This study was aimed at the prolongation of the periods in which ram spermatozoa remains motile and fertile by means of addition of various antioxidants to the diluent used for short term preservation of ram sperma at +5°C. Sperma was regularly collected from 4 Akkaraman breed rams twice a week by using an artificial vagina. Ergothionin (0.03 mg/ml), seminal plasma (1 ml), ascorbic acid (10 mM) and superoxide dismutase (800 lU/ml) were added separately to the main diluent of the study which contained tris - citric acid - glucose - egg yolk. Together with a combination including the aforementioned additives at the stated amounts, 5 different diluent groups were formed. The diluent containing tris-citric acid-glucose-egg yolk was used as control. Mixed ejaculates were separated into equal volumes and diluted at a proportion of 1:5. Examination with regard to parameters including motility, the rates of nonviable and abnormal spermatozoa and pH values was performed at 12 hour intervals between hours 0 and 72. At the end of the 72nd hour, the highest mean rate of motility and the lowest rate of nonviable and abnormal spermatozoa were detected in the groups in which the combination and ergothionin were used. On the other hand, the lowest mean rate of motility and the highest rate of nonviable and abnormal spermatozoa were determined in the group in which seminal plasma was administered. Differences between mean group values with regard to each spertnatological parameter, between hours 0 and 72, were found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). In conclusion, among various antioxidants added to the diluent, used for short term preservation of ram sperma, ergothionin and the combination were determined to give better results.