PSXIV-10 - Influence of Breeds on the Quality of Chilled Goat Semen Collected by Artificial Vagina

Abstract: Goats are important livestock for meat and milk production. Artificial insemination (AI) is an important technique used to propagate genetic gain through spreading of selected male traits. Inadequate fertility rates in goats after AI is mainly related to the semen quality, which is influenced, by breeds, cooling, and freezing procedures. Here, we investigated the effect of goat breeds (Saanen versus Alpine) on the quality of chilled goat semen. Semen collected from Saanen and Alpine bucks by artificial vagina (AV) was evaluated for its color, consistency, volume and concentrations. Semen was then diluted and stored at 4 °C for 48 hrs. Sperm motility, viability, abnormalities, and membrane integrity were assessed at 0, 24, and 48 h post-cooling. At least three ejaculates were collected from each breed and data were analyzed by student t-test. Results showed that colors of the samples collected from the two breeds were white to yellow and the consistency ranged from watery to creamy. Average volume of the ejaculates and sperm cell concentration were greater (P≤ 0.05) for Alpine than Saanen bucks. Although, sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity decreased in a time dependent manner for both breeds during chilling, these variables were greater (P≤ 0.05) for Alpine than Saanen bucks at all-time point. Sperm abnormalities were less(P≤ 0.05) in Alpine than Saanen semen. In conclusion, Alpine semen had better quality than Saanen one after chilling. These results indicate that goat breed affect the viability of chilled semen.