Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract improves seminal antioxidant status and sperm characteristics in buck semen at refrigeration temperature

Abstract During semen preservation, with the passage of time, there is decrease in fertilization rate or conception rate. The decrease occurs due to the gradual deterioration of semen quality. Hence, the investigation was planned to evaluate the effect of Asparagus racemosus aqueous extract on buck semen quality during preservation. In the current study, 8 ejaculates from 8 Jakhrana bucks were collected (total 64 ejaculates). Good quality semen samples were pooled during each collection. Pooled semen samples were then divided into 4 equal parts, and diluted in TRIS buffer containing different concentration of Shatavari aqueous extract (Different groups, i.e., G I -500 mg, G II-250 mg, G III-125 mg, G IV-0 mg of Shatavari aqueous extract in 100 ml TRIS Buffer). All the diluted semen samples were kept at refrigerated temperature (5ºC) for seven days, and on each day diluted semen was evaluated for various sperm characteristics and antioxidant status. Shatavari aqueous extract exhibited significant (P < 0.05) enhancement in sperm viability, sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity, whereas it reduced the sperm abnormality. G III (125mg Shatavari extract/100ml TRIS buffer) showed significantly (P < 0.05) better results in terms of sperm viability, sperm motility, acrosomal integrity and plasma membrane integrity. Along with this the longevity of sperm was also enhanced in Shatavari supplemented group.