Objective: In the present study, we determined efficiency of incorporating caffeine, melatonin or omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid in the diluent on mitigating consequences of (a) liquid chilled- and (b) cryo-storage of ram spermatozoa.Methods: In the first experiment, ejaculates (n = 30) were collected from 5 adult rams and were pooled, diluted (1:10) with Tris-citric acid (base diluent) and were split into 4 aliquots assigned for: control (untreated), caffeine (0.1 mM), melatonin (0.3 mM) or omega-3 fatty acids (0.3 mM) (T0). The diluted specimens were stored at 4°C for 48 h, during which sperm physical and cytological properties were evaluated along with oxidative stress indices (T24, T48). In the second experiment, 15 ejaculates (3 per male) were pooled, diluted with glycerolized base diluent (4% glycerol, v/v) and were split corresponding to the same previous treatment groups before being processed for cryopreservation. Post-thaw physical and kinematic sperm properties were assessed by a computer-assisted sperm analysis system.Results: The results clarified superiority of both melatonin and omega-3 supplementation on maintaining (p<0.05) sperm properties, while reducing (p<0.05) lipid peroxidase reaction and enzymatic activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase in preservation medium, compared to caffeine either during liquid-chilled storage or cryopreservation of spermatozoa.Conclusion: Melatonin and omega-3 are regarded efficient alternatives to caffeine when processing ram spermatozoa for application of artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization.

Effect of supplementing ram semen extender with melatonin on oxidative stress indices and physical properties of chilled spermatozoa. International

The increased importance of camel breeding in Egypt is getting obvious day after day, especially in the deserts and in newly reclaimed areas. This is mainly, due to its unique physiological characteristics which help it to survive and perform under such harsh conditions. However, it is well known that one of the major limitations in this industry is the extremely low reproductive efficiency. In our laboratory, and for more than a decade, we have conducted several studies to improve the reproductive performance of dromedary camels using modern assisted reproductive technologies. Some of these technologies were used to deal with bull camels; e.g. semen handling and processing while others were meant to manipulate the reproductive efficiency of she-camels. These include synchronization of ovulation, artificial insemination, induction of ovulation and early pregnancy diagnosis. The aim of the present review is to spot the light on recent progress in reproduction of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Egypt, based on a comprehensive scientific experience for more than a decade.