The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary fish oil supplementation on the semen characteristics of the Markhoz buck. Sixteen bucks were randomly allocated into 4 groups and received four different diets: unsupplemented control diet, supplemented with fish oil at 2.50% dry matter (DM), supplemented with fish oil (2.50% DM) and vitamin E (0.30 g/kg DM), and supplemented with vitamin E (0.30 g/kg DM). All experimental diets were formulated according to AFRC (1998). Semen was collected at 14 d intervals from June 17, 2006 to September 2, 2006. Semen characteristics were evaluated. Significant effects (p<0.05) of the week (sampling time) were observed for all parameters except semen volume. Also a significant effect (p<0.05) of dietary treatment was observed for all parameters except for percent sperm with normal morphologies and semen volume. Fish oil supplementation with excess vitamin E had a significant effect (p<0.05) on total number and sperm density, motility and progressive motility, percentage viability and dead sperm. The interaction between fish oil feeding and sampling time was significant (p<0.05) for all of the parameters. The bucks that received fish oil in association with vitamin E, effect fish oil showed the greatest improvement in semen characteristics compared with the other groups (p<0.05). This study showed that fish oil supplementation with vitamin E may have a beneficial effect on the semen quality and fertility of Markhoz bucks.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on the semen characteristics of the Markhoz goats. Eighth bucks were randomly allocated into two groups, and received two different diets: unsupplemented diet (control) and supplemented diet with vitamin E (0.30 g/Kg DM). All experimental diets were formulated according to AFRC 1998. Semen was collected at 14-days intervals from June 17, 2006 to September 2, 2006 (non-breeding season) using artificial vagina. Semen characteristics were evaluated including semen volume, sperm concentration, live sperm percentage, percentage of motility and progressive motility. This characteristics were evaluated at two weeks intervals the trial. The total number of spermatozoa per ejaculation was calculated by multiplication of the semen volume with sperm concentration. Sperm motility was also analyzed by placing a sample on pre-warmed (37 º C) microscope slide covered with a cover slip, and examined under a high power microscope at a magnification × 200. Data was analyzed using proc MIXED in SAS program. Significant effect (P≤0.05) of the week (sampling time) was observed for all the parameters except for semen volume. Vitamin E supplementation significantly improved (P≤0.05) total number (Control: 263.7 ×107±17.506 vs. Vit E: 320.95 ×107±17.506) and sperm concentration (Control: 301.79 ×107±13.657 vs. Vit E: 386.57 ×107± 13.657), motility (Control: 77.27% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 82.6% ±0.89) and progressive motility (Control: 4.208 ±0.138 vs. Vit E: 4.229 ±0.138), percentage of viability (Control: 80.57% ±0.89 vs. Vit E: 85.9% ±0.89). The results suggested that the supplemental Vitamin E may improve the semen quality and fertility in the Markhoz goats.