Cytoprotective Effects of Natural Honey on Spermatozoa Quality of Extended Breeder Cock Semen

Quality and fertilizing potential of spermatozoa is indispensable for successful artificial insemination in poultry farms. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective effect of natural honey on spermatozoa quality of extended breeder cock semen. The experiments comprises of three (3) treatments with four (4) replicates at three (3) different hours (0, 3, and 6). T1 (100% normal saline + 0% honey) represented the positive control in the ratio 1:4 semen-extender, T2 (normal saline + antibiotics g/100 mL + 0% honey), served as the negative control, while T3 contained antibiotics g/100 mL + semen at the same ratio but supplemented with 4.0 µg/L of 10% honey and stored at 4°C. The samples were evaluated at 0, 3, and 6 hours for pH, normal spermatozoa (NS) (%), bacterial load, liveability (%), lipid peroxidation (LP), and acrosome integrity (AcI) in a completely randomized design. Data obtained were analyzed and results showed that the pH values of extended semen at 0, 3 and 6 hours were not significantly (p > 0.05) different, except at 0 hour. However, the mean values were within the accepted range. 10% natural honey inclusion in extender for semen at T3 over 6 hours gave significantly (p < 0.05) better spermatozoa liveability and NS, but AcI were statistically similar (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the bacterial load in all groups at the 6 hours. This study suggested that 10% natural honey extender has significant positive effects on spermatozoa quality in extended breeder cock semen.