Challenges and Perspectives of Cryopreservation in Ram Semen of Indigenous Sheep: A Review

Patricia, Mlambo Thandiwe and Agree, Nephawe Khathutshelo and Mbali, Sithole Sindisiwe and Judas, Mpofu Takalani and Lottus, Mphaphathi Masindi and Nkululeko, Ngcobo Jabulani (2026) Challenges and Perspectives of Cryopreservation in Ram Semen of Indigenous Sheep: A Review. World's Veterinary Journal. 733 - 749. ISSN 23224568

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Abstract

Artificial insemination (AI) is a widely used technique to enhance genetic diversity and breeding efficiency in livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Sheep are important in developing the livelihoods of poor farmers by reducing poverty and promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the challenges and perspectives associated with cryopreserving ram semen to conserve indigenous sheep ecotypes. Indigenous sheep populations are vital for meat production in challenging environmental conditions, where feed is limited and land is scarce. However, concerns have emerged about the decline in indigenous sheep populations, mainly due to the growth of composite breed production. Composite breeds, which are preferred for their faster growth rates and larger body size, reduce the capacity of indigenous sheep to survive in environments affected by climate change. This decline highlighted the importance of assisted reproductive technologies, such as AI and semen cryopreservation, in preserving the genetic resources of indigenous sheep before they become extinct. While AI and semen cryopreservation have been successful in livestock species such as cattle and pigs for genetic preservation, results in sheep have been less successful. Ram semen quality and fertility are often compromised by the freezing and thawing process. Ram spermatozoa produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and are sensitive to cold shock, leading to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and conception rates of 30-50. Adding antioxidants, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and plant extracts, to semen extenders can reduce ROS production and mitigate oxidative damage, thereby improving sperm quality and functionality during cryopreservation. Despite these advances, optimizing freezing and thawing protocols and addressing knowledge gaps are necessary to enhance semen preservation outcomes. © The Author(s) 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Antioxidant; Artificial insemination; Extender; Nanoparticle; Semen cryopreservation; Sheep
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	World's Veterinary Journal (WVJ)
Page Range:	733 - 749
Journal or Publication Title:	World's Veterinary Journal
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	2
Publisher:	Scienceline Publication
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.54203/scil.2026.wvj69
ISSN:	23224568
Depositing User:	Dr. Alireza Sadeghi
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1694

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