TESTICULAR CHANGES AND SPERM CHARACTERISTICS IN THE DIFFERENT DROMEDARY CAMEL BREEDS DURING THE BREEDING AND NON-BREEDING SEASONS

Abstract

Sixty- four male dromedary camel testes from different breeds (Fellahi, Maghrebi and Sudani) during the breeding and non –breeding seasons were used. The experimental work aimed to define the effect of breed and seasons on testicular measurements and sperm characteristics. The penetrating ability of spermatozoa into she-camel cervical mucus was also assessed. The obtained results revealed that, testes weight (g), testicular volume (cm3), scrotal circumference (cm) and testes tone firmer score were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the breeding than during the non- breeding season, while insignificant differences between Fellahi and Maghrebi than Sudani camels were detected. Percentage of sperm motility and sperm-cell concentration (x106/ml) were significantly (P<0.05) higher, while the percentages of dead spermatozoa, abnormal spermatozoa, acrosomal damage and chromatin damage of spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the breeding than in the non-breeding season in Fellahi and Maghrebi camels as compared with Sudani ones. Penetrating ability of spermatozoa into she-camel cervical mucus was significantly (P<0.05) better during the breeding than non- breeding season in the different breeds (Fellahi, Maghrebi and Sudanese camels). The penetrating ability of spermatozoa into she-camel cervical mucus was not significant in the various breeds (Fellahi, Maghrebi and Sudanese camels). Moreover, the prolongation of incubation time at 37oC for 4 hours significantly (P<0.05) decreased the penetrating ability of spermatozoa into she-camel cervical mucus either in the breeding or the non-breeding season with the different dromedary camel breeds. In conclusion, sperm characteristics and ability of Fellahi and Maghrebi camel spermatozoa to penetrate cervical mucus during the breeding season showed better performance than Sudani camel spermatozoa.