Effect of crenellation on different semen characteristics of cattle

Abstract

The present study was conducted to study the crenellation patterns of semen and their relation with different seminal characteristics and post-thaw motility. Dried semen samples were classified into 6 grades (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2) based on the crenellation patterns. The study showed that breeds/strains had highly significant (P< 0.01) effect on different seminal traits. Significant (P< 0.05) effect of month of collection on sperm concentration and post- thaw motility was also observed. Crenellation patterns had highly significant (P< 0.01) effect on sperm concentration, initial motility and post-thaw motility. Sperm concentration, Initial motility and post-thaw motility was superior in A1, A2 and B1 grade and inferior in C1 and C2. B2 grade was of intermediate quality semen. A1, A2 and B1 grade ejaculates gave best post-thaw motility after cryopreservation. Poor post-thaw motility was found in C1, C2 and B2 grade ejaculates. Thus the crenellation can be effectively used as an indicator for simple and quick evaluation of semen quality in any semen laboratory as well as, at field level.