Effect of different levels of Satureja sahendica alcoholic extract on the quality of freeze-thawed Holstein bull spermatozoa

The use of antioxidants can improve sperm quality after freeze/thawing process. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Satureja Sahendica alcoholic extract on the quality of Holstein bull sperm after cryopreservation. In this study, three matured bulls, aging 5-6 years old were used. Semen samples were collected twice a week, using an artificial vagina. Semen samples were pooled after each sampling. Experimental treatments included seven levels of Satureja Sahendica ethanol extracts (0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 mL/dL) which diluted with citrate-egg yolk diluents containing. Then, samples were frozen and transferred to liquid nitrogen tanks for three weeks. Thereafter and after thawing and incubation for 5 min, sperm quality parameters including motility, viability, membrane integrity and lipid peroxidation were evaluated. The level of 4 mL/dL Satureja Sahendica extract significantly improved some parameters including motility, viability and plasma membrane integrity compared to control (P<0.05). The MDA concentration was lower by inclusion of 2 and 4 mL/dL extract compared to the control group, but this reduction was not significant. The level of 4 ml/dl alcoholic extraction of Satureja Sahendica has to somewhat positive effect on nominated parameters.