The effect of Vitamin C and Glycerol on Post-Thaw Spermatological Characteristics of Sangsari Ram Semen

Sangsari sheep is one of the most important meat producer sheep breed in center of Iran. Therefore, it is necessary to protect this breed via frozen semen. On the other hand, the reason of low fertility due to semen freezing is lipidperoxidase formation in the presence of oxygen radicals. So, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of vitamin C and glycerol on spermatological characteristics in Sangsari ram semen. Five Sangsari rams were used. Semen of each ram was collected by elecrtoejaculator one every three days and pooled after spermatological characteristics of the collected semen samples were determined. Pooled and diluted semen was cooled to 4° Cover 2 h. Cooled semen was divided into 15 groups. Each of semen groups was diluted at 1:1 ratio with one of the extender groups containing different proportions of glycerol (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) and vitamin C (0, 0.15, 0.3 mg/ml). After freezing the semen was thawed. This study shows that vitamin C and glycerol affect sperm Characteristics significantly. In combinative treatment groups, 0.3 mg/ml vitamin C plus 5% glycerol has the highest sperm motility and live spermatozoa rate. The highest live spermatozoa rate simple groups is in 0.3 mg/ml vitamin C treatment group. In conclusion, the best combination for semen dilution in Sangsari ram is that of 0.3 mg/ml vitamin C and 5% glycerol.