Effects of Genotype on Testis, Semen Quality, and Mineral Composition of Semen in Various Ram Breeds

Abstract

This study was carried out on nine 3-5-year-old rams of different species: four Norduz, two Karakas, and three Ile de France x Akkaraman rams. Sperm of each ram was collected by means of an artificial vagina once per month from June to October 2007. In each case, the sperm volume, pH, viscosity, mass activity, motility, concentration, abnormal spermatozoa ratio, and the sperm death/live ratio were recorder along with the animals' testis diameter and scrotum circumferences. The concentrations of calcium, potassium, copper, magnesium, iron, and zinc levels in seminal plasma were determined. There were changes in the measured parameters according to genotype and time of sampling, which can be useful for better planning of anestrous mating programs for these ram species.