Performance of Some Variables Used as a Procedure for Estimating Sexual Capacity (Fertility) of the Ram

Abstract

The diameter of the ram testis is affected by seasonality and is associated with testosterone concentrations, presented a high correlation with the volume and sperm concentration. Selection for fertility in sheep can be accomplished through selecting for correlated traits in young rams such as age, testes size, testes length etc. The study was carried out to evaluate some parameters (testis length, testis width, testicular circumference, live weight) related with ram fertility and the qualities of ram semen in different age groups. The study was conducted in a farm located in Cluj County, on 20 rams of the breed Turcana Alba, grouped according to age into 4 batches. Weekly an ejaculate and the mentioned variables were measured. Semen samples were collected from each animal using an electro-ejaculator. There is a direct relationship between animals age and testicular circumference, testis length, testis width. With increase in age, ram showed increase percentages of motility and viability of sperm in all studied batches. Normal sperm percentage of one 1.5 aged ram was lower while higher results were obtained in the other three groups. In the present research work testicular diameter, normal and viable spermatozoa were optimum in batch 3 than the first and second one. As age increased, semen quality improved and stabilized at the age of 3.5 and 5 years. The results showed that the testicular measurements can be a criteria for early selection of ram lamb.