Ram sperm are very susceptible to oxidative stress damage during low-temperature preservation. Seminal oxidative stress results in membrane lipid peroxidation, changes in the normal physiological and enzymatic pathways, finally associated with spermatozoa motility loss, reduced fertility and compromised embryogenesis. Lycopene is one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants. The effects of lycopene (LYC) supplementation of the semen diluent upon the quality of Hu ram semen preserved for five days at 4℃ were investigated in this study. Semen ejaculates collected from 5 rams twice weekly for 12 weeks were pooled on each collection day, diluted with an extender supplemented with 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5µM of LYC, while the control group received no supplementation. Sperm viability, motility variables, and membrane integrity were evaluated daily up to five days. Semen biochemical indexes, including oxidation status, mitochondrial potential, and antioxidant activity, were assessed on the fifth day of storage. The results showed that supplementation of LYC at 2.5µM significantly (P≤0.05) increased the sperm viability, sperm total and progressive motility percentages, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity during preservation at 4℃. It also significantly (P≤0.05) enhanced the total antioxidants content and antioxidant enzymes activities like catalase and superoxide dismutase. The mitochondrial membrane potential of sperm was correspondingly increased during preservation. However, supplementation of LYC at 2.5µM to the extender significantly (P≤0.05) reduced highly detrimental free reactive oxygen species production and malondialdehyde contents. In conclusion, the present study showed that supplementation of the extender with 2.5µM LYC significantly recovers the quality of sperm by improving the antioxidant enzyme activity and mitochondrial function, decreasing the damage caused due to free radicals, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and oxidative stress (ROS) to Hu rams' semen.

To Cite This Article: Sohail T, Sun Y, Chen F, Sun X, Wei Z and Li Y 2025. Influence of lycopene on sperm quality, antioxidant capacity, mitochondrial potential, and oxidation status during 4℃ preservation of ram semen. Pak Vet J. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.209