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Authors
Affiliations
1 Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Research Institute (IFAPA) Hinojosa Del Duque, Carretera el Viso, Km 2, Cordoba-14270, ES
2 Environmental Science Research Institute of Aragon (IUCA), University of Zaragoza, Miguel Servet, 177, Zaragoza, ES
Source
Veterinary World, Vol 10, No 5 (2017), Pagination: 521-525
Abstract
Aim: This study quantified the effects of season and photoperiodic treatment on semen and seminal plasma (SP) characteristics in 12 bucks of two Spanish goat breeds (Murciano-Granadina, and Payoya) for the past 1 year.
Materials and Methods: A total of 6 bucks (three of each breed) were exposed to the natural day length and the other six males (three of each breed) were exposed to alternating conditions of 2 months of long days (16 h light) and 2 months of short days (8 h light). Weekly concentrations of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (GOT/AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), potassium, testosterone, and protein in SP were measured. Reaction time and scrotal circumference were recorded, and plasma testosterone concentrations were measured before semen collection.
Results: Sperm volume, LDH, and potassium concentration in SP, and reaction time did not differ significantly between breeds, seasons, and photoperiodic treatment. Sperm concentrations were higher (p<0.001) in spring and summer than they were in autumn and winter. Mean percentage of positive hypo-osmotic swelling test sperm was the highest in summer and under the artificial photoperiod (p<0.01). GOT/AST concentrations differed (p<0.01) between breeds and seasons. Breed, season, and photoperiod had significant (p<0.001) effects on protein and testosterone levels in SP. Plasma testosterone concentrations were highest in summer (p<0.001), and differed significantly (p<0.01) between breeds. Scrotal perimeter differed significantly (p<0.001) between breeds and photoperiod.
Conclusion: Recognition of those seasonal and breed-specific differences in the performance of bucks should help to improve the management of individual semen samples for use in artificial insemination programs.
Keywords
Buck, Goat, Semen, Seminal Plasma.
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