Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Effect of age and season on semen quality parameters in Sahiwal bulls

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Tropical Animal Health and Production Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of season, period, age, bull, and ejaculate on semen quality in Sahiwal bulls. Semen production records from 1996 to 2006 of 5,483 ejaculates from 46 Sahiwal bulls maintained at Artificial Breeding Complex, NDRI, Karnal, India were analyzed using least square analysis of variance by LSML software package. The overall least squares means of ejaculate volume (VOL), total volume per day (VOLD), mass activity (MA), initial motility (IM), sperm concentration per ml (SPC), and sperm concentration per ejaculate (SPCE) were 3.79 ± 0.02 ml, 5.81 ± 0.06 ml, 2.32 ± 0.01, 55.47 ± 0.001%, 766.69 ± 5.50 × 106/ml and 3023.25 ± 30.15 × 106, respectively. All semen traits (VOL, VOLD, MA, IM and SPCE) were significantly (P < 0.01) affected by age groups, season and period, whereas season had significant effect on VOL at 5% level. During hot-humid season, highest value of VOL, VOLD, MA, IM, SPC, and SPCE were observed followed by summer and cold season. Highest value of VOL, VOLD, IM, and SPCE were observed during period-3 (2004–2006), whereas highest value of MA and SPC were observed during period-1 (1996–1999). However, lowest magnitude of MA, IM, SPC, and SPCE during period-2 (2000–2003) was observed. Ejaculate characteristics like VOL, VOLD, and SPCE increased with the increasing age of bull up to 5 years and then decreased. Significant (P < 0.01) bull to bull variation was found in VOL, VOLD, MA, IM, SPC, and SPCE traits. First ejaculate had significantly (P < 0.01) higher MA, IM, SPC, and SPCE. Hence, it could be concluded that during rainy season and period-1 and period-3 the quality of semen is quantitatively and qualitatively good. Better quality semen was obtained up to 5 years of age in Sahiwal bulls.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ahmad, M., Asmat, M.T. and Rehman, N.U., 2003. Semen characteristics of Sahiwal bulls in relation to age and season. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 23, 202–206.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad, M., Asmat, M.T. and Rehman, N., 2005. Relationship of testicular size and libido to age and season in Sahiwal bulls. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 25, 67–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ahmad, E., Ahmad, N., Naseer, Z., Aleem, M., Sarwar, K.M., Ashiq, M. and Younis, M., 2011. Relationship of age to body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular ultrasonograms, and semen quality in Sahiwal bulls. Tropical Animal Health Production, 43, 159–164.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Almquist, J.O., 1978. Bull semen collection procedures to maximize output of sperm. Proc. 7th Tech. Conf. Artificial Insemination Reproduction Natl. Assoc. Anim. Breeders, Columbia, MO, pp 33–36.

  • Amann, R.P. and Almquist, J.O., 1976. Bull management to maximize sperm output. Proc. 6th Tech. Conf. Artificial Insemination Reproduction Natl. Assoc. Anim. Breeders, Columbia, MO, pp. 1–10.

  • Amstalden, M., Oba, E., Santos, J.E.P., Ramos, A.A. and Franz, L., 1994. Studies of bubaline semen. Proceeding of 4th World Buffalo Congress, Sao Paulo Brazil, 3, 582–584.

  • Bhat, V., Honnappa, T.G. and Dubey, B.M., 2004. Seasonal effects on seminal attributes in Murrah bulls under Bangalore agroclimatic conditions. Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction, 25, 23–24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhoite, U.Y., Sutar, D.A. and Ulmek, B.R., 2005. Effect of season and period on semen characteristics of two and three breed Gir crosses. Indian Journal of Animal Reproduction, 26, 43–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhosrekar, M.R., Purohit, J.R., Gokhale, S.B. and Mangurkar, B.R., 1992a. Semen characteristics and behavioural pattern of buffalo bulls in relation to age and season. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 62, 251–255.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhosrekar, M.R., Purohit, J.R., Gokhale, S.B. and Mangurkar, B.R., 1992b. Effect of seasons on production performanceof surti buffalo bulls. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 62, 443–447.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chauhan, I., 2007. Influence of genetic and non-genetic factors in semen production in Karan Fries bulls. M.V.Sc. Thesis, NDRI Deemed University, Karnal, Haryana.

  • Chenoweth, P.J., 1981. Libido and mating behavior in bulls, boars and rams: a review. Theriogenology, 16, 155–177.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dhami, A.J. and Kodagali, S.B., 1988. Seminal characteristics and their interrelationship in surti buffalo. Indian Veterinary Journal, 65, 61–64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garner, D.L., Johnson, L.A., Allen, C.H., Palencia, D.D. and Chambers, C.S., 1996. Comparison of seminal quality in Holstein bulls as yearlings and as mature sires. Theriogenology, 45, 923–934.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ghosh, S., 2004. Relationship of age, body weight, testicular measurement and semen quality for selection of murrah bulls. M.V.Sc. Thesis, NDRI Deemed University, Karnal, Haryana.

  • Haq, A.U., Mirza, R.H. and Zahid, I.A., 2003. Semen characteristics of crossbred (Friesian × Sahiwal) and Sahiwal young bulls maintained under sub-tropical conditions of Punjab. Pakistan Veterinary Journal, 23(2), 100–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Harvey, W.R., 1975. Users guide for LSMLMW and MIXMDL PC-2 Version. Mixed Model Least-Squares and Maximum Likelihood computer program. 4255 Mumford Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43220, USA.

  • Helbig, L., Woodbury, M.R., Haigh, J.C., Collins, J. and Barth, A.D., 2007. The seasonal fertility of North American bison (Bison bison) bulls. Animal Reproduction Science, 97, 265–277.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Javed, M.T., Khan, A. and Kausar, R., 2000. Effect of age and season on some semen parameters of Nili-Ravi buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) bulls. Veterinary Archive, 70, 83–94.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kapoor, P.D., 1979. Effect of season and period on semen quality parameters of buffalo bulls. Livestock Advisor, 7, 33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koivisto, M.B., Costa, M.T.A., Perri, S.H.V. and Vicente, W.R.R., 2009. The Effect of Season on Semen Characteristics and Freezability in Bos indicus and Bos taurus Bulls in the Southeastern Region of Brazil. Reproduction Domestic Animal, 44, 587–592.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kommisrud, E. and Berg, K.A., 1996. The influence of duration of sexual preparation on bovine semen characteristics and fertility rates. Reproduction in Domestic Animal, 31, 369–371.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koonjaenak, S., Chanatinart, V., Ekwall, H. and Rodriguez-Martinez, H., 2007. Morphological features of spermatozoa of swamp buffalo AI bulls in Thailand. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A—Physiology Pathology Clinical Medicine, 54, 169–78.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, D.K., Nagpaul, P.K. and Gupta, A.K., 2000. Seasonal variation in seminal attributes and sexual behaviour of Murrah buffalo bulls. Indian Journal of Dairy Science, 53, 278–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, D.K., Tyagi, S. and Mathur, A.K., 2005. Semen production performance of Sahiwal bulls. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 75, 17–19.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mandal, D.K., Kumar, M. and Tyagi, S., 2010. Effect of age on spermiogram of Holstein Friesian × Sahiwal crossbred bulls. Animal, 4, 595–603.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathevon, M., Buhr, M.M. and Dekkers, J.C.M., 1998a. Environmental management and genetic factors affecting semen production in Holstein bulls. Journal of Dairy Science, 1, 3321–3330.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathevon, M., Dekkers, J.C.M. and Buhr, M.M., 1998b. Environmental, management, and genetic factors affecting semen production in French Montbeliard Bulls. Livestock Production Science, 55, 65–77.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mathur, A.K., Tyagi, S., Mukherjee, S. and Singh, S.P., 2002. Semen quality attributes in Frieswal bulls. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 72, 59–60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mostari, M.P., Hasanat, M.S., Azmal, K.N., Monira, K.N. and Khatun, H., 2005. Effect of seasonal variation on semen quality and herd fertility. Pakistan Journal biological sciences, 8, 581–585.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhyay, C. S., Gupta, A. K., Yadav, B. R., Khate, K., Raina, V. S., Mohanty T. K. and Dubey, P. P., 2010, Subfertility in males: an important cause of bull disposal in bovines. Asian–Australian Journal of Animal Science, 23, 450–455.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murugan, R.T. and Raman, K.S., 2003. Influence of age and body weight on semen production traits in Murrah bulls. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 3, 767–768.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nordin, W., Hilimi, M. and Bongso, T.A., 1990. Semen characteristics related to age in buffalo bulls. International Journal of Andrology, 13, 337–343.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ravimurgan, T., Raman, K.S. and Thangaraju, P., 2003. Seasonal influences on the semen production traits of Murrah buffalo bulls. Indian Buffalo Journal, 1, 85–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanmugavel, S. and Singh, S.V., 2002. Monthly variation in the semen quality of Sahiwal bulls. Indian Journal of Dairy Science, 55, 150–153.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, S.P., Pandit, R.K. and Bhadoria, H.B.S., 2000. Sexual behaviour and semen characteristics in Jersey, Sahiwal and halfbred bulls. Indian Journal of Animal Science, 70, 279–280.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snedecor, G.W. and Cochran, W.G., 1994. Statistical methods. 6th edn., Oxford and IBH Publ. Co., New Delhi.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, J.F., Bean, B., Marshall, C.E. and Sullivan, J.J., 1985. Genetic and environmental components of semen production traits of artificial insemination Holstein bulls. Journal of Dairy Science, 68, 2703–2722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomar, N.S., 1984. Artificial insemination and reproduction of cattle and buffaloes, 3rd edn. Saroj Prakashan Publishers Allahabad, UP, India.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waltl, B., Schwarzenbacher, H., Perner, C. and Solkner, J., 2006. Effect of age environmental factors on semen production and semen quality of Austrian Simmental bulls. Animal Reproduction Science, 95, 27–37.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Younis, M., 1996. Studies on semen quality, freezability and fertility of buffalo bulls during low and peak breeding seasons. Ph.D Thesis. University of Agriculture. Faisalabad, Pakistan.

  • Zafar, A.H., Ahmed, N. and Shah, S.K., 1988. Effect of seasonal variation on semen production of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Buffalo Journal, 4, 61–68.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

Authors are grateful to the Director National Dairy Research Institute for providing necessary facilities. The technical staff of the Artificial Breeding Complex also thankfully acknowledged.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Uttar Pradesh Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Pashu Chikitsa Vigyan Vishwavidyalya Evam Go-Anusandhan Sansthan, Mathura, 281 001, Uttar Pradesh, India

    Mukesh Bhakat

  2. Artificial Breeding Complex, Dairy Cattle Breeding Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India

    T. K. Mohanty, V. S. Raina & A. K. Gupta

  3. Division of Livestock Production and Management, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology—Kashmir, Shuhama, Alusteng, Srinagar, 190006, Kashmir (J&K), India

    H. M. Khan

  4. Physiology and Climatology Division, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Bareilly, 243 122, U.P., India

    R. K. Mahapatra & M. Sarkar

Authors
  1. Mukesh Bhakat
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. T. K. Mohanty
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. V. S. Raina
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. A. K. Gupta
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. H. M. Khan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. R. K. Mahapatra
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. M. Sarkar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mukesh Bhakat.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Bhakat, M., Mohanty, T.K., Raina, V.S. et al. Effect of age and season on semen quality parameters in Sahiwal bulls. Trop Anim Health Prod 43, 1161–1168 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9817-1

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-011-9817-1

Keywords

Search

Navigation