Effects of Bull Age on the Fresh and Frozen Semen Quality of Aceh Cattle

Abstract

| Age is one of the essential factors determining the reproductive potency of the bull because it is related to the growth and development of livestock organs, including their reproductive organs. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the characteristics of fresh and frozen semen quality of Aceh cattle at different ages. Three Aceh bulls were involved in this study. The semen was collected from each bull aged 6 to 10 years and the fresh and frozen semen quality was evaluated directly. The results showed that the bull age significantly affects semen volume, pH, sperm con-centration, total sperm, total motile sperm, and frozen semen production of Aceh cattle (p < 0.05). However, it was found that there was no significant change in the sperm motility, before freezing, post-thawing, and during recovery across age (p > 0.05). Semen volume, total sperm, total motile sperm, and frozen semen production increased in bulls from 6 to 7 years of age and then gradually reduced from 7 to 10 years of age. It could be concluded that the optimum semen productivity of Aceh cattle is when they are 7 years old.