This study aimed to determine the effect of adding Kasumba Turate (Carthamus tinctorius L.) extract to Tris-Egg yolk diluent on the quality of Bali bull spermatozoa. The study was designed by comparing four treatments: T0 (non-Kasumba Turate), T1 (0.5% Kasumba Turate extract), T2 (1% Kasumba Turate extract), and T3 (1.5% Kasumba Turate extract). The semen was diluted with Tris-Egg yolk diluent containing Kasumba Turate extract, along with penicillin and streptomycin antibiotics. After equilibration at 3-5°C for 2-3 hours, pre-freezing was done by placing the straw 10 cm above liquid nitrogen for 5-10 minutes, followed by storage in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. For thawing, the straw was immersed in a 37°C water bath for 12 seconds. Semen quality was then evaluated through macroscopic (volume, color, odor, consistency, pH) and microscopic (concentration, motility, viability, membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity) assessments. The data obtained were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA. The results showed that motility in T0 and T1 was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in T2 and T3. Viability in T0 did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from T1, T2, or T3. Membrane integrity of sperm in T0 did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from T1 or T2. Likewise, T2 did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from T3. However, T0 and T1 were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than T3. Acrosome integrity in T0 did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from T1. Additionally, T2 did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) from T3. However, T0 and T1 were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than T2 and T3. In conclusion, adding Kasumba Turate extract to Tris-Egg yolk diluent can maintain the quality of spermatozoa during storage, particularly at concentrations of 1% and 1.5%.
Keywords | Carthamus tinctorius L, Spermatozoa, Bali bull, Tris-egg yolk, Reproduction, Diluent