A low concentration of a sustainably obtained blueberry extract improves the post-thawing motility of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa

Garcia-Blanco, G.; Fra-Hernandez, C.; do-Vale-Rabaca, J. F.; Pariente-Martin, L.; Veza-Cuenca, M.; Fernandez-Alegre, E.; Martin-Fernandez, B.; Caamano, J. N.; Gonzalez-Montana, J. R.; Lores, M.; Martinez-Pastor, F.

doi:10.64898/2026.03.31.715696

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.31.715696

A low concentration of a sustainably obtained blueberry extract improves the post-thawing motility of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa

Garcia-Blanco, G.·Fra-Hernandez, C.·do-Vale-Rabaca, J. F.·Pariente-Martin, L.·Veza-Cuenca, M.·Fernandez-Alegre, E.·Martin-Fernandez, B.·Caamano, J. N.·Gonzalez-Montana, J. R.·Lores, M.·Martinez-Pastor, F.

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Abstract

Natural extracts could improve sperm storage and artificial insemination (AI). This study, for the first time, evaluates the suitability of a blueberry extract (Vaccinium corymbosum) obtained from pomace using a sustainable methodology as a supplement for bull semen extenders. Cryopreserved semen doses from eight bulls were combined in 9 pools (3 bulls/pool), supplemented with 0%, 1%, 5%, or 10% extract, and incubated up to 5 h at 38 {degrees}C. Motility was assessed hourly using OpenCASA, and the effects of treatment and time were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models. Motility was significantly better preserved with 1% extract (total and progressive motility, improved linear velocity and linearities, and decreased BCF and fractal dimension, related to hyperactivation). The effect of 5% was overall positive, but it was below 1%, whereas 10% mostly showed a negative effect. These results show that this natural extract could safely supplement bull semen extenders at least between 1% to 5%, and even help improve sperm motility. Therefore, this extract offers an opportunity to enhance cattle semen extenders using a sustainable approach, potentially improving reproductive outcomes.

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Garcia-Blanco, G., Fra-Hernandez, C., do-Vale-Rabaca, J. F., Pariente-Martin, L., Veza-Cuenca, M., Fernandez-Alegre, E., Martin-Fernandez, B., Caamano, J. N., Gonzalez-Montana, J. R., Lores, M., Martinez-Pastor, F.. 2026-04-01. A low concentration of a sustainably obtained blueberry extract improves the post-thawing motility of cryopreserved bull spermatozoa. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.31.715696

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