Effect of temperature humidity index on sexual behavior and semen quality in Barbari buck under Indian climatic condition

Abstract

• Buck mounting per cent during May and June were 93.88 % and 90.81 % respectively while comparatively lower values (61.64 %, 57.93 %) were observed in November and December month respectively. • The progressive motility, live sperm count, abnormality, hypo osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa and acrosomal integrity (Mean ± SE) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in post thaw semen in November and December month compared to other month. • The comfortable THI during November and December month have beneficial effect on semen quality in spite of poor libido. • The freezable quality of semen (mass activity >4) was good in November (73.33 %) and December (66.33 %) month. The present study suggests that semen freezing should be carried out in November-December months not round the year in Barbari breed of goats. Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is a single value representing the combination of air temperature and humidity associated with the level of thermal stress. Ejaculates (n = 890) from 12 Barbari bucks (2–4 years) maintained under semi-intensive management system were utilized to find out the effect of THI on sexual behavior and semen quality in Barbari buck. Semen with mass activity ≥ 4 was considered freezable. Buck mounting per cent during May and June were high whereas comparatively lower during November and December. Interestingly freezable quality of semen was good during November and December. The poorest freezable quality was observed during January and February. The comfortable THI (<72) during November and December have beneficial effect on semen quality in spite of poor libido. It is suggested that semen freezing should be carried out in November-December not round the year in Barbari bucks.