Effect of Melatonin Implantation on Sexual Behavior and some of Semen Quality of Iraqi Buffalo Bulls

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of melatonin implantation on sexual behavior and some aspects of the semen quality of buffalo bulls. Nine buffalo bulls had divided into three groups (3/group). The first group was the control group (C1). The buffalo bulls were implanted with melatonin hormone in the second (72 mg; C2) and third (90 mg; T3) groups under the skin of the left ear base and repeated one month after the first implantation. Semen was collected for 14 weeks and evaluated weekly. The first amount of time was lower in the C3 group than in the C2 and C1 groups. Semen volume at 2nd ejaculation was higher (P<0.05) in the C3 group than in other groups. Mass activity and motility increased in the C3 group compared to the C2 and C1 groups at different ejaculation times. The melatonin implantation (90 mg) can improve the semen quality of Iraqi bulls which in turn enhancing the reproductive performance, conception rate of female buffalo and increasing the artificial insemination productivity and owner’s income.