Seasonal Influence on Seminal Characteristics and Sexual Behaviour: A Comparative Study in Ganjam Bucks

Background: Bucks raised for breeding purposes receive no special attention and are raised at random without following the correct selection process. Besides, the basic data on the fertility of the male Ganjam bucks is never addressed. Goat breeders have noted a sharp decline in the reproductive efficiency of Ganjam goats, associated with a lengthened kidding interval, fewer successful pregnancies and decreased twining frequency. The measurement of male fertility parameters is crucial for estimating the breeding performance of any species since males contribute 50% of the reproductive efficiency. Methods: A total of 120 Ganjam bucks of different age groups reared by the local farmers of Rambha, Khalikote and Chhatrapur areas of Ganjam district were used for the present study. A total of six healthier bucks of age 1.5(B1), 2(B2), 2.5(B3), 3.5(B4), 4(B5) and 4.5(B6) years were procured from the Farmers for the experimental purpose. For study on effect of season on the semen qualities, twelve ejaculates from each buck were collected, six ejaculates between the month of July to August (season 1) and six ejaculates during October to November (Season 2). Result: The mean value of reaction time, Frequency of Flehmen’s Reaction, libido, volume of semen, concentration of sperm and value of MBRT of each of the six bucks were significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in the season 2.The mean of each of the six bucks did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to pH and live % of sperm.Buck B6 recorded a significantly higher (p less than 0.01) individual motility of sperm in season 2 than of season 1, whereas buck B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to individual motility of sperm. Buck B5 and B6 recorded a significantly higher (p less than 0.01) mass activity of sperm in season 2 than of season 1,whereas buck B1, B2, B3 and B4 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to mass activity of sperm. We are found to be have non-significant difference with that of season 1 with respect to sperm abnormalities of sperm.Buck B2 and B4 recorded a significantly higher (p less than 0.05) acrosomal integrity in season 2 than season 1, whereas buck B1, B3, B5 and B6 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to acrosomal integrity of sperm.Buck B5 evaluated a significantly higher (p less than 0.05) HOST in season 2 than season 1,whereas buck B1, B2, B3, B4 and B6 did not show any significant difference between two seasons with respect to HOST.