Seasonal effect on sexual behaviour of Kankrej bull

Abstract

A study on sexual behaviour in Kankrej bull was carried out at the Semen Processing Unit; with the objectives to study the seasonal effect on sexual behaviour traits of Kankrej bulls. The period of investigation was divided into three seasons viz., summer, monsoon and winter. Eight apparently healthy Kankrej bulls of 4-5 years of age were selected. For each of the bull, fortnightly observations of semen collection were recorded and total 192 collections, 64 from each season were recorded and evaluated. The mean values for different sexual behaviour traits were; temperament score (0-5 scale) 1.96 ± 0.02, libido score (0-9 scale) 6.20 ± 0.12, erection score (0-4 scale) 3.36 ± 0.04, protrusion score (0-4 scale) 2.90 ± 0.02, intensity of thrust (0-4 scale) 3.42 ± 0.06, reaction time 112.20 ± 5.09 seconds, total time taken to successful mount 165.68 ± 6.53 seconds and Flehmen reaction (0-1 scale) 0.49±0.04. Libido was significantly higher in June (7.31±0.35) and July (7.25±0.41) months, compared to rest of the months. Significantly (P<0.05) lower libido was observed in October (5.31±0.45) and November (5.13±0.34) months. Libido score was significantly (P<0.05) higher during summer (6.70 ± 0.18) season compared to winter (5.70 ± 0.19). However, libido score during monsoon (6.20 ± 0.23) was non-significant with both summer and winter seasons. Seasonal variation was comparable for rest of the sexual behaviour traits viz., temperament, erection, protrusion, intensity of thrust, reaction time, total time taken to successful mount and Flehmen reaction. Positive correlation was observed between libido score and reaction time; erection score with protrusion score and intensity of thrust; protrusion score with intensity of thrust and reaction time with total time taken in successful mount.