Influence of feeding level on live body weight and semen characteristics of Sardinian rams reared under intensive conditions

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects feeding level on body weight changes and semen parameters in adult Sardinian rams reared under intensive conditions in a semi-arid area of southern Italy. During an experimental period of 90 days, 24 healthy Sardinian rams were divided into three equal groups that differed in their feeding level, in terms of concentrate amount. The control-concentrate (CC; n = 8) group received 1.0 times their maintenance requirements, the medium-concentrate (MC; n = 8) group received a diet that supplied 1.2 times their maintenance requirements, and high-concentrate (HC, n = 8) group received a diet that supplied 1.5 times their maintenance requirements. Mixed vetch-oat hay was offered ad libitum to ram groups and water and mineral licks were freely available. Body weight and feed intake was recorded weekly, and semen characteristics were determined every 2 weeks. Dietary treatment affected final body weight (P < 0.01) as feeding level increased. Total dry matter and protein intake changed significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively) among experimental groups. Semen volume and concentration were positively influenced by feeding level for HC group, whereas no differences were observed in sperm viability and scrotal circumference of rams. It was concluded that dietary level with higher concentrate supplementation resulted in improved body weight gain, feed intake, sperm production, and semen quality in Sardinian rams.