Evaluation and characterization of semen quality in rams of Menz, Dorper and Awassi crosses in different seasons in Ethiopia

Shenkute Goshme, Sandip Banerjee, Mourad Rekik, Aynalem Haile, E Yitagesu, Tesfaye Getachew. (27/10/2020). Evaluation and characterization of semen quality in rams of Menz, Dorper and Awassi crosses in different seasons in Ethiopia. livestock research for development, 32 (11).

Abstract

The study was conducted at Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center, with the aim to study season and genotype factors which influence semen quality traits of Awassi x Menz, Dorper and Menz rams using the artificial vagina collection technique. Semen quantity and quality were evaluated for 18 rams; 6 each of Menz, Dorper and Awassi x Menz (AXM) breed and cross. All semen quality traits were influenced by genotype and season, while mass motility of semen was similar across the genotypes. Semen taken from rams during short rain and dry seasons had higher number of live spermatozoa and lower number of abnormal spermatozoa than in long rain season. Dorper rams were superior for semen volume and concentration while Menz rams were superior in normal and live spermatozoa percentage. The correlation between semen quality with volume and concentration of semen was low (r = 0.22 and 0.23). By contrast, the correlation between volume and concentration was 0.77.