Effect of different levels of garlic (Allium sativum) extract on semen quality parameters in Arabi ram

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of adding different levels of garlic extract as an antioxidant to diluent on the semen characteristics of Arabi rams under liquid conditions at 5°C.

Semen samples were collected from 12 Arabi rams weekly for 8 weeks and their semen was immediately mixed, diluted, and divided into the number of experimental treatments and received different levels of garlic extract. Treatments included garlic extract levels (zero, 50, 100, 150 and 200 μl/ml). At different storage times of diluted semen containing experimental treatments (zero, 24, 48, and 72 hours), semen quality parameters were evaluated.

At time zero (immediately after sperm collection and addition of garlic extract), sperm quality parameters in experimental treatments were not statistically significant compared to the control. At 24 hours, 50 μl/ml of garlic extract improved the spermatozoa progressive motility of total motility rates, but 200 μl/ml of extract reduced the total motility of sperm (p < 0.05). At 48 hours, the highest sperm viability was related to the level of 50 μl/ml garlic extracts (p < 0.05). 72 hours after semen collection, the highest progressive motility of spermatozoa was observed at the level of 50 μl/ml garlic extracts (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde concentration of seminal plasma as an indicator of peroxidation was not affected by experimental treatments.

In general, sperm quality parameters were improved by adding 50 μg/ml garlic extract to the semen diluent of Arabian rams and storage the diluted semen in liquid condition at 5°C.