Aspartate aminotransferase in ejaculates of Manchego and Merino rams after minimal and maximal sperm damage

Semen from Manchega and Merina breed rams was subjected to minimal and maximal sperm cell damage treatments. Seminal plasma samples were then analyzed for aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) activity. There were significant (P<0.01) increases in enzymatic activity after maximal damage treatment in both breeds. Mean values of AAT activity were different between months (P<0.01) and individual rams (P<0.01). Breed significantly (P<0.01) affected AAT activity after minimal and maximal sperm damage. There was an interaction (P<0.01) between the 2 factors of ram and month in both breeds, but there was no interaction between breed and treatment.