¹Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Reproduction and Artificial Insemination, TR-36100 Kars - TÜRKİYE
²Kafkas University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, TR-36100 Kars - TÜRKİYE
³Nakhchivan State University, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Agriculture, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Nakhchivan, AZERBAIJAN DOI : 10.9775/kvfd.2026.36370 The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) supplementation on the freezing process of ram semen. Semen samples were collected from Tuj breed rams using an electroejaculator method and subsequently pooled and divided into four equal volumes. Samples were diluted with a Tris-based extender either without Maca (control) or supplemented with Maca at concentrations of 10 μL (M1), 20 μL (M2), and 30 μL (M3). After freezing, semen samples were thawed at 37°C for 30 sec for analysis. Post-thaw evaluations included sperm motility and kinematic parameters (Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis; CASA), hypoosmotic swelling test (HOST), acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), lipid peroxidation (measured as malondialdehyde, MDA), and intracellular antioxidant status (glutathione, GSH). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test. After thawing, supplementation with 30 μL of Maca significantly increased total semen motility from 36.14% to 46.21% and progressive motility from 33.56% to 43.91% (P<0.05). Maca, especially at this concentration, also significantly enhanced post-thaw motility, membrane integrity, and antioxidant status compared to the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that Maca added to the semen extender had a positive effect on ram semen. Keywords : Antioxidant, Maca, Lepidium meyenii, Spermatozoa, Cryopreservation, Ram