Protective Effects of <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> Secretions on Goat Sperm Quality During Cryopreservation

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Sperm cryopreservation is a vital tool for long-term preservation of genetic material, enabling the maintenance and transfer of genetic traits through assisted reproductive technologies. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> secretions (LS) into the cryopreservation protocol of goat semen. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> LS was added to semen extenders at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µL/mL. The control group received no additive. After freezing and thawing, various sperm quality parameters were evaluated. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The LS20 group showed significantly higher (<i>p</i> <0.05) total sperm motility compared with LS100, LS80, and the control. Progressive motility and straight-line velocity (VSL) were also improved in LS20 relative to LS100, though not significantly different from the control. LS20 demonstrated significantly higher amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH) than the control, LS60, LS80, and LS100. LS40 also outperformed LS60-LS100 in ALH. Sperm viability was significantly increased in LS20 and LS40 compared with the control, LS80, and LS100. The sperm chromatin dispersion assay revealed significantly greater halo-to-core ratios in LS20 and LS40. Additionally, malondialdehyde levels, as a marker of oxidative stress, were markedly reduced in LS20 and LS40 compared with all other groups. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Lower concentrations of LS, particularly 20 and 40 µL/mL, significantly improve sperm motility, viability, chromatin integrity, and oxidative status after thawing. These findings support the potential application of LS as an effective additive to enhance goat semen cryopreservation outcomes.