Effect of Cryopreservation on Semen Quality Parameters in Relation to Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Profile in Indian Buffalo.

BACKGROUND: Lipid peroxidation (LPO) due to oxidative stress leads to structural and functional changes in spermatozoa. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate any association of various seminal characteristics at the pre- and post-cryopreservation stages with LPO and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Murrah buffalo semen samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-five ejaculates from seven bulls were processed for cryopreservation in liquid nitrogen. RESULTS: Only 31 (47.7%) samples were found satisfactory for inclusion in the further artificial insemination. A strong negative correlation was observed between LPO and individual progressive motility, TAC, viability, plasma membrane integrity as well as acrosome integrity of fresh spermatozoa. At the post-thaw stage, post-thaw motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity had strong positive correlation with TAC. CONCLUSION: The effort to minimize LPO and enhance TAC shall play a pivotal role in improving buffalo semen quality upon cryopreservation.