Age-Dependent Changes in Fresh Semen Quality of Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fresh semen quality of swamp buffalo raised in Lembang Artificial Insemination Center with respect to different age. The semen was collected from one swamp buffalo bull at three different stages (5, 6, and 7 years old). The evaluation of semen quality was conducted directly upon collection. Semen color, consistency, and mass sperm motility were analyzed descriptively, while semen volume, pH, sperm concentration and individual sperm motility were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by least significant difference test. The results showed that the dominant physical characteristics of swamp buffalo’s semen were milky white color with moderate consistency and fast mass sperm motility (++). There was a highly significant effect (P<0.01) of age on semen volume, sperm concentration, and individual sperm motility, whereas semen pH was not affected (P>0.05) by age. Swamp buffalo had higher (P<0.01) semen volume and sperm concentration at 7 years old, but with lower (P<0.01) individual sperm motility as compared to 5 and 6 years old. In brief, this study reveals that semen production of swamp buffalo is dependent of age with 7 years old become the most superior age.