Document Type : Original research paper
Authors
1
Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC).
2
Animal Production Department, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
3
Animal Production Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center, Egypt.
4
Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt.
5
1Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Tanta University, Egypt
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to assess the impacts of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLE) on semen quality and sperm freezing ability of bucks. 5 sexually mature Damascus bucks (65-75 kg live body weight, 2-4 years of age) were used for collecting semen once per week for seven weeks. Only semen with a mass motility of ≥ 70% was pooled. Pooled semen had been divided into 4 aliquots, with the free extender (C=control, no MOLE) and the extenders supplemented with MOLE at levels of (10, 20, and 30 µl/mL) as an antioxidant. Tris-citric acid-extender was used to dilute semen at a rate of 1:20 using different MOLE levels, then chilled to 5 °C for two hours (equilibration period), placed into 0.25 mL straws and finally kept in liquid nitrogen at -196 oC for two weeks. After dilution, equilibration, and thawing, semen was assessed visually and via CASA. The results showed that MOLE, at a level of 30 µl/ml, had a beneficial effect on all sperm characteristics, all types of sperm motility, and normal forms assisted by CASA in post-diluted semen, after equilibration and thawing. The highest MOLE level (30 µl/ml) considerably improved the sperm kinetic indexes and all sperm velocity types (VCL, VSL, and VAP).
In conclusion, Moringa oleifera leaves (30 µl) in semen extender of bucks is good tool for improving semen quality and sperm freezing ability of bucks
Keywords