Investigation the quality of Japanese quail sperm were fed with various levels of L-carnitine in liquid conditions

The effects of various levels of dietary L-carnitine supplements (125، 250 and 500 mg/kg) on quail sperm characteristics during liquid storage was investigated. This experiment was arranged on the basis of completely randomized design using 96 Japanese quails with 4 replicates in each treatment and 6 quails in each replicate. Semen samples were collected from male quails using abdominal massage and samples per replication mixed together. Sperm characteristics including percentage of motile، viable، abnormal، pH، volume and concentration were assessed. Results showed that the effect of L-carnitine on semen concentration was significant (p<0. 05). Quails were fed rations containing 125 mg/kg L-carnitine had higher semen concentration (603. 08 million/ml) compared with other groups. The lowest semen concentration was observed in control group (518. 76 million/ml). The effect of L-carnitine on semen pH and volume were not significant (p>0. 05). The effect of L-carnitine on motility and viability percentage of sperm in Tris extender was significant (p<0. 05). Quails were fed rations included 125 mg/kg L-carnitine had higher motile (86. 92 %) and viable (89. 55 %) sperms، after 0 and 4 hours compared to other groups. The lowest motile (80. 71 %) and viable (83. 77 %) sperms were observed for control group. The effect of L-carnitine on motility and viability percentage of sperm in Tris extender، 8، 12 and 24 hours after preservation were not significant (p>0. 05). The effect of L-carnitine on abnormal percentage of sperms 0، 4، 8، 12 and 24 hours of storage were not significant (p>0. 05). Lengths of storages had a significant effect on semen characteristics (p<0. 05). In conclusion، the use of L-carnitine supplement for improving quality of Japanese quail sperm for liquid storage is recommended.