Semen Quality Variations in Successively Graded up Sahiwal Breeding Bulls

Abstract

The study was conducted to find out the variation in semen quality among three successive graded up (F1, F2 and F3) Sahiwal×local breeding bulls for artificial insemination (AI) purposes. There were three (3) groups (F1, F2 and F3) and three bulls were selected from each group for this experiment. F1 group means 100% Sahiwal×Local (SL×L) bulls, F2 and F3 are 100% Sahiwal×Sahiwal×Local (SL1×L) bulls, and Sahiwal×Sahiwal× Sahiwal×Local (SL2×L) bulls, respectively. 52 ejaculates from each of 9 breeding bulls were collected, evaluated and processed following standard procedure throughout the experimental year 2019. A total of 468 (52×3×3) samples (52×3=156 from each group) were examined in this study. Out of 468 ejaculates,385 (82.26%) were found to be creamy in color followed by 64 (13.68%) and 19 (4.06%) as yellowish and watery, respectively. Level of up-gradation had a significant (P<0.05) effect on ejaculate volume, consistency, mass activity, sperm concentration and initial and post-thaw motility. The highest (5.356±0.10 ml) and the lowest (4.726±0.09ml) volume of semen were found in the third (F3) and the first (F1) crossing, respectively (p<0.05). The mass activity ranged from 3.216±0.04to 4.389±0.05. Semen pH varied insignificantly (p<0.05) but sperm concentration, initial motility and post-thaw motility had significant differences (p<0.05). Initial and motility ranged from 71.49±0.24% to 78.89±0.43% and from 50.29±0.39% to 53.46±0.36%, respectively. It was concluded that most of the semen quality parameters were influenced by the level of up-gradation and freezing. Semen parameters were observed better in F2 followed by F3 group.