Urolithin A Improves Turkey Sperm Fertility
Researchers find that adding Urolithin A to turkey semen during cryopreservation significantly boosts post-thaw reproductive outcomes.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Veterinary Medicine
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A new study reveals that supplementing turkey semen with Urolithin A during the freezing process enhances sperm quality and fertility rates. The additive acts as a mitophagy-inducing and antioxidant agent, helping to counteract the damage caused by traditional cryopreservation methods.
Why it matters
Improving cryopreservation success is vital for the poultry industry, as frozen semen typically suffers from poor viability. This research identifies a specific additive that can effectively mitigate oxidative stress during the thawing process.
The 1 µM Urolithin A group achieved a 71.7 percent fertility rate and 54.8 percent hatchability. In contrast, standard post-thaw fertility for frozen turkey semen frequently remains below the 40 percent threshold.
The details
Researchers tested various concentrations of Urolithin A on pooled semen samples from seven adult Bronze turkey groups. The study found that 1 µM and 5 µM concentrations significantly improved sperm viability, DNA integrity, and the activity of key antioxidant enzymes, while the 10 µM dose offered minimal additional benefit.
Timeline
The study findings were published on October 27, 2026.
Culture Shift
This research builds upon the development of cryopreservation-induced oxidative damage models to address long-standing challenges in reproductive biology. It highlights an ongoing shift toward using targeted biochemical agents to optimize artificial reproduction standards in agriculture.
This research offers a practical pathway for poultry breeders to increase efficiency and success rates in artificial insemination programs. By adopting Urolithin A protocols, producers may significantly reduce the waste and financial losses associated with low post-thaw semen quality.
The takeaway
Using precise concentrations of Urolithin A can double the fertility rates of frozen turkey semen compared to traditional methods. Breeders should consider incorporating this antioxidant into their current cryopreservation workflows to improve hatchability outcomes.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest advancements in animal reproductive health in our Veterinary Medicine section.
More information
Read the full scientific study on urolithin a for detailed methodology and results.
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