Abstract:
The study was carried out to evaluate some microscopic parameters (mobility, concentration, viability), to assess the
metabolic intensity of spermatozoa (Redox test), and sperm resistance test related with ram fertility and the quality of
ram semen in different age groups. The study was conducted in a farm located in Cluj County, on 34 rams of Turcana
Alba breed, grouped according to age into 4 batches. Weekly an ejaculate and the mentioned variables were measured.
Semen samples were collected from each animal using the artificial vagina (AV). For sperm mobility, the best values
were observed for 3 years old rams (X ± S = 88.4 ± 3.02). Variations in sperm viability showed some changes, but for
all age groups were obtained values above those indicated in the literature. Assessment of sperm concentration revealed
that rams in B6 (X ± S = 2.75 ±0.31) and B5 (X ± S = 2.7 ± 0.38) had the best values. Higher metabolic intensity rate in
B6, B5, B3 groups was correlated with higher values of concentration and mobility in these age groups. Thus, the best
values regarding sperm resistance were recorded for the rams aged 6 and 5 years, in which the average values were
equal to 7022.22. With increase in age, ram showed increase percentages of motility and viability of sperm in all
studied batches.
