Assessment of some microscopic parameters of ram semen correlated with the age of the animals

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.