Abstract

WEBB, E.C.; DOMBO, M.H.  and  ROETS, M.. Seasonal variation in semen quality of Gorno Altai cashmere goats and South African indigenous goats. S. Afr. j. anim. sci. [online]. 2004, vol.34, n.5, pp.240-243. ISSN 2221-4062.

Seasonal effects on semen quality of Gorno Altai cashmere goats and South African indigenous goats were studied in this experiment. A definite breeding season for the two breeds was determined. Semen quality parameters that were quantified include semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, percentage live sperm, dead sperm and scrotal circumference. Scrotal circumference, semen volume, concentration and sperm concentration of the two breeds followed a seasonal pattern. These seasonal variations were significantly affected by changes in photoperiod, with subsequent effects on sperm production. The results suggest that environmental temperature plays a secondary role in terms of semen production compared to seasonal differences in photoperiod.

Keywords : Indigenous goats; Gorno Altai; semen quality; seasonal effects.

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