Research On Animal Production

     The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of levels of different vitamin E and selenium in tris extender on spermatozoa characteristics of Arabic ram. Semen collection was performed from 8 Arabic rams and mixed together. The mixed semen was divided in to 9 parts and after dilution with tris, different levels of selenium and vitamin E were added. This experiment was carried out in 3×3×4 factorial arrangement with the use of completely randomized design. Treatments were included the levels of vitamin E (0, 30 and 60 μg/ml), selenium (0, 2 and 4 μg/ml) and storage periods of semen (0, 2, 4 and 8 hours) in liquid condition under refrigerator temperature. The effects of vitamin E, selenium and storage time on spermatozoa quality were significant (P<0.05). Interaction effects of treatments showed that the highest progressive spermatozoa motility were in control and 2 μg/ml of selenium without vitamin E treatment. The lowest spermatozoa motility was in 2 μg/ml selenium plus 60 μg/ml vitamin E in time 8. In time 8, treatment with 60 μg/ml of vitamin E without selenium had the higher spermatozoa motility than control group in this time (P<0.05). The highest spermatozoa viability was in treatments containing 2 and 4 μg/ml of selenium without vitamin E in the time zero. The lowest viability of the spermatozoa was observed in time 8 of 4 μg/ml selenium plus 60 μg/ml vitamin E treatment (P<0.05). The lowest spermatozoa defects were in time zero of 60 μg/ml vitamin E without selenium treatment. The highest spermatozoa defects were in time 8 of control and 2 μg/ml of selenium plus 60 μg/ml of vitamin E treatments (P<0.05). Therefore, it is recommended the use of vitamin E and selenium antioxidants alone and not together in tris extender for storage of semen in Arabic ram.