryopreserved, and post-thaw sperm motility, membrane integrity, viability, and longevity were assessed. In the second experiment, 56 queens (n = 8 per group) were instrumentally inseminated to evaluate fertility outcomes. Vitamin E supplementation, particularly at 0.5 mg, significantly improved post-thaw sperm quality parameters, including motility (85%), membrane integrity (97%), and longevity (120 h) (P < 0.05). Fertility outcomes were consistent with these findings, with the highest fertilization rate observed in the 0.5 mg vitamin E group (20.5%, P < 0.01). In contrast, vitamin D supplementation showed a dose-dependent pattern, with the lowest dose (25 ng) associated with reduced sperm longevity and fertility, while higher doses showed partial improvement but remained below vitamin E treatment levels. These results indicate that vitamin E supplementation, particularly at a dose of 0.5 mg, exerts a protective effect on honeybee sperm during cryopreservation by enhancing post-thaw sperm quality and fertility in honeybee semen, offering a practical improvement for bee breeding programs.