The plants’ extracts have recently emerged as a cheap and natural source of additives to preserve and enhance sperm functions during the cryopreservation process. Extracts from plants are reported to be the main sources of natural antioxidants with lower cytotoxicity as compared to therapeutic antioxidants. The numerous and valuable plant properties, such as antioxidants, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic, have been linked to plant extracts. Numerous plant extracts from different species have been used as preservatives for livestock semen cryopreservation. During these processes, the extracts are added to the semen extender in different doses to keep the sperm motile and viable throughout the cryopreservation, including during pre-freezing, equilibration, and post-thawing. The sperm quality parameters can be improved by adding these natural compounds that exert protection against bacteria and reactive oxygen species scavengers in semen extender. Although the application of plant extracts as preservatives for semen storage is still emerging, their potential is promising. They represent natural and economically viable alternatives to the conventional additives currently employed for semen preservation. This review focuses on the aspects related to plant extracts and their role during cryopreservation of semen from domesticated livestock species.

The utilization of unconventional feed resources offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate feed shortages particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where access to conventional feeds is often limited. Among these, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is one of the world’s most aggressive aquatic weeds, which has drawn attention due to its dual role as a problematic invasive species and a potential livestock feed. This plant reduces water quality, contributes to biodiversity loss and causes economic damage in farming systems. At the same time, its high capacity for nutrient absorption makes it a viable source of protein and energy for ruminants when properly harvested and processed into forms such as hay, dried leaves, and silage. However, its utilization requires caution, as the plant can accumulate toxins and heavy metals from polluted water, which may harm animal health if unprocessed. This review focuses on the potential of water hyacinth to improve ruminant growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation. Including water hyacinth in ruminant diet safely can possibly improve animal productivity, contribute to sustainable weed management and also provide a practical strategy to alleviate feed shortage in dry seasons, thereby encouraging resilience and sustainable ruminant production.

The utilization of unconventional feed resources offers a sustainable strategy to mitigate feed shortages particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where access to conventional feeds is often limited. Therefore, among these, water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has drawn attention due to its dual role as a problematic invasive weed and a potential livestock feed resource. As one of the world's most aggressive aquatic weeds, water hyacinth poses significant environmental and agricultural challenges by reducing water quality and quantity through excessive evapotranspiration, while also contributing to biodiversity loss and economic damage in farming systems. At the same time, its high capacity for nutrient-absorption makes it a viable source of protein and energy for ruminants when properly harvested and processed into forms such as hay, dried leaves, and silage. However, its utilization requires caution, as the plant can accumulate toxins and heavy metals from polluted water, which may harm animal health if unprocessed. Addressing global feed shortages particularly in the tropics during dry seasons requires innovative solutions. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge on the potential of water hyacinth to enhance ruminant performance while contributing to sustainable weed management and improved agricultural resilience.