INFLUENCE OF SCROTAL BIPARTITION ON HORMONES AND SEMEN CHARACTERISTICS OF UDA RAMS

Abstract

The study evaluated the influence of scrotal bipartition on semen characteristics and reproductive hormone profiles in Uda rams. The experiment was carried out at the Animal Health and Production Department Research and Demonstration farm in the small ruminant unit of the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi following standard management protocol. Twelve (12) Uda rams aged 1 to 1.5 years consisting of Six (6 each) rams with scrotal bipartion (SB group) and non-scrotal bipartition (NB group) were studied. Semen was collected from the rams using electro ejaculator and analyzed for gross and microscopic characteristics while blood collected and evaluated for serum levels of reproductive hormones (testosterone and FSH). The result of semen parameter showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in sperm volume, motility and livability between both groups, however, SB yielded higher values in volume (0.88mL), motility (66.50%) and livability (74.50%) compared to the NB (vol. (0.87mL), motility (62.5%) and livability (72.50%). The evaluated reproductive hormones were not statistically different (p>0.05) between both groups. Although a higher testosterone level was recorded in NB (12.35 ng/mL) compared to SB (8.55 ng/mL). Similarly, serum concentrations of FSH were not differed (p>0.05) between both groups, the result showed SB (0.24 ng/mL) appeared to be higher compared to NB (0.15 ng/mL). It was concluded that scrotal bipartition in rams was shown to be an evolutionary indicator as the animals with this characteristic presented more efficient heat dissipation to maintaining optimal testosterone and FSH for spermatogenesis for production of quality semen for normal reproductive function and overall fertility. Therefore, monitoring reproductive hormone levels and semen quality can be useful for assessing reproductive health and fertility in Uda rams.