Effect of extract pumpkin seed (cucurbita moschata) on post-thaw variabels of local rooster semen

Introduction: Semen conservation is one of the conservation effort in preserving germplasm. The frozen semen is generally used to extend the life capacity of semen. Before freezing process, the semen must be given cryoprotectant to prevent ice crystal formation and stabilize spermatozoa plasma membrane. However, the chicken sperm is more sensitive to the freezing process and their quality post thawing is also relatively low compared with the mammalian species. Thus, the material of cryoprotectant for semen is very interesting to study. This study aimed to improved quality of post thawing spermatozoa by giving extracted pumpkin seeds in domestic rooster. Methods: A total of twenty male domestic rooster aged one year oldwere divided into five treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4). Different level of extract pumpkin seeds (0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%) dissolved with cryoprotectant in frozen storage. Motility of sperm, viability, and sperm abnormalities were assessed before and after freezing cryopreservation. Results: The result demonstrated that the motility of sperm and viability significantly affected (p<0.05) for each treatment. The highest mean value after cryopreservation with the T2 concentration (motility of sperm : 36,5475 ± 1,46700) and (viability : 65,9600 ± 1,71416). Similarly, spermatozoa abnormalities were lower after cryopreservation with the T2 concentration (24,5000 ± 2,08029). Conclusion: The research indicate that supplementation of extract Pumpkin seed in cryoprotectant could significantly improve quality of post-thaw spermatozoa, therefore it could support productivity of domestic rooster in tropical area.