THE COMBINED USE OF HONEY, GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.) AND SKIMMED MILK AS AN EXTENDER FOR CHILLING SHEEP SEMEN.

BACKGROUND

Sugars are the energetic source for sperm to maintain the metabolic process, and the antibiotics slow down sperm degradation.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effects of rosemary honey as energy source and cryoprotectant in combination with garlic as a natural antibiotic on the quality of ram spermatozoa upon cooling.

METHODS

The ejaculates from three rams were evaluated at different times during cooling to determine its post-dilution quality.

RESULTS

Glycerol and dimethylformamide in conjunction with honey and garlic significantly improve the survival of spermatozoa.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of honey and garlic reduces sperm deterioration when stored at 4 degree C.