Abstract

Background:
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3) are essential fatty acids that are crucial for general health and reproduction. They cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from dietary sources.

Aim:
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intramuscular injection of omega-3 fatty acids on improving the quality of fresh semen during the breeding season in Syrian Awassi rams.

Methods:
The research was conducted at the Izra' Research Station, affiliated with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD). The experiment used 8 rams with an average age of 3-5 years and an average weight of 89 ± 5 kg. The experimental animals were examined and confirmed to be free from reproductive diseases. The rams were randomly divided into 2 equal groups (4 rams/group). The rams in the first study group were injected with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids at a dose of 3 ml three times at 15-day intervals, while the rams in the control group were left without receiving any polyunsaturated fatty acids and were injected with physiological saline following the same schedule as the first group. Semen samples were collected weekly for 9 weeks. The characteristics of the semen samples, including volume, sperm concentration (density), descriptive estimates, and the percentage values of mass and individual motility, as well as sperm viability, were determined.

Results:
The results showed significant differences (P≤0.05) in favor of the Omega-3 group in all studied indicators, with a significant interaction between treatment and time. The improvement peaked in the sixth and seventh weeks of the experiment.

Conclusion:
We conclude that intramuscular injection of omega-3 fatty acids significantly improves the fresh semen indicators of Awassi rams, which positively reflects their reproductive efficiency.

Key words: Omega 3; Awassi rams; Semen.