Effect of garlic supplementation to rabbit semen extender on semen metabolic and oxidative markers

Abstract EN

The present study was designed to evaluate the biochemical attributes of semen by extender supplementation with garlic extract.

Semen was collected from mature New Zealand white rabbit bucks.

Ejaculates were either extended with garlic-supplemented extender (group1, GARLIC) or kept non-supplemented (group 2, CONTROL).

After a period of preservation (three months), semen characteristics evaluated were fructose levels and alpha glucosidase and leuco peroxidase activities, and antioxidants evaluation.

GARLIC supplemented extender caused a significant increase in fructose levels and alpha glucosidase activity but decrease in leuco peroxidase activity as compared to CONTROL group.

The malondialdehyde levels were significantly declined in GARLIC extender group while, the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher.

Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of evaluation of sperm function tests, oxidative stress (OS) markers assessment.

GARLIC extender possibly will protect sperm against the harmful effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve seminal biochemical parameters and energy source during sperm storage and could useful in boosting semen quality.