EN
Avian spermatozoa are characterized by very high proportions of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fatty acids of n-6 series are dominant in the phospholipid composition of avian spermatozoa, whereas those of n-3 series are dominant in mammalian spermatozoa. Arachidonic acid (20: 4n-6) and docosatetraenoic acids (22: 4n-6) are most representative among the PUFAs of avian spermatozoa. High level of PUFAs may promote lipid peroxidation. Seminal plasma has shown to have antioxidant properties. The enzymatic antioxidant systems are represented mainly by superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Generally, SOD and GSH-Px activity in avian spermatozoa is lower than that in the male reproductive cells of mammals. Also nonenzymatic antioxidants such as glutathion, vitamins C (L-ascorbic acid) and E (α-tocopherol) occur in avian semen. Increased vitamin E concentration in avian spermatozoa is associated with reduction of their susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.