Antibacterial and antioxidative effects of Aloe barbadensis leaf methanol extracts on quality and Spermatozoa fertilising potential of extended Red Sokoto buck semen

Abstract

A study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial and antioxidative effects of Aloe barbadensis leaf methanolic extract (ABLME) on the quality and spermatozoa fertilising potential of extended goat semen. 100 g of fresh A. barbadensis leaves were washed, chopped, dried, ground and extracted with 95.0% methanol (ABLME). The ABLME was added to egg yolk + sodium citrate (EYSC) diluent at 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/L and used to extend the goat semen. The extended semen samples were stored at 4^oC and were evaluated at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours post storage. All treatments were replicated thrice in a completely randomized design. Spermatozoa progressive motility (SPM), spermatozoa liveability (SPL), normal spermatozoa (NSP), acrosome integrity (ACI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI), secondary morphological abnormalities (SMA) and microbial load (CFU/mL) were evaluated and analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α0.05. Significant reduction in microbial load was observed in samples with 2.0 g/L ABLME (6.83 ± 4.80%) compared to control (27.50 ± 3.20%) at 48 hours. Reduced SMA was recorded for 2.00 g/L ABLME (9.00 ± 0.90%) compared to control (13.67 ± 1.00%). Methanolic extract (2.00 g/L) of A. barbadensis included in egg yolk + sodium citrate diluent gave antibacterial activity to extended buck semen for up to 48 hours.