The Effects of Including Glutathione on the Characteristics of Post-Thawed Semen in Arabian Horse

This research aimed at investigating the effects of adding glutathione as an antioxidant to the Arabian horse semen extender on the sperm viability and integrity after cooling and freezing. Glutathione was tested at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM/100 mL in the basic extender (HF-20). HF-20 extender was used as the basic control extender. Adding glutathione at a concentration of 2mM showed a high increase in the total motility sperm (61.25 ± 3.14%), progressive motility (28.13 ± 2.07 %),and VCL (90.03 ± 1.18μm/s)compared to other concentrations and to the control group. As well, it was significantly higher in normal morphology (80.07 ± 1.30 %) compared with 4 mM of glutathione. However, the increase in the glutathione values resulted in less integrity of the acrosome and HOST. There was no significant difference in sperm vitality among glutathione groups and control group. In conclusion, improvement of motility, and speed parameters by supplementing arginine at 2mM, but integrity of acrosome at 0.5 mM to freeze-extender horse semen. In addition, we urge conducting more research into adding this substance and performing artificial insemination in mare.