Semen characteristics of Bapedi sheep during the autumn breeding season

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> This study aimed to evaluate the semen characteristics of Bapedi sheep during the autumn breeding season. The study was conducted at four national conservation farms, which are the ARC, Towoomba Research Station, Mara Research Station and Tompi Seleka College and a total of thirty-five mature Bapedi rams (1–7 years) were sampled. All the experimental rams were raised extensively and fed on natural pastures. Following semen collection using an electro-ejaculator, semen colour, volume, pH, concentration, sperm cell motility, membrane integrity, viability, morphology and abnormalities were evaluated. Thereafter SAS version 9.4. was used to analyse the data. Semen characteristics were summarised as frequencies and percentages and the measurable characteristics were expressed as means and standard error (means ± SE). Bapedi sheep had 44% creamy semen, acceptable semen volume (0.9 ml) and pH (7); total motility (90.2 ± 2.4%), intact membrane (85.7 ± 2.4%) and normal morphology (97.7 ± 0.2%). However, sperm cell concentration (0.74 ± 0 X 10⁹ sperm cells/ml) was lower than recommended sperm cell concentration (≥ 2.0 X 10⁹ sperm cells/ml). In conclusion, Bapedi sheep had acceptable semen characteristics, except for sperm cell concentration, which was lower compared to the recommended sperm cell concentration for small stock.