Effect of age and body condition score on sperm production potential among some indegenous bull cattle in Mubi Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The common Nigerian bull cattle breeds, Rahaji (RJ), Bunaji (BJ), Sokoto Gudali (SG) and Adamawa Gudali (AG) were randomly selected as they were coming into Mubi main abattoir from different background for slaughter. Previous sexual activities were not monitored. The study was carried out to assess the effect of age and body condition scores (BCS) on gonodal and extragonodal sperm reserve. Significant age group differences on sperm production were observed. Age group ≥ 4 years had highest sperm production potential followed by age group 3 1 / 2-4years, 1 1 / 2-2 years while 2 1 / 2-3years age group had the least value. Respective paired testes sperm reserve (PTSR) values were; 136.66±2.19x10 9 , 130.52±2.21x10 9 , 123.35±4.47x10 9 and 120.95±2.66x10 9 ; right testes sperm reserve (RTSR) corresponding values were; 68.36±1.10x10 9 , 65.60±1.11x10 9 ,60.69±2.25x10 9 and 59.25±1.34x10 9 ; Values for left testes sperm reserve (LTSR) 66.37±1.42x10 9 , 64.15±1.44x10 9 , 62.92±2.91x10 9 and 61.76±1.73x10 9 , while values for paired epididymal sperm reserve (PESR) were; 276.65±3.81x10 9 , 264.87±3.84x10 9 , 253.40±7.27x10 9 , and 241.89±4.63x10 9. significant (P<0.001) BCS difference on sperm count was depicted indicating BCS 5 having the highest values followed by BCS4, and 3 while BCS2 had the least. Corresponding values for PTSR were; 150.29±2.35x10 9 , 133.64±2.00x10 9 , 122.23±2.41x10 9 and 98.55±3.98x10 9 ; RTSR values were; 75.78±1.44x10 9 , 66.19±1.01x10 9 , 61.31±1.22x10 9 and 47.51±2.01x10 9 ; for LTSR values were; 73.04±1.85x10 9 , 66.21±1.30x10 9 , 60.85±1.57x10 9 and 50.84±2.59x10 9 while PESR corresponding values were; 303.59±4.96x10 9, 267.92±3.49x10 9 , 245.72±4.20x10 9 and 211.16±6.92x10 9. Generally it was observed that higher age group as well as BCS5 had a better potential for sperm production among the bull breeds studied.