Effect of zinc and selenium supplementation on semen quality of barbari bucks

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of zinc and selenium on semen quality in twelve Barbari bucks of proven fertility. The experimental animals were randomly divided into two groups of six and fed without any supplementation (control) or with 150-ppm zinc sulfate and 0.50-ppm sodium selenate (test group). Semen was collected on days 0, 60, 75, 90 and 105 to study its characteristics. In control group, no significant change was observed in semen quality during the study period. In test group, semen quality was improved in terms of a significant (P< 0.05) increase in semen volume, progressive motility, sperm count, percent live spermatozoa, acrosomal integrity and hypo osomotic swelling (HOS) responding spermatozoa and decrease in abnormal spermatozoa after 60 days of supplementation. Mass motility increased significantly (P< 0.05) only at 105 days as compared to 0 day. It is concluded that the supplementation of Zn and Se can improve semen quality in goats.