ANTIOXIDATIVE EFFECT OF WATERMELON (Citrullus lanatttus) JUICE ON MORPHOLOGY OF EXTENDED BOAR SEMEN

Abstract

Boar semen preservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species which leads to reduction of sperm quality and decrease in fertilizing ability. The aim of this study was to replace conventional semen extender with watermelon juice (WMJ) and to determine the most effective dilution rate that will maintain the viability of the spermatozoa over a 48-hours extension period. Semen was collected from a boar at the piggery unit of the teaching and research farm University of Ibadan, Ibadan using the glove hand method. The experiment was divided into five treatments with Beltsville Thawing Solution being replaced by WMJ at the following rate; 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Diluted semen samples were stored at 170C and were evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 hours for morphology. The experimental design was a completely randomised Design; data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The results showed that 50 % of BTS can be replaced by watermelon juice. However the effect of watermelon juice was only ascertained not more than 48 hours of storage. This evaluation shows that extender developed with WMJ could be an extender of choice for a reliable short term preservation in swine artificial insemination programme.