AbstractBackgroundDue to lower antioxidant capacity and higher amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, ram spermatozoa are very susceptible during cooling process.ObjectivesThe objective was to examine the effect of the trans‐ferulic acid (t‐FA) on the ram semen during liquid preservation.MethodsSemen samples were collected from the Qezel rams, pooled, and extended with the Tris‐based diluent. Pooled samples enriched with different amounts of thet‐FA (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 25 mM) and preserved at 4°C for 72 h. Spermatozoa's kinematics, membrane functionality, and viability were assessed by CASA system, hypoosmotic swelling test, and eosin‐nigrosin staining, respectively. Moreover, biochemical parameters were measured at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h.ResultsResults showed that 5 and 10 mMt‐FA improved forward progressive motility (FPM) and curvilinear velocity compared to the other groups at 72 h (p< 0.05). Samples treated with 25 mMt‐FA showed the lowest total motility, FPM, and viability at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage (p< 0.05). Higher total antioxidant activity levels were observed in the 10 mMt‐FA‐treated group compared to the negative control at 72 h (p< 0.05). Treatment with 25 mMt‐FA increased malondialdehyde amounts and decreased superoxide dismutase activity compared to other groups at the final time assessment (p< 0.05). Nitrate‐nitrite and lipid hydroperoxides values were not affected by treatment.ConclusionsThe current study indicates the positive and negative influences of different concentrations oft‐FA on the ram semen upon cold storage.