Protective effects of Opuntia ficus-indica extract on ram sperm quality, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation during liquid storage

- Effect of acetone extract on ram sperm quality during liquid storage was evaluated.
- Phenolic and organic compounds of cactus extract were identified and quantified.
- ACTEX improve motility, viability, HOST and reduce lipid peroxidation.
- TEY and SM supplemented by cactus acetone extract reduce DNA fragmentation.
- Positive effect may be caused by the antioxidant effect of ACTEX.

The present study aimed to assess the phenolic composition of the acetone extract from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes (ACTEX) and its effects on ram semen variables, lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation during liquid storage at 5 °C for up to 72 h in skim milk and Tris egg yolk extenders. Semen samples from five rams were pooled extended with Tris-egg yolk (TEY) or skim milk (SM) extenders containing ACTEX (0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8%) at a final concentration of 0.8 × 109 sperm/ml and stored for up to 72 h at 5 °C. The sperm variables were evaluated at different time periods (8, 24, 48 and 72 h). Sperm total motility and viability were superior in TEY than in SM whereas the progressive motility, membrane integrity, abnormality and spontaneous lipid peroxidation were greater in SM compared to TEY (P < 0.05). The results also indicated that the inclusion of 1% ACTEX in the SM or TEY extender increased the sperm motility, viability, membrane integrity, and decreased the abnormality, lipids peroxidation up to 72 h in storage compared to control group. Similarly, even at 72 h of storage, 1% ACTEX can efficiently decrease the negative effects of liquid storage on sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SM and TEY supplemented with 1% of ACTEX can improve the quality of ram semen. Further studies are required to identify the active components in ACTEX involved in its effect on ram sperm preservation.