Characteristics, Yield, Flow Cytometer, DNA Fragmentation, and Comet Assay Parameters of Goat Spermatozoa in Semen of Zaraibi and Baladi Bucks at Young and Old Ages

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine goat breed (Zaraibi and Baladi) or buck age (young and old) effect on characteristics, production, flow cytometer, DNA fragmentation and comet assay parameters of spermatozoa. Twelve Baladi (BG) and Zaraibi (ZG) bucks, 3 old (2-4 years) and 3 young (8-12 months) from BG or ZG used for semen collection for 24 weeks. Volume (EV), sperm progressive motility (PM), livability (LS), abnormality (SA), and concentration (SCC) were evaluated, sperm outputs (SO) were calculated. Sperm apoptosis, DNA fragmentation and comet assay were analyzed. Results revealed that PM, LS, SA, SCC, total, motile, live, normal, and functional SO per ejaculate were significantly higher in ZG than BG and in old than young bucks in each breed. Both EV and LS were significantly higher, while SCC was significantly lower in old than young ZG. Each of EV, PM, and SCC was significantly higher, while SA was significantly lower in old than young BG. Viable sperm, haploid and cell cycle percent was significantly higher, while early apoptotic, apoptotic, and necrotic spermatozoa percent was significantly lower in old than young bucks of each breed. Spermatid percent in ZG and diploid percent in BG were significantly higher in old than young bucks. Tailed sperm, tail length, tail DNA percentage, and tail moment were significantly lower in ZG than BG, and in old than young bucks of each breed. It can be stated that Zaraibi bucks has a good potential for semen production than Baladi breed.