Honey and Garlic Reduces Sperm Deterioration

THE COMBINED USE OF HONEY, GARLIC (ALLIUM SATIVUM L.) AND SKIMMED MILK AS AN EXTENDER FOR CHILLING SHEEP SEMEN

Cryo Letters. 2015 Jul-Aug;36(4):243-251.

BACKGROUND: Sugars are the energetic source for sperm to maintain the metabolic process, and the antibiotics slow down sperm degradation.

OBJECTIVE:

To study the effects of rosemary honey as energy source and cryoprotectant in combination with garlic as a natural antibiotic on the quality of ram spermatozoa upon cooling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The ejaculates from three rams were evaluated at different times during cooling to determine its post-dilution quality.

RESULTS:

Glycerol and dimethylformamide in conjunction with honey and garlic significantly improve the survival of spermatozoa.

CONCLUSION:

The addition of honey and garlic reduces sperm deterioration when stored at 4 degree C.