| Summary: | This study was carried out to determine the effects of Equex on ram semen freezability
in three different extenders. Semen samples were collected from five rams and divided
into six equal aliquots. At first, three non-commercial base extenders (E1: Tris-based
extender, E2: Tris based extender+ Cystein and E3: Skim Milk Powder (SMP)) were
prepared. Each base extender was divided into two parts; a base extender (E1, E2 and E3)
or fortified with Equex (E1E, E2E and E3E). The pooled semen was diluted according
to the two-step dilution method, and cryopreserved using a programmable freezing
machine. Sperm motility parameters were examined by CASA. The morphological
properties were evaluated by flow cytometer. It was observed that the addition of Equex
had a positive effect on post-thaw motility and live spermatozoa (P<0.001), but had
no effect on the LIN and Polarized mitochondria. While the Equex addition decreased
post-thaw VCL, VSL, VAP and WOB values, it didn"t have effect on the post-thaw intact
acrosome rates (P<0.05). Furthermore, it was observed that Equex had a cryoprotective
effect on post-thaw progressive motility in E1E and E3E groups (P<0.05), but was not
observed in E2E group. In conclusion there was an interaction between Equex and
extender ingredient. The cryoprotective effect of Equex was more evident in skim milkbased
extender than that in tris-based extender.
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