Astaxanthin (AX) is a xanthophyll carotenoid having the powerful antioxidant ability with much beneficial health effects. The present study was conducted to observe the effect of AX on sperm quality of Karan Fries (Tharparkar X Holstein Friesian) bulls during storage at 5 °C. The neat semen was diluted with Tris egg yolk citric acid fructose (TEYCAF) extender and equally divided into two parts, i.e. control and AX supplementation. The percentage of progressive motility at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours were 78.75 ± 1.25 vs.78.75 ± 1.25; 77.50 ± 1.44 vs. 72.5 ± 2.5; 77.50 ± 1.44 vs. 71.25 ± 1.25 and 68.75 ± 1.25 vs. 66.25 ± 2.39 in AX supplemented vs. control, respectively. The percentage of live spermatozoa at 0, 24, 48 and 72 hours were as 88.69 ± 0.09 vs. 88.12 ± 1.32; 85.93 ± 0.59 vs. 83.76 ± 0.61; 82.95 ± 1.31 vs. 78.57 ± 0.70 and 80.92 ± 1.26 vs. 74.07 ± 0.95 in AX supplemented vs. control, respectively. The concentration of catalase (CAT) enzyme in supernatant was reduced (p<0.05) in AX supplemented sample at 48 (7.38 ± 1.43 vs.14.62 ± 2.03) and 72 (14.43 ± 1.29 vs.19.45 ± 2.82) hours. The superoxidase dismutase (SOD) concentration was lowered (p<0.05) only at 24 hours of preservation in AX supplemented samples than control. It can be concluded from the study that supplementation of AX to the semen extender assisted in maintaining or protecting the spermatozoa from damage during storage at 5 °C.

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