A criopreservação do sêmen é de muita importância para a produção de equinos pois permite o amplo comércio internacional de sêmen e a redução dos custos com transporte de animais. Entretanto, o sêmen criopreservado apresenta reduzida longevidade e integridade funcional, um obstáculo para a expansão dessa técnica. Recentes descobertas sugerem que os maiores danos durante a criopreservação de sêmen de garanhões ocorrem devido ao desequilíbrio osmótico e às espécies reativas de oxigênio. Um método para combater os efeitos deletérios da congelação é utilizar substâncias que possam amenizar os danos subletais. O objetivo desse experimento foi avaliar o efeito da adição de duas substâncias com efeito protetor celular (mio-inositol e ácido ferúlico) ao meio de congelação, na qualidade do sêmen criopreservado de garanhões. Para isso foram realizadas 5 colheitas de sêmen de 5 garanhões. O sêmen foi processado para criopreservação e antes do envase foi dividido em 3 tratamentos: controle, mio-inositol (30mM) e ácido ferúlico (160 µM). As palhetas foram descongeladas e analisadas quanto a motilidade computadorizada (CASA), integridade de membrana, estado metabólico e produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) em microscopia de epifluorescência nos tempos 0, 2 e 4h de incubação a 37°C. Previamente foram realizadas validações da técnica de mensuração simultânea da membrana plasmática e estado metabólico (sondas PI, H33342 e resazurina) e correlação entre duas técnicas de mensuração de EROs (DCFH-DA e DCFH-DA com H33342). Os dados obtidos foram avaliados no programa SAS, versão 9,3 (SAS, 2011) utilizando ANOVA e medidas repetidas no tempo, para as validações foram realizadas regressões lineares simples. A adição de mio-inositol no diluidor de congelação resultou em maior motilidade total no tempo 2h e 4h e maior motilidade progressiva nos tempos 0 e 2h de incubação pós-descongelação em relação aos outros grupos. O tratamento com mio-inositol resultou em maior quantidade de células com membrana plasmática íntegra nos tempo 0h (53,3±1,4%); 2h (50,0±1,0%) e 4h (37,9±1,5%) de incubação que o grupo controle: 0h (48,0±1,0%); 2h (44,9±1,1%); e 4h (31,5±1,7%). O ácido ferúlico prejudicou as características de motilidade (CASA) e a integridade da membrana plasmática, entretanto melhorou o estado metabólico em todos os tempos. Conclui-se que o mio-inositol melhora as características de motilidade e a integridade de membranas espermáticas do sêmen criopreservado de equinos e que o ácido ferúlico apesar de prejudicar essas características promove melhor metabolismo espermático, mensurado pela técnica de redução da resazurina. / Sperm cryopreservation is of great importance for equine production, it assists in the international semen trade and reduce costs with animal transportation. However, frozen/thawed semen has reduced longevity and functional integrity and these is an obstacle to the expansion of this technique. The improvement in quality of cryopreserved semen is very important, especially to help become available more widely new technologies, such as sperm sexing. Recent findings suggest that the greatest damage during cryopreservation of stallion semen occur due to osmotic imbalance and the reactive oxygen species (ROS). One method to mitigate the deleterious effects of freezing is using substances that might lessen the sublethal damage. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the quality of frozen/thawed stallion sperm after using two substances that have protective effects in the freezing medium: myo-inositol and ferulic acid. Were performed five sperm collection of 5 stallions. The semen was processed and before cryopreservation it was divided into three treatments: control, myo-inositol (30 mM) and ferulic acid (160 mM). The straws were thawed and analyzed at 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation time at 37°C. It was performed computerized motility (CASA), membrane integrity, metabolic status and ROS production using an epifluorescence microscope. Before beginning of the experiment were carried out validations of the technique of simultaneous assessment of plasma membrane and metabolic state (PI probes, H33342 and resazurin) and correlation between two measurement techniques ROS (DCFH-DA and DCFH-DA with H33342). The data were analyzed using the SAS version 9.3 (SAS, 2011) with ANOVA and repeated measures. For the probes validation were used linear regressions. The addition of myo-inositol in the freezing extender resulted in higher total motility in time 2h and 4h and increased progressive cells at 0 and 2 h of incubation post-thaw compared to the other groups. Treatment with myo-inositol resulted in a higher number of cells with intact plasma membrane in time 0h (53.3 ± 1.4%); 2h (50.0 ± 1.0%) and 4h (37.9 ± 1.5%) of incubation than the control group: 0h (48.0 ± 1.0%), 2h (44.9 ± 1.1%), and 4h (31.5 ± 1.7%). The use of ferulic acid resulted in the worst characteristics of motility (CASA) and plasma membrane integrity, however improved metabolic status at all incubation times. It is concluded that myo-inositol improves sperm motility characteristics and preserves membrane integrity of equine cryopreserved semen. Ferulic acid although impairing these characteristics, promotes better sperm metabolism, measured by resazurin test.

A criopreservação do sêmen é de muita importância para a produção de equinos pois permite o amplo comércio internacional de sêmen e a redução dos custos com transporte de animais. Entretanto, o sêmen criopreservado apresenta reduzida longevidade e integridade funcional, um obstáculo para a expansão dessa técnica. Recentes descobertas sugerem que os maiores danos durante a criopreservação de sêmen de garanhões ocorrem devido ao desequilíbrio osmótico e às espécies reativas de oxigênio. Um método para combater os efeitos deletérios da congelação é utilizar substâncias que possam amenizar os danos subletais. O objetivo desse experimento foi avaliar o efeito da adição de duas substâncias com efeito protetor celular (mio-inositol e ácido ferúlico) ao meio de congelação, na qualidade do sêmen criopreservado de garanhões. Para isso foram realizadas 5 colheitas de sêmen de 5 garanhões. O sêmen foi processado para criopreservação e antes do envase foi dividido em 3 tratamentos: controle, mio-inositol (30mM) e ácido ferúlico (160 µM). As palhetas foram descongeladas e analisadas quanto a motilidade computadorizada (CASA), integridade de membrana, estado metabólico e produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) em microscopia de epifluorescência nos tempos 0, 2 e 4h de incubação a 37°C. Previamente foram realizadas validações da técnica de mensuração simultânea da membrana plasmática e estado metabólico (sondas PI, H33342 e resazurina) e correlação entre duas técnicas de mensuração de EROs (DCFH-DA e DCFH-DA com H33342). Os dados obtidos foram avaliados no programa SAS, versão 9,3 (SAS, 2011) utilizando ANOVA e medidas repetidas no tempo, para as validações foram realizadas regressões lineares simples. A adição de mio-inositol no diluidor de congelação resultou em maior motilidade total no tempo 2h e 4h e maior motilidade progressiva nos tempos 0 e 2h de incubação pós-descongelação em relação aos outros grupos. O tratamento com mio-inositol resultou em maior quantidade de células com membrana plasmática íntegra nos tempo 0h (53,3±1,4%); 2h (50,0±1,0%) e 4h (37,9±1,5%) de incubação que o grupo controle: 0h (48,0±1,0%); 2h (44,9±1,1%); e 4h (31,5±1,7%). O ácido ferúlico prejudicou as características de motilidade (CASA) e a integridade da membrana plasmática, entretanto melhorou o estado metabólico em todos os tempos. Conclui-se que o mio-inositol melhora as características de motilidade e a integridade de membranas espermáticas do sêmen criopreservado de equinos e que o ácido ferúlico apesar de prejudicar essas características promove melhor metabolismo espermático, mensurado pela técnica de redução da resazurina. / Sperm cryopreservation is of great importance for equine production, it assists in the international semen trade and reduce costs with animal transportation. However, frozen/thawed semen has reduced longevity and functional integrity and these is an obstacle to the expansion of this technique. The improvement in quality of cryopreserved semen is very important, especially to help become available more widely new technologies, such as sperm sexing. Recent findings suggest that the greatest damage during cryopreservation of stallion semen occur due to osmotic imbalance and the reactive oxygen species (ROS). One method to mitigate the deleterious effects of freezing is using substances that might lessen the sublethal damage. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the quality of frozen/thawed stallion sperm after using two substances that have protective effects in the freezing medium: myo-inositol and ferulic acid. Were performed five sperm collection of 5 stallions. The semen was processed and before cryopreservation it was divided into three treatments: control, myo-inositol (30 mM) and ferulic acid (160 mM). The straws were thawed and analyzed at 0, 2 and 4 h of incubation time at 37°C. It was performed computerized motility (CASA), membrane integrity, metabolic status and ROS production using an epifluorescence microscope. Before beginning of the experiment were carried out validations of the technique of simultaneous assessment of plasma membrane and metabolic state (PI probes, H33342 and resazurin) and correlation between two measurement techniques ROS (DCFH-DA and DCFH-DA with H33342). The data were analyzed using the SAS version 9.3 (SAS, 2011) with ANOVA and repeated measures. For the probes validation were used linear regressions. The addition of myo-inositol in the freezing extender resulted in higher total motility in time 2h and 4h and increased progressive cells at 0 and 2 h of incubation post-thaw compared to the other groups. Treatment with myo-inositol resulted in a higher number of cells with intact plasma membrane in time 0h (53.3 ± 1.4%); 2h (50.0 ± 1.0%) and 4h (37.9 ± 1.5%) of incubation than the control group: 0h (48.0 ± 1.0%), 2h (44.9 ± 1.1%), and 4h (31.5 ± 1.7%). The use of ferulic acid resulted in the worst characteristics of motility (CASA) and plasma membrane integrity, however improved metabolic status at all incubation times. It is concluded that myo-inositol improves sperm motility characteristics and preserves membrane integrity of equine cryopreserved semen. Ferulic acid although impairing these characteristics, promotes better sperm metabolism, measured by resazurin test.

In the stallion, inconsistent sexual behavior and variable semen quality are common. This reproductive variability has been attributed to differences in circulating hormone concentrations. In order to further examine this relationship, 7 miniature stallions were observed for sexual behavior and semen characteristics. Blood was also drawn from each stallion 15 min before mating (time -15), immediately following ejaculation (time 0) and at times following ejaculation (times +15, +30, and +60). Plasma was later analyzed for concentrations of testosterone (T), estrone sulphate (ES) and cortisol. Semen was evaluated for volume, sperm concentration and progressive motility. Sexual behavior was quantified by assigning a libido score to each stallion, recording reaction time and the number of jumps required for ejaculation. Upon statistical analysis, data revealed both ES and cortisol increased at the time of semen collection (P < 0.05), while T did not. Regression analysis revealed that ES and the ratio of ES to T at times -15, +30, and +60 were negatively correlated to libido scores. Additionally, a positive relationship was found between ES at times -15 and +60 and reaction time, as well as between cortisol at times -15, 0, and +15 and libido scores. No relationship was observed between T and sexual behavior. However, T at time -15 was positively correlated to progressive motility, and the ratio of ES/T at time -15 was negatively correlated to progressive motility. No other association was detected between ejaculate parameters and hormone concentrations. These results not only serve to enhance understanding of stallion hormone profiles, but also provide further insight into the hormonal control of sexual behavior and sperm production. This knowledge can be used to generate improved management techniques for stallions that are inconsistent in sexual behavior and sperm output.

NMES1 is a gene of unknown function first characterized in 2002. Reduction of the expression of this gene has been implicated in skin tumorigenesis in mice. Expression of NMES1 is observed in epithelial tissue but expression in the testis is significantly higher than in epidermis. Because stallion fertility is an economically important trait, we decided to characterize the NMES1 gene in stallions. We screened the CHORI241 library and obtained the full length equine NMES1 genomic sequence by direct sequencing off of clone CH241-11J8. In order to experimentally determine the 5’ and 3’ untranslated regions (UTRs) we conducted RLM-RACE experiments using stallion testis RNA. The equine NMES1 mRNA is 534 nt long and contains 5 exons. Fluorescence in situ hybridization mapped NMES1 to chromosome Eca1q23. In situ experiments to testis tissue sections were inconclusive and yielded no data confirming the physical expression pattern of NMES1 in stallion testis tissue. In order to determine the expression pattern of NMES1 mRNA we conducted qRT-PCR assays on a panel of stallion testis samples from horses with normal and abnormal fertility. We found that expression was variable among both groups, with significantly less expression in some individuals. We also conducted the qRT-PCR assay on a panel of five equine tissues and found that the expression of NMES1 was more than 100-fold greater in testis than in other tissues examined. miR-147b is a miRNA of unknown target found within the 3’ UTR of NMES1. We conducted a miRNA qRT-PCR assay to determine the expression levels in stallion testis samples from fertile and sub-fertile stallions. We observed similar expression among both groups and the ratio of mRNA to miRNA did not appear constant. We also investigated miR-147b expression in a panel of five equine tissues and found that equine spleen had more than 8-fold greater expression than testis.

Accurate measurement of stallion spermatozoal concentration is important to equine breeding operations. The hemacytometer is considered the standard for measuring spermatozoal concentration but is time consuming and may be imprecise. The flow cytometer is considered precise and accurate, but only practical for research purposes due to sample preparation time and high cost. Photometric systems are commonly used but can be inaccurate outside a relatively narrow concentration range and can be rendered inaccurate in the presence of contaminants. A new instrument, the NucleoCounter SP-100 is reported to enumerate spermatozoa at wider concentration ranges and can identify spermatozoa in opaque semen extenders. Epididymal, neat (raw) ejaculates, and ejaculates diluted in various semen extenders were analyzed with the NucleoCounter, the Densimeter, the Spermacue, flow cytometric and hemacytometric methods. Results were compared statistically by: 1) regression analysis, 2) the agreement of two instruments, whereby the difference in values between two instruments was plotted on the y-axis against the mean of those values on the x-axis [26] and 3) a modified method that measured the percentage deviation, whereby the percentage (of the difference in values between two instruments divided by the mean) of the same two values was plotted on the y-axis against the mean value of the two instruments on the x-axis. The NucleoCounter showed more agreement with both the flow cytometer and hemacytometer for epididymal, neat ejaculated and extended spermatozoa over a range of concentrations than the Densimeter or the Spermacue. The NucleoCounter showed more agreement with the flow cytometer for epididymal and neat ejaculated spermatozoa and more agreement with the hemacytometer for spermatozoa diluted in semen extenders. The Spermacue showed the least agreement with both standards for all spermatozoal comparisons. All coefficients of variation for the flow cytometer, hemacytometer and NucleoCounter were >10% for all spermatozoal comparisons. This study indicates that the NucleoCounter shows more agreement with the flow cytometer and hemacytometer than photometric systems when evaluated with epididymal, neat ejaculated and extended spermatozoa. The instrument is also more repeatable than either photometric system, but may be cost-prohibitive for some operations.

In dieser Studie wurde der Einfluss von anabol-androgenen Steroiden (AAS) wie Testosteron auf die Angiogenese im peripubertären Hengsthoden untersucht. Sieben von 14 Junghengsten erhielten Durateston® und wurden vier [n=3; Versuchsgruppe 1 (VG1)] bzw. zwölf [n=4; Versuchsgruppe 2 (VG2)] Wochen nach der letzten Applikation kastriert, während die übrigen sieben Tiere ohne eine Behandlung in dem gleichen Zeitraum kastriert wurden. Im Rahmen der morphometrischen Untersuchung konnte ein Anstieg der Volumendichte und der Numerischen Dichte bezüglich der Blutgefäße in der Versuchsgruppe festgestellt werden, während die Fläche der Blutgefäßanschnitte in den Kapillaren der Versuchsgruppe kleiner ist als bei den Tieren in der Kontrollgruppe. Die erhöhte Angiopietin2- und transforming growth factor alpha-Expression in der VG1 könnte möglicherweise für diese morphometrischen Be-funde verantwortlich sein. Die Blutgefäße der Versuchsgruppen zeigen, möglicherweise stimuliert durch Testoste-ron, eine höhere vascular endothelial growth factor-receptor2-Expression als die der Kontrollgruppe. Aufgrund der signifikanten Abnahme der morphometrischen Parameter von der VG1 zu der VG2 handelt es sich vermutlich um einen temporären Effekt.

This dissertation concentrates on analysis of one of the most important breeding measure in the breeding Czech warmblood in Acceleration program. This measure?s aim is to raise quality this breed?s sports performance, thanks to the performance there will be better possibility to use it among competition horses from breeding advanced countries ensured. From collected documents there was made a detailed overview of stallions, who were in program since 2005 to 2012 and their application in breeding was also assessed. The breeding benefit of these preferred sires was based on the results of performance tests of sires? daughters and sons and also on results of subsequent sport testing their descendants. At least all of these facts mentioned above are evaluated and discussed.

Submitted by ENDRIGO ADONIS BRAGA DE ARAUJO null (adonis.tecvet@yahoo.com.br) on 2016-04-27T02:07:05Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAÇÃO_BHT_Araujo, EAB.pdf: 638286 bytes, checksum: 01feb4c9fddef023795b0f62318b20f2 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Felipe Augusto Arakaki (arakaki@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-04-28T16:16:58Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_eab_me_bot.pdf: 638286 bytes, checksum: 01feb4c9fddef023795b0f62318b20f2 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T16:16:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 araujo_eab_me_bot.pdf: 638286 bytes, checksum: 01feb4c9fddef023795b0f62318b20f2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-02-26 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O processo de criopreservação acarreta estresse oxidativo à célula espermática e a adição de antioxidantes aos meios de refrigeração e congelação de sêmen pode auxiliar na proteção dos espermatozoides contra o dano induzido pelas espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO), incluindo perda da motilidade de forma irreversível, peroxidação lipídica e fragmentação do DNA, interferindo na capacidade de fertilização do espermatozoide. Dentre os diferentes antioxidantes, o Butil-hidroxitolueno (BHT) é um análogo sintético da vitamina E, cujo efeito protetor é atribuído a dois mecanismos: o aumento da fluidez da membrana plasmática após a incorporação do antioxidante, e o segundo por conter a cascata de peroxidação lipídica pela conversão de peroxil em hidroperóxido lipídico. O BHT foi testado em diversas espécies demonstrando melhora na motilidade, integridade de membrana plasmática e viabilidade espermática; porém, na espécie equina, a inclusão de BHT em diluentes para criopreservação de sêmen necessita ser melhor avaliada. Deste modo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência do BHT nas células espermáticas de equinos submetidas à criopreservação e sua capacidade de conter a peroxidação lipídica e produção de espécies reativas de oxigênio quando os espermatozoides foram submetidos a estresse. / The process of cryopreservation brings out oxidative stress to spermatic cell and the addition antioxidant of into cooling and freezing semen extenders could assist in protection of spermatozoa against the damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS), including irreversible loss in motility, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation, interfering with the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Among different antioxidants, the butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic analogue of vitamin E, whose protective effect is attributed to two mechanisms: the increase in sperm membrane fluidity after the addition of antioxidant, and the lipid peroxidation cascade for converting peroxy radicals into lipid hydroperoxides. BHT was tested in different species and the results include improvement in motility, spermatic membrane integrity and sperm viability. However, the addition of BHT in horse semen extenders for cryopreservation purposes demands further research. Thereby, the aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the influence of BHT on equine spermatic cells submitted to cryopreservation and (2) the capacity of BHT to contain the lipid peroxidation and the production of reactive species of oxygen when sperm cells were submitted to stress. / FAPESP: 2014/00175-8

Submitted by LUIS FERNANDO MERCES CHAVES SILVA null (luisfernando.mchaves@gmail.com) on 2016-06-02T00:52:25Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE MESTRADO VERSÃO FINAL (LUIS FERNANDO M. C. SILVA).pdf: 2997186 bytes, checksum: 711036d97c3d4d1e8cce675ab6ad1477 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2016-06-06T14:47:13Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_lfmc_me_bot.pdf: 2997186 bytes, checksum: 711036d97c3d4d1e8cce675ab6ad1477 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-06T14:47:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 silva_lfmc_me_bot.pdf: 2997186 bytes, checksum: 711036d97c3d4d1e8cce675ab6ad1477 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-27 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O surgimento das biotecnologias aplicadas ao sêmen equino, como a refrigeração e congelação, representaram um grande avanço para equinocultura, principalmente por permitir um melhor aproveitamento do ejaculado, otimizando a utilização de animais considerados geneticamente superiores. Entretanto a aplicação dessas técnicas imprime estresse térmico às células espermáticas, resultando em injúrias físicas e químicas, dentre elas uma elevação significativa na produção de espécies reativas do oxigênio (EROs). Quando em excesso, estes agentes instáveis são capazes de reagir e promover lesão às enzimas, lipídeos de membrana e ácidos nucleicos, reduzindo a viabilidade dos espermatozoides criopreservados. Desta maneira surge a necessidade de se introduzir elementos que desempenhem função antioxidante nos meios de refrigeração e congelação. A quercertina, um polifenol do grupo dos flavonoides, é considerada um poderoso antioxidante por reduzir o surgimento das principais EROs, quelar íons metálicos formadores de radicais livres e estabilizar a peroxidação lipídica. Apesar disto, a eficiência da aplicação deste antioxidante sobre o ejaculado equino durante o processo de criopreservação ainda é controversa e pouco referenciada, sendo necessário mais estudos para que se determine a influência de sua utilização no ejaculado de garanhões durante a refrigeração e congelação. / The emergence of biotechnologies applied to the equine semen as cooling and freezing process represented a major breakthrough for Equine, especially for allowing a better use of the ejaculate, optimizing the use of genetically superior animals. However the application of these techniques induces thermal stress on sperm cells, resulting in physical and chemical injuries, among them a significant rise in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These unstable agents when in excess, are able to react and promote damage to enzymes, lipid membrane and nucleic acids, thereby reducing the viability of cryopreserved sperm. Thus is required to introduce elements that perform antioxidant function in cooling and freezing extenders. The quercertina, a polyphenol of the flavonoids group, is considered a potent antioxidant by reducing the emergence of the main ROS, chelate metal ions producers of free radicals and stabilize the lipid peroxidation. Despite this, the efficiency of application of this antioxidant on the equine ejaculate during the process of cryopreservation is still controversial and poorly referenced, requiring further studies in order to determine if there is influence of their use in the ejaculate of stallions during cooling and freezing. / FAPESP: 2014/01681-4

Orientador: Frederico Ozanam Papa / Resumo: O surgimento das biotecnologias aplicadas ao sêmen equino, como a refrigeração e congelação, representaram um grande avanço para equinocultura, principalmente por permitir um melhor aproveitamento do ejaculado, otimizando a utilização de animais considerados geneticamente superiores. Entretanto a aplicação dessas técnicas imprime estresse térmico às células espermáticas, resultando em injúrias físicas e químicas, dentre elas uma elevação significativa na produção de espécies reativas do oxigênio (EROs). Quando em excesso, estes agentes instáveis são capazes de reagir e promover lesão às enzimas, lipídeos de membrana e ácidos nucleicos, reduzindo a viabilidade dos espermatozoides criopreservados. Desta maneira surge a necessidade de se introduzir elementos que desempenhem função antioxidante nos meios de refrigeração e congelação. A quercertina, um polifenol do grupo dos flavonoides, é considerada um poderoso antioxidante por reduzir o surgimento das principais EROs, quelar íons metálicos formadores de radicais livres e estabilizar a peroxidação lipídica. Apesar disto, a eficiência da aplicação deste antioxidante sobre o ejaculado equino durante o processo de criopreservação ainda é controversa e pouco referenciada, sendo necessário mais estudos para que se determine a influência de sua utilização no ejaculado de garanhões durante a refrigeração e congelação. / Abstract: The emergence of biotechnologies applied to the equine semen as cooling and freezing process represented a major breakthrough for Equine, especially for allowing a better use of the ejaculate, optimizing the use of genetically superior animals. However the application of these techniques induces thermal stress on sperm cells, resulting in physical and chemical injuries, among them a significant rise in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These unstable agents when in excess, are able to react and promote damage to enzymes, lipid membrane and nucleic acids, thereby reducing the viability of cryopreserved sperm. Thus is required to introduce elements that perform antioxidant function in cooling and freezing extenders. The quercertina, a polyphenol of the flavonoids group, is considered a potent antioxidant by reducing the emergence of the main ROS, chelate metal ions producers of free radicals and stabilize the lipid peroxidation. Despite this, the efficiency of application of this antioxidant on the equine ejaculate during the process of cryopreservation is still controversial and poorly referenced, requiring further studies in order to determine if there is influence of their use in the ejaculate of stallions during cooling and freezing. / Mestre