Effect of mitotempo and sericin on semen storability in rams

Sericin is a water-soluble protein used as a potential antioxidant additive. Mitotempo has ROS scavenging, oxidative stress reduction and cryoprotective properties. This study was carried out to determine the effect of different doses of Mitotempo and sericin added to ram semen extender on short and long term storage of semen. Six Akkaraman rams, aged two years, were used in the study, which were clinically healthy, with no pathological findings as a result of genital organ examination, with a body weight of 55-60 kg. In the first stage of the study, semen were stored at 5 oC for up to 144 hours and analyzed every 24 hours. As a result of the first stage analysis, two experimental groups superior to the control were selected for the next stage. In the second stage, the semen was stored in liquid nitrogen and analyzes were made after thawing. In the first stage, it was determined that 1 µM and 5 µM doses of mitotempo improved total motility, preserved membrane integrity, and prevented oxidative stress (p<0.01). In the second stage, after the sperms were frozen and thawed, the addition of 1 µM mitotempo to the 3% glycerol extender preserved the integrity of the spermatozoon membrane, increased total motility, prevented DNA damage and oxidative stress, and increased the rate of sperm with intact acrosome (p<0.05). In the first phase of the series, it was determined that 1% and 1.5% doses increased total and progressive motility, preserved plasma membrane integrity, decreased abnormal spermatozoa rate and prevented oxidative stress (p<0.05). It was determined that total motility was increased, membrane integrity was preserved, DNA damage and oxidative stress were prevented in the group containing 5% glycerol and 1% sericin in long-term storage (p<0.05). As a result; It was concluded that it would be beneficial to add the determined doses of mitotempo and sericin to the semen extender in vitro in the short and long-term storage of ram semen.