The effect of heterologous seminal plasma from ram, buck or camel on the freezability of ram semen

Abstract

Here, we compared the effects of ram, buck and dromedary camel seminal plasma mixed with TRIS-egg yolk glycerol extender on the freezing preservation of ram semen. Awassi ram semen samples underwent primary evaluation and were then pooled and diluted with the following diluents: TRIS-egg yolk glycerol mixed with (1) whole ram semen as a control (T); (2) ram sperm after seminal plasma removal (W); or (3) ram, (4) buck or (5) camel seminal plasma (R, B and C, respectively). The diluted semen was frozen using liquid nitrogen vapor. Various sperm parameters were evaluated in the frozen semen. Total motility before and after freezing was significantly higher in R, B and C diluents than in T and W diluents. Progressive motility after freezing was significantly higher in R, B, C and T diluents than in W diluent. Vitality after freezing was significantly higher in B than in W diluent. DNA fragmentation before and after freezing was significantly lower in R, B, C and T diluents than in W diluent. Plasma membrane integrity before and after freezing was significantly higher in R, B and C diluents than in W diluent. Sperm abnormalities before freezing were significantly lower in R, B and C diluents than in W diluent. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly higher in T and W diluents than other diluents. Reduced glutathione concentration was significantly higher in B diluent than other diluents. Moreover, reduced glutathione concentration was significantly higher in C, R and W diluents than in T diluent. Thus, the addition of ram, buck or camel seminal plasma to TRIS-egg yolk glycerol extender improved the quality of frozen ram semen, while seminal plasma removal adversely affected it. Ram, buck and camel seminal plasma had similar effects, with no significant differences between them on the evaluated parameters of frozen ram semen.