Effects of melatonin administration on seminal plasma metabolites and sperm fertilization competence during the non-reproductive season in ram

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ram melatonin treatment on the sperm quality and metabolite composition of the seminal plasma in the non-breeding season. Four mature rams were treated with 54  mg melatonin in March subcutaneous implants and four untreated rams served as control. At 0, 30, 90 and 120 days semen samples were collected and sperm, separated from seminal plasma, was evaluated for its capacity to fertilize and produce embryos in vitro. Seminal plasma metabolites were extrac ted and analyzed by capillary electrophoresis/mass spectroscopy.

Source: Theriogenology - April 23, 2018 Category: Genetics & Stem Cells Authors: Valentina Satta, Maria Elena Manca, Laura Torres-Rovira, Sara Succu, Paolo Mereu, Michella Nehme, Gianpaolo Epifani, Marilia Gallus, Fiammetta Berlinguer, Salvatore Naitana, Giovanni Giuseppe Leoni Source Type: research