Abstract
This study was conducted to determine the effect of carnosic acid, extracted from rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis), to
epididymal buffalo sperm to short-term motility, abnormal spermatozoon rates and HOS test ratio. Semen samples were
obtained from 36 (4-5 year old) Anatolian buffalos after the slaughtering. Semen were collected from each 6 testes they
were divided into 5 equal parts and groups were formed and the study was repeated 6 times. The groups were composed
with the Tris extender containing carnosic acid 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 μg / ml and no-additive (control). Semen were cooled
to +4 0C and spermatological data was evaluated at 0, 24 and 48. hours. Although there was no difference between the
groups at the 0.h when evaluated in terms of motility, in 24. h motility values were higher in all groups than control.
Besides, 48.h motility values were higher in groups of 12.5, 25 and 50 μg / ml than control. these values were statistically
significant (p <0.05). In terms of total abnormal spermatozoon the protective effect of carnosic acidwas found
significantlyin 12.5 μg / ml group at 0 h, 12.5 and 25 μg / ml group at 24 h and all groups at 48 h.respectively. With regard
H+/E-, protective effect of carnosic acidwas determined in 25 μg/ml group and in all groups at 24 and 48 h. In
conclusion, it was determined that the doses of 12.5 and 25 μg / ml of carnosic acid added to extenderin +4 0C storage of
buffalo epididymal sperm showed a protective effect compared to the control group in terms of motility, spermatozoon
morphology, membrane integrity and viability.