Sperm Quality Parameters and Fatty Acid Composition in Farahani Rams Fed Pistachio Byproducts

Fifteen fertile rams (live weight 55.9 ± 1.21 kg, and 2.53 years old) were randomly allotted to three diets consisting of 0 (control), 12.5 (pbp12.5), and 25 % (pbp25.5) pistachio byproducts (pbp) in dry matter. sperm motility parameters were detrimentally affected in animals feeding on pbp25% diet (p<0.05). sperm concentration of c171, c226n3, c182cis and c226 n3 fatty acids decreased but that of c180 and c181cis fatty acids increased at the highest level of dietary pbp. the results indicated that 12.5% pbp in dry matter, as a cheap byproduct, may be included in the ram diet for extended periods without any discernible detrimental effects on sperm characteristics. however, fertility trials need to be performed to substantiate this conclusion.