Open AccessInvestigation of the changes observed in scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in karayaka rams during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons
Author(s) -
Recai Kulaksız,
Çiğdem Çebi Şen
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of the hellenic veterinary medical society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.186
H-Index - 7
eISSN - 2585-3724
pISSN - 1792-2720
DOI - 10.12681/jhvms.21789
Subject(s) - semen , sperm , biology , seasonal breeder , sperm motility , zoology , winter season , andrology , anatomy , ecology , medicine , botany , climatology , geology
The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the impact of the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) seasons on scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in Karayaka rams. Six (6) Karayaka rams were used as semen donors, and ejaculates were collected with the aid of an artificial vagina during the BS (October-November) and NBS (April-May). Interestingly, sperm freezability was found to be higher in the NBS, when compared to the BS, and the sperm motility rate (36.00±2.74%, 55.0±3.24%) and percentage of abnormal sperm (44.00±1.90%, 57.00±2.09%) were found to significantly differ with season (P<0.05). In conclusion, the post-freezing sperm motility was better during the non-breeding season. Post-thaw sperm abnormality was higher during non-breading season. However, if ram semen is used fresh for AI, it can be collected and used during both during the breeding and non-breeding season.