Authors : Khairul Osman, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Nor Azlina Zakaria, Mohd Iswadi Ismail, Amat Aswadi Abd Karim and Zawawi Ismail
Abstract: This study investigated the protective effect of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) on animal sperm quality using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA). Fresh semen sample collected from adult Limousin bulls. The experiment involved five test groups and a control. Alpha lipoic acid with different concentrations (0.1, 0.05, 0,025, 0.0125 and 0.00625 mmol mL-1) incubated into semen from all test groups. They were cryopreserved and thawed after 1 h. CASA analysis prior to cryopresevation confirmed the baseline condition. While post-thawed investigation determined the changes in sperm quality between the various groups. CASA parameters used were percent motility, Average Path Velocity (VAP, μ sec-1), Curvilinear Velocity (VCL, μ sec-1), Straight Line Velocity (VSL, μ sec-1), Amplitude of Lateral Head displacement (ALH, μ), Beat Cross Frequency (BCF, Hz), Linearity (LIN, ratio of VSL/VCL) and Straightness (STR, ratio of VSL/VAP). ALA statistically improved VAP, VCL, VSL, ALH and BCF particularly for ALA concentration > 0.05 mmol L-1. On the other hand, it did not influenced LIN and STR. As a conclusion, ALA influences semicircular sperm motion and increases velocity. It might be useful as an additive in the extender or cryoprotectant agent to improve sperm motility.
Khairul Osman, Siti Fatimah Ibrahim, Nor Azlina Zakaria, Mohd Iswadi Ismail, Amat Aswadi Abd Karim and Zawawi Ismail, 2012. Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acids on Cattle Sperm Kinetics Using Computer Assisted Semen Analysis. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 7: 73-77.