Seasonal fluctuations in the sexual activity of Awassi, German Mutton Merino, Corriedale, Border-Leicester and Dorset Horn rams:II. Seasonal changes in semen characteristics

Abstract

Semen characteristics of local and imported rams were studied over a period of 2 years.Awassi and Border-Leicester rams with regular Awassi and Border-Leicester rams with regular semen collections throughout the year showed definite seasonal variations in the volume and number of sperms in their ejaculates: maximum levels during the autumn and minimum during the spring months. The sperm density reached its maximum during the spring and its minimum during the autumn as a result of the opposite changes of the semen volume. In the rams without regular semen collections, as those kept in the flock, these seasonal changes were not distinct. In the imported rams from breeds without a