Antibiotic effects of Allium sativum extract and Gentamycin on sperm parameters in ram semen extended with honey

Abstract

Synthetic antibiotics, for a long time have been used in semen extender to preserve spermatozoa but have resulted in a number of side effects to both the sperm quality and the female recipients. This study compared the effects of Allium sativum(garlic) extract and gentamycin on sperm motility and membrane integrity in ram semen at room temperature within 2 hours and thereafter at short term storage at 4°C. Semen was collected by testis maceration followed by retrograde flushing or epididymal sperm floating and processed with a honey based extender. The experimental protocol involved two treatments that is, Allium sativum extract and gentamycin where media with no antibiotic was the control. Garlic aqueous extract was prepared and concentrated into appropriate doses. On addition of semen extender at room temperature (25°C), sperm motility and membrane integrity of diluted semen were assessed within 2 hours by microscopy.