Semen characteristics in caseous lymphedenitis (CLA) affected goats

M. Murugaiyah, S. Abdul Wahid and H. Rozimah

Abstract

The effect of caseous lymphedenitis (CLA), a disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, on the semen quality of bucks was examined. Six CLA-affected bucks and six normal bucks had their semen collected and examined for volume, total sperm count, mass motility, progressive motility, percentages of live sperm and abnormalities. None of the seminal traits examined showed any significant difference (P <0.0-5) between the affected and non-affected animals. Hence, the semen quality is not affected though the bucks are infected by CLA. Based on these results, CLA affected bucks can have their semen collected, frozen and used for artificial insemination. This can be implemented by taking certain precautions to prevent the spread of such disease to other livestock. Further studies are needed to determine the actual fertility rate in field trials.

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