Protective Effect of Intracellular Compounds of <i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> on Goat Sperm Quality During Cryopreservation

BACKGROUND: Cryopreservation of sperm is a key strategy for preserving and transmitting the genetic traits of valuable or endangered breeds and is particularly applied in goats to improve sperm quality and performance. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing cryopreservation extenders with the intracellular compounds of Lactobacillus plantarum (ICL) on goat sperm quality. METHODS: The intracellular compounds were added to the semen extender at concentrations of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 µL/mL, while the control group received only the basic extender without any supplementation. Following freezing and thawing, sperm quality parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 10 intracellular compounds identified in L. plantarum, the highest proportions corresponded to 1-benzenesulfonyl-1H-pyrrole and benzenesulfonyl azide (CAS). Treatment with ICL20 significantly increased total motility compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Both ICL20 and ICL40 significantly improved progressive motility compared with the control and ICL100 groups. The mean amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, µm) was significantly higher in ICL20 and ICL40 compared with the control and ICL100. Moreover, ICL20 showed significantly higher beat/cross frequency (BCF, Hz) than the control, ICL80 and ICL100 groups. Treatments ICL20 and ICL40 also exhibited significantly greater viability compared with the control and ICL100. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was significantly reduced in ICL20 and ICL40 compared with the control, ICL80 and ICL100. Sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) analysis revealed that ICL20 had a significantly higher halo-to-core ratio compared with all other treatments. CONCLUSION: Overall, the findings indicate that supplementation of goat semen extenders with ICL, particularly at concentrations of 20 and 40 µL/mL, improves sperm quality during cryopreservation and thawing.