Studies on the semen characteristics of kambing Katcang crossbred bucks

M. Murugaiyah

Abstract

The characteristics of frequently ejaculated semen of kambing Katcang crossbred bucks exposed to short periods of high environmental heat (i.e. environmental temperature and solar radiation) were studied. Twelve bucks were randomly maintained either in shade (group I) or without shade (group II) for 7 days. The analysis of variance showed that there was a decrease in the volume of semen, concentration per millilitre and density per ejaculation with successive ejaculations for both the groups. However, only the grazed heat-exposed bucks’ percentage individual motility was affected with the frequent ejaculation. Generally, the bucks without any form of shade produced less semen and poorer quality compared with those in shade. The mean high environmental temperature of 30.9°C did not have any effect on the mass motility and percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. Results of this study showed that a high mating frequency in the bucks was accompanied by a significant decline in the main semen characteristics with successive ejaculations, especially when the bucks were exposed to high environmental heat. 

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