The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the freezing process of ram semen.Semen samples were collected from Tuj breed rams using an electroejaculator method and subsequently pooled and divided into four equal volumes.Samples were diluted with a Tris-based extender either without Maca (control) or supplemented with Maca at concentrations of 10 L (M1), 20 L (M2), and 30 L (M3).After freezing, semen samples were thawed at 37C for 30 sec for analysis.Post-thaw evaluations included sperm motility and kinematic parameters (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis; CASA), hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde, MDA), and intracellular antioxidant status (glutathione, GSH).Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.After thawing, supplementation with 30 L of Maca significantly increased total semen motility from 36.14% to 46.21% and progressive motility from 33.56% to 43.91% (P<0.05).Maca, especially at this concentration, also significantly enhanced post-thaw motility, membrane integrity, and antioxidant status compared to the control group (P<0.05).In conclusion, it was determined that Maca added to the semen extender had a positive effect on ram semen.
Gökdemir et al. (Thu,) studied this question.