Seasonal variations in reproductive parameters ofOuled Djellal rams in the East of Algeria

Abstract

This experiment was carried out on Ouled Djellal rams in order to study the effect of season on testicular size, serum testosterone level and semen characteristics for a period of one year. Blood samples were obtained via jugular vein, and semen was collected by using an electro-ejaculator from six fertile male rams (2-4 years of age) on a monthly basis. In this breed, testis parameters varied seasonally showing the highest average values during autumn. However, the variation of body weight, GSI, serum testosterone levels, mass motility, individual motility and sperm concentration were not significant during the sampling period. The results reported show that the lowest and highest levels of semen volume were recorded in winter (0.62±0.11 ml) and in autumn (1.23±0.09 ml) respectively. The pH value and total number in sperm showed a uniform pattern with low scores during breeding season and high scores in non-breeding season. High percentage of live sperm was recorded during the summer, and high percentage of abnormal sperm was recorded during winter.

Semen Characteristics of NARI Suwarna Rams during Breeding (Winter) and Non-breeding (Summer) Seasons

“…Regarding HOST, the present findings are comparable with findings of Kaimal (2015) in NARI Suwarna rams with no seasonal variation but contradictory to Ntemka et al, (2019) with reported seasonal variation for sperm viability in Chios rams. Regarding sperm concentration and acrosome integrity, the present study is consistent with in Awassi rams observing no variations between the seasons for both these parameters while for sperm concentration only with other workers (Kaimal 2015;Belkhiri et al, 2017;Benmoula et al, 2017;Ntemka et al, 2019). Further, in complete contrast to the present study, Azawi and Ismaeel (2012) reported seasonal variations with lower sperm concentration and viability with higher acrosomal damages during winter in Awassi rams.…”

“…Similar seasonal variations were also reported for volume, wave motion and individual motility in Dorper (Malejane et al, 2014), Naimi and Najdi rams (Al-Anazi et al, 2017). Further, some studies have reported seasonal variations for volume but not for wave motion and individual motility (Milczewski et al, 2015;Belkhiri et al, 2017) whereas, other studies have reported seasonal variations for wave motion and individual motility but not for semen volume (Chella et al, 2017).…”

Effect of Acacia mearnsii Tannin Extract Supplementation on Reproductive Performance and Oxidative Status of South African Mutton Merino Rams

“…Mean values of scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular width, and testicular length were significantly higher in autumn than those in winter. Authors in previous studies found a similar significant effect for the season on the testicular measurements [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Level of nutrition, daily body growth, and the response of the pineal gland to the day length are the main factors that affect testicular measurements [ 33 ].…”

Ultrasonographic Examination and Measurements of Testes, Epididymis and Accessory Glands at Different Growth Stages of Chios Rams

“…In evaluating rams for use in breeding, physical examination, measurements of genital tract and semen analysis are imperative (Hassani et al, 2014;Ridler et al, 2012;Alkawmani et al, 2018;2020;Belkhiri et al, 2019). An important measurement taken during the breeding sound examination of rams is the scrotal circumference (SC).…”