Effect of Breeds on some Semen Characteristics of Awassi Ram and Its Crossbreed

Abstract

Abstract Ram fertility is important for herd productivity. However, low fertility of local Awassi sheep is present. The objective of this study was to study the effect of Awassi, Krishi, and its crossbreed on some physical and chemical semen characteristics. Twelve rams were used in the study, including (4) Awassi, (4) Krishi, and (4) Crossbreed (Awassi X Krishi). Semen was collected from all rams. Samples were evaluated immediately following collection. Volume, concentration, mass activity, individual motility, live and dead sperm (%), abnormal sperm (%), pH, Aspartate aminotransferase (G.O.T), alanine aminotransferase (G.P.T), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated in this study. The results indicated that the mass activity and individual motility were significantly greater (P<0.01) in (Awassi X Krishi) compared to Awassi and Krishi, respectively. Also, life sperm was significantly greater in (Awassi X Krishi) compared to Krishi but not Awassi Ram. In addition, dead and abnormal sperm was significantly reduced in (Awassi X Krishi) compared to Krashi but did not differ from Awassi. However, volume, concentration, pH, G.O.T, G.P.T, and ALP were not significantly different among groups. In conclusion, ram semen characteristics differed between breeds. This research brings new promising results regarding crossbreeding (Krishi X Awassi) on sperm parameters. An additional study is prepared to evaluate the effect of breed on antioxidant parameters.