Seasonal Variations in Semen Characteristics in Arabic Rams
A. Hamidi, M. Mamoei, Kh. Mirzadeh, S.
Tabatabaei* and H. Roshanfekr
Department of Animal Sciences,
Faculty of Animal and Food Science,
Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Mollasani,
Khuzestan, Iran
*Corresponding
Author: s_tabatabaei58@yahoo.com
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the seasonal variations in semen
characteristics in Arabic rams. 8 adult Arabic rams at the age of 2-3 years were
used for this research. Semen was collected with electro ejaculator every 15
days for a period of 6 months (3 months of in breeding season and 3 months of
non breeding season). Semen samples of these rams were subjected to the
parameters including semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, abnormal
and live sperm percentage. Semen quality difference between breeding and non
breeding seasons was significant. Semen volume, sperm motility, percent of live
sperm, the percentage of abnormal sperm and sperm concentration determined in
breeding and non breeding seasons had significant differences. Therefore, better
progressive motility of sperm, sperm concentration, percent of live sperm and
low percentage of abnormal sperm clearly explained high fertility potential of
male in breeding season when compared with non breeding season. In conclusion,
this study indicated that sexual performance of Arabic rams completely dependent
on season.