The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation in Tris- Aminomethane on the Sperm Quality of Merino Ram During Cold Storage
Amelia Nanda Vidyaningrum1, Elok Putri Agustina1, Asrullah As1, Wike Andre Septian1, Rafika Febriani Putri1, Chairdin Dwi Nugraha2, Ari Ardiantoro1, Achadiah Rachmawati1, and Suyadi Suyadi1

1Faculty of Animal Science, Universitas Brawijaya, Jl. Veteran, Malang 65145, Indonesia
2Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency Republic of Indonesia (BRIN), Bogor 16911, Indonesia

Abstract

Ram spermatozoa are particularly susceptible to lipid peroxidation induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cold storage. Astaxanthin a potent carotenoid antioxidant, is known for its ability to neutralize free radicals and protect sperm cells from oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of astaxanthin supplementation in a Tris-aminomethane egg yolk extender on the semen quality of Merino ram during cold storage. Fresh semen was collected from a healthy, sexually mature Merino ram housed in a colony system at the Sumber Sekar Field Laboratory using an artificial vagina. Only ejaculates with individual motility &#8805-70%, viability &#8805-70%, abnormal morphology <10%, and membrane integrity &#8805-70% were selected. Semen samples were diluted using Tris-aminomethane egg yolk extender and divided into four treatment groups supplemented with astaxanthin (1 &#956-M, 2 &#956-M, 3.5 &#956-M, and 4.5 &#956-M). The diluted semen samples were cooled gradually and preserved at 5&#730-C for three days. Sperms in chilled diluted semen samples were assesment for motility, viability, abnormality and plasma membrane integrity every 24 h for three days (72 h). A completely randomized design with eight replicates per treatment was applied. The results showed that spermatozoa remained viable and potentially fertilizing up to 72 hours of storage, as indicated by motility rates above 40% in all groups. Supplementation with 3.5 &#956-M astaxanthin significantly improved (P<0.05) motility, viability, reduced abnormal morphology, and maintained plasma membrane integrity. In conclusion, although all astaxanthin doses positively affected semen quality, supplementation at 3.5 &#956-M demonstrated the most consistent biological response in preserving sperm quality during 72 hours of cold storage.

Keywords: Astaxanthin, ROS, Merino Ram, Sperm Quality, Cold Storage

Topic: Animal reproduction and breeding