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Boar semen preservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species which leads to reduction of sperm quality and decrease in fertilizing ability. The aim of this study was to replace conventional semen extender with watermelon juice (WMJ) and to ascertain the most effective dilution rate that can maintain the viability of the spermatozoa over a 48- hours extension period. Semen was collected from a boar at the piggery unit of the teaching and research farm University of Ibadan, using the glove hand method. The experiment was divided into five treatments with Beltsville Thawing Solution being replaced by WMJ at the following rate; 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% and designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Diluted semen samples were stored at 17 C and were evaluated at 0, 24 and 48 hours for pH, acrosome integrity and lipid peroxidation. The experimental design was a completely randomised Design; acrosome integrity, pH and lipid peroxidation were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The data showed that there were significant difference (p |
