Evaluation of antioxidant effects of butylated hydroxytoluene in the soybean lecithin based extender on frozen-thawed semen quality in Markhoz goat

    This study was carried out to evaluate the potential impact of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on the frozen–thawed semen quality of Markhoz goat. Semen samples were collected by an artificial vagina, twice a week from the four matured goat. Semen samples were diluted in extender containing tris, fructose, 1.5% soybean lecithin and various concentrations of BHT (0, 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 mM). After cooling at 5 ºC for two hours, semen samples were frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor and plunged into liquid nitrogen for storage. Motility indices, viability, membrane integrity, morphology and acrosome status of Markhoz goat semen were assessed after freezing-thawing. Results of this experiment showed that extender containing 1mM BHT significantly improved motility, progressive motility, membrane integrity and viability compare with control treatment (P<0.05). Morphology and acrosome status were not significantly affected by the different levels of BHT (P≥0.05). It can be concluded that adding 1mM BHT to the soybean lecithinin-based extender is suitable for cryopreservation of Markhoz gaot sperm and maintain its fertility.