Effect of L-carnitine and Alpha lipoic acid on some quality parameters of buck semen preserved by cooling

Abstract

Fertility is the key of reproduction and it is affected by many factors especially artificial insemination process (AI), the quality of semen used is an important key for the success of AI process. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of different antioxidants such as L-carnitine and Alpha lipoic acid to the diluted buck semen during cooling in summer season. Four mature healthy Zaraibi bucks were used in the study. Semen was collected twice weekly during summer .Semen samples were collected by an electro- ejaculator device. Samples of good quality semen were pooled and diluted by extender and divided according to experimental groups. Group 1: L-carnitine : 1 ml mol , 5 ml mol , 10 ml mol. Group 2: Alpha lipoic acid : 0.025 ml mol, 0.05 ml mol. Group 3: is the control group .After cooling by 1 hr, 2hr,12 hr , 24 hr and 48 hr. Semen parameters were examined as motility, livability, acrosome integrity and cell membrane integrity .The results indicated that L-carnitine 5 ml mol has a favorable effect on the quality of cooled diluted buck semen more than other groups of L-carnitine and 0.025 ml mol of Alpha lipoic acid is better than other concentration. In conclusion, L-Carnitine and alpha lipoic acid as antioxidants improve buck semen quality cooled under low temperature especially 5 ml mol and 0.025 ml mol concentration respectively.