The influence of age on semen parameters, libido and mating behaviour of Siamese Long Tail sheep

P. Ramakrishnan, A. W. Hassan and M. Murugaiyah

Abstract

A total of 325 semen samples were collected from 36 Siamese Long Tail (SLT) rams ranging in age from 5 to 28 months for 8 months to study the influence of age on semen characteristics, libido and mating behaviour. An increasing trend in semen volume was observed from 5 up to 28 months of age in the SLT rams. The spermatozoa motility percentage was significantly (p <0.05) lower in rams below 10 months of age compared with the older animals. It was also observed that the libido and mating behaviour of the SLT rams were not affected with the advancement of age up to 28 months. This study showed that although the SLT rams could produce semen at the age of 5 months, semen with desirable quality could only be produced when the rams were around 12 months old.

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