Effect of Genetic and Non-genetic Factors on Semen Quality Traits in Bovine Breeding Bulls

Abstract

Background: A breeding bull is used to serve many females; therefore, for overall herd fertility, the bull’s fertility is more important than female fertility. Methods: The present study was carried out to compare the effects of species, season, period, and interaction between species and season on the semen quality traits of Murrah buffalo and crossbred cattle bulls. For the 25-year study period, a total of 26205 ejaculation records of 389 bovine breeding bulls, including Murrah buffalo and crossbred cattle bulls, were analysed that were maintained at an organised farm. Result: Species and period of semen collection had a highly significant effect on all the traits (P<0.01). Season of semen collection and interaction between season and species had a highly significant effect (P<0.01) on semen volume (SV), consistency, mass activity (MA), total sperm count (TSC), initial motility (IM) and post-thaw motility (PTM), a significant effect (P<0.05) on age at first semen collection (AFSC) and non-significant effect on the semen colour and age at first semen freezing (AFSF). Overall, semen quality was good at the organised farm during all seasons. In bovine breeding bulls, PTM during the rainy and summer seasons was comparatively low. An overall increase in semen quality in the later periods showed progressive improvement in management at the organised farm over the period.