Study of correlation between reaction time and refractory period (as indices of libido) with semen characteristics in Arkharmerino×Moghani and Baluchi×Moghani rams

• Main Authors: Ali A.R. Rahimi, Gholamali Moghaddam, Mohamad M. Pourseif
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2012-10-01
• Series: Italian Journal of Animal Science
• Subjects: Crossbreed ram, Reaction time, Refractory period, Semen traits, Spermatozoa
• Online Access: http://www.aspajournal.it/index.php/ijas/article/view/2462

This study was conducted on 10 crossbred rams consisted of 5 ArkharMerino×Moghani (AM×MG) and 5 Baluchi×Moghani (BL×MG), to analyze correlation between semen characteristics and libido activity. The semen samples were evaluated for semen volume, total sperm per ejaculate (TSE), spermatozoa concentration (SC), color, wave motion, spermatozoa progressive motility, percentage of live and abnormal spermatozoa, pH, rate of metabolic activity of spermatozoa and semen index. The libido of rams was measured by two indices including reaction time (RT) and refractory period (RP). While RT only had a negative and significant correlation with semen volume (r = -0.15, P=0.04), but RP had a significant correlation with seminal traits except for TSE. Moreover, libido test scores between two genetic groups did not have a significant difference (P<0.05). Considering the observed significant correlation between RP and semen characteristics, we suggest that a reliable monitoring with the aim of detecting rams of poor semen quality and libido seems worth making an effort for the future of the herd. In summary, the reported correlation between libido and seminal traits will confirm the importance of simultaneous selection for both libido and semen quality in the herd. Finally, the importance of performing an individual evaluation of semen and libido for each male and for using a ram in breeding programs is highlighted, due to the existence of differences among rams as well as a low correlation between semen characteristics and libido indices.