Egyptian Buffalo Bulls Research Articles

Principal component analysis of phenotypic and breeding value data for semen traits in Egyptian buffalo bulls

Buffalo bull semen traits are economically important traits that influence farm fertility and profitability. Genetic improvement of semen characteristics is an important detail of the genetic improvement. This study was conducted to assess the relationship between the breeding values as well as the phenotypic values for semen traits (VOL, MM, LS, AS and CONC) of the Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 7761 normal semen ejaculates were collected and characterized at ILMTC laboratory from 26 bulls from 2009 to 2019. For VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, the actual means were 3.89 mL, 62.37%, 60.64%, 3.94%, and 0.67 × 109 sperm/mL, respectively. The prediction of breeding values for semen traits was estimated using a Bayesian procedure. The estimated standardized EBVs and phenotypic values were used in the principal component analysis (PCA). Of five PCs, one PC (PC1) had > 1 eigenvalues that was responsible for 87.19% of the total variation of SEBV, and two PCs had > 1 eigenvalues that were responsible for 59.61% and 21.35% of the total variation of the phenotypic values. Together, PC1 and PC2 accounted for 97.97% of the total variance of SEBV and 80.96% of the total variance of phenotypic values. A graphs of the first two components showed the traits separated into two different directions by group. This indicates each group was under similar genetic influence. Therefore, selection can be done separately for each group without influencing the other. Principal component analysis reduced variables to describe the key information in buffalo semen data.

Estimation of genetic parameters for semen traits in Egyptian buffalo bulls

This study was conducted to characterize semen traits (ejaculate volume (VOL), mass motility (MM), sperm livability (LS), percentage of abnormal sperms (AS), and sperm concentration (CONC)) of Egyptian buffalo bulls and evaluate the importance of some nongenetic factors (year (YC) and season (SC) of semen collection and age of bull genetically and environmentally at collection (ABC)) affecting the investigated traits. A total of 7761 normal semen ejaculates were collected from 26 bulls from 2009 to 2019. Single-trait and bivariate repeatability animal models using Bayesian methods were used to estimate variance components, heritability, repeatability, and genetic correlations among the investigated semen traits. YC and ABC exerted significant effects on most semen traits, whereas SC exerted no significant effect on all the investigated semen traits. Heritability estimates were 0.08, 0.52, 0.51, 0.04, and 0.49 for VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, respectively. Repeatability estimates were 0.14, 0.82, 0.79, 0.06, and 0.78 for VOL, MM, LS, AS, and CONC, respectively. The genetic correlations between MM and each of LS and CONC were highly significant (0.99 ± 0.01 and 0.95 ± 0.14, respectively), and that between LS and CONC was also highly significant (0.92 ± 0.20). The high heritability estimates for MM, LS, and CONC combined with the favorable high significant genetic correlations between these traits indicated that direct selection for MM may be an effective method to enhance semen quality in Egyptian buffalo bulls and consequently improve fertility.

Effects of propolis-loaded nanoliposomes fortification in extender on buffalo semen cryopreservation

Buffalo sperm is sensitive to cryoinjuries, thus improving sperm cryoresistance is a critical approach for wide spreading the assisted reproductive technologies in buffalo. The intention of this work was to assess the effect of propolis-loaded in nanoliposomes (PRNL) supplementation of semen extender on semen quality, antioxidant status and some apoptotic genes of cryopreserved buffalo semen. PRNL were prepared using cholesterol (Chol) as well as soybean lecithin and their physicochemical properties were characterized. Egyptian buffalo bulls (4–6 years) were involved, and the semen samples were collected using the artificial vagina method. Buffalo semen was pooled (n = 25 ejaculates) and cryopreserved in tris extender containing PRNL at 0 (PRNL0), 2 (PRNL2), 4 (PRNL4) and 6 µg/mL (PRNL6), respectively. The PRNL had a size of 113.13 nm and a negative zeta potential (− 56.83 mV). Sperm progressive motility, viability, membrane integrity, abnormalities, chromatin damage, redox status, apoptosis status, and apoptotic genes were investigated after post-thawed buffalo semen. Using 2 or 4 µg/mL PRNL significantly increased sperm progressive motility, viability, and membrane integrity, while sperm abnormalities and the percentage of chromatin damages were the lowest in PRNL2 group. Moreover, the PRNL2 group exhibited the best results for all antioxidative activities (TAC, SOD, GPx and CAT) with significantly higher levels than the other groups (P < 0.05). The levels of ROS and MDA were significantly lower in the PRLN2 compared with other groups. The sperm caspase 3 enzyme activities showed the lowest values in PRNL2 groups followed by PRNL4 and PRNL6 groups with significant differences compared with the control. Adding 2 µg/mL PRNL to freezing media significantly reduced apoptotic genes such as Bax and Caspase 3 in sperm, while significantly increase in Bcl2 expression compared with the control (P < 0.001). The expression of Bcl2, Caspase 3 and Bax genes in sperm were not affected by the 6 µg/mL PRNL addition (P > 0.05). The electron micrography descriptions exemplified that the fortification of 2 or 4 µg/mL PRNL maintained the acrosomal and plasma membrane integrities as well as sustained the ultrastructure integrity of the cryopreserved buffalo spermatozoa when compared with control group, whereas the 6 µg/mL of PRNL demonstrated highest injury to the acrosome and plasma membranes. Results show supplementation of the buffalo freezing extender with 2 or 4 µg/mL of PRNL enhanced post-thawed sperm quality via boosting the antioxidant indices, diminishing the oxidative stress and apoptosis as well as maintained the ultrastructure integrity of frozen-thawed buffalo sperm.

Seasonal Alterations in Testicular Hemodynamics and Echotexture in Relation to Semen Quality in Buffalo Bulls

The present study is aimed at investigating the usefulness of the pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasonography for the characterization of testicular blood flow in buffaloes during the nonbreeding and breeding seasons. Ten Egyptian buffalo bulls were evaluated for changes in the blood flow (Doppler’s indices: resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI)) at the levels of supratesticular (STA) during the breeding (winter) and nonbreeding season (summer). The alterations in testicular parenchyma echotexture (pixel intensity (PIX) and echotexture heterogeneity (EH)) were assessed by computer analysis software. Circulating testosterone and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured colorimetrically. Sperm parameters including total and progressive motility %, viability %, morphology %, and concentrations were assessed. Results revealed lower values ( p &lt; 0.05 ) of RI ( 0.55 ± 0.02 ) and PI ( 0.82 ± 0.03 ) within the STA in the breeding period compared to the nonbreeding period (RI: 0.67 ± 0.03 ; PI: 0.99 ± 0.01 ). Higher ( p &lt; 0.05 ) PIX and EH were found in the nonbreeding season (PIX: 72.09 ± 1.81 ; EH: 14.99 ± 1.37 ) compared to the breeding season (PIX: 60.95 ± 1.51 ; EH: 11.75 ± 0.63 ). Concentrations of testosterone and TAC were not significantly changed. However, the concentrations of NO were greater ( p &lt; 0.05 ) during the breeding season ( 78.21 ± 0.87 ) compared to those of the nonbreeding one ( 59.74 ± 2.97 ). Total motility %, progressive motility %, viability %, and sperm concentrations were higher during the breeding season compared to that during the nonbreeding season ( p &lt; 0.05 ). In conclusion, seasonality alters testicular hemodynamics and echotexture, NO concentrations, and sperm quality in buffaloes without alterations in the testosterone and TAC levels.

Detection of FSHR gene variants associated with sperm motility in Egyptian buffalo bulls

Detection of FSHR gene variants associated with sperm motility in Egyptian buffalo bulls

Effects of cysteamine supplementation on cryopreserved buffalo bull semen quality parameters

This work aimed to determine the effect of cysteamine (25, 50, 100 and 200 μM) incorporated during dilution on frozen thawed buffalo semen quality. Semen was collected twice weekly for 7 consecutive weeks from three Egyptian buffalo bulls using an artificial vagina. Semen samples were pooled and extended with a Tris-based extender, cooled, equilibrated and finally frozen in liquid nitrogen. The diluted semen was evaluated for motility, viability, morphology, plasma membrane and DNA integrity, in addition to oxidative stress and in vitro fertilizing capability. The post thaw motility and velocity parameters noticeably increased with different concentrations of cysteamine (mainly 100 μM) during different incubation periods. The post thaw sperm viability and normality significantly (p < 0.05) improved with concentrations of 50 and 100 μM. Plasma membrane integrity substantially increased at all concentrations of cysteamine. Cysteamine reduced alanine aminotransferase (at all concentrations), aspartate aminotransferase (at 25–100 μM), and creatine kinase (at 100 and 200 μM). Cysteamine at a concentration of 100 μM noticeably enhanced the total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase and decreased nitric oxide production. Cysteamine, at concentrations of 100 and 200 μM, increased the DNA intensity in the comet head (%) and decreased the DNA % in the comet tail. The comet tail length and moment substantially decreased at concentrations of 50–200 μM. Cysteamine did not affect the in vitro fertilizing capability of sperm. In conclusion, cysteamine incorporation (mainly at a concentration of 100 μM) in buffalo semen extender showed varying protective effects on different sperm parameters against cryo-damage; however, it did not affect the in vitro fertilizing capacity of sperm.

Testicular haemodynamics, plasma testosterone and oestradiol concentrations, and serum nitric oxide levels in the Egyptian buffalo bull after a single administration of human chorionic gonadotropin.

This current study aimed for the first time to evaluate the effect of a single intravenous administration of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (hCG) on the testicular artery haemodynamics measurements (resistance [RI], and pulsatility indices [PI]), plasma steroids (estradiol-17β and testosterone) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in buffalo bulls. Twelve Egyptian buffalo bulls weighted 450±20kg were randomly divided into the hCG group (n=6) and injected a single dose with Ovogest (EPIFASI; 5,000 IU, iv), whereas the others (n=6) were injected with normal saline and served as controls. Doppler evaluation and blood sampling were performed just before the administration (hour 0) and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 24 and 28hr after administration. Bulls in the control group did not show any alterations in hormonal levels and blood flow parameters (p>.05). In the hCG group, RI was declined (p<.05) in 6hr post-administration (0.31±0.01 versus 0.45±0.01), while PI was declined (p<.05) later in 10hr (0.74±0.01 versus 1.23±0.02). Additionally, testicular blood flow was increased (p<.05) 8hr (42.02±1.02ml/min/100g versus 31.34±0.88ml/min/100g) after administration. Testosterone and NO levels were (p<.05) increased at 4 and 6hr post-administration (3.55±0.03ng/ml versus 2.84±0.01ng/ml, and 55.32±4.25µmol/L versus 32.21±1.55µmol/L), whereas oestradiol levels were elevated (p<.05)in 6hr (31.25±0.08pg/ml) only post-administration then declined. In conclusion, the single intravenous administration of hCG triggered many alterations in the supratesticular artery vascularization and hormonal profile that could affect positively on steroidogenesis and testicular function in buffalo bull.

Identification of SNPs in Intron 3 of Osteopontin Gene in Egyptian Buffalo Bulls with High and Low Quality Semen

Identification of SNPs in Intron 3 of Osteopontin Gene in Egyptian Buffalo Bulls with High and Low Quality Semen

Relationship of Protein Profile in Blood and Seminal Plasma with Semen Quality of Egyptian Buffalo Bulls

Relationship of Protein Profile in Blood and Seminal Plasma with Semen Quality of Egyptian Buffalo Bulls

Sperm kinetics of Egyptian buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) affected by the red laser postfreezing

To improve the fertilizing ability of frozen buffalo semen using the more beneficial, accurate, and cheap technique of laser irradiation at specific wavelengths and exposure times. The red laser source (625 nm) was used in this study with 5 watts output power and for the irradiation of the semen samples for 5 min; the laser focus spot area was 1 cm2.Thirty straws belonging to five buffalo bulls were used in this study. The results show that total motility (%) and progressive motility (%) increased insignificantly after 5 min of exposure (73.8 ± 1.4 and 60.4 ± 1.1, respectively) compared to the control sample (70.9 ± 0.9 and 57.5 ± 1.7, respectively). All velocity parameters (velocity average path,velocity curved line, and velocity straight line µm/sec) recorded a significant (p < 0.05) increase in samples measured 5 min after exposure (52.3 ± 1.3, 83.5 ± 2.0, and 43.5 ± 1.2, respectively) compared to the untreated ones (47.1 ± 2.0, 76.3 ± 3.1, and 38.6 ± 1.9, respectively). The application of the red laser light on buffalo semen postthawing resulted in a positive correlation with almost every motility parameter; it may be recommended to apply this technique pre-in vitro fertilization for embryo production of buffalo species.

Identificación del polimorfismo aquaporin 7 Gene y fertilidad in vivo de búfalos en Egipto

This work aimed to investigate the genetic polymorphism of Aquaporin 7 (AQP7) gene and its association with the in-vivo fertility of Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 188 fresh semen ejaculates were collected from 47 buffalo bulls and subjected to semen evaluation. The bulls were grouped according to in-vivo fertility relying on sire conception rate (SCR) into high (SCR&gt;50%, n=41) and low (SCR&lt;50%, n=6) fertile bulls. DNA was extracted from semen and a 200 bp fragment of the AQP7 gene was amplified by PCR. The genetic polymorphism of AQP7 gene was detected by restriction fragment length polymorphism, the single strand conformation polymorphism and the nucleotide sequencing. The results revealed that SCR was significantly (p&lt;0.001) increased in high (71.4±1.3) than low (44.7±2.8) fertile bulls while the ejaculate volume, individual motility%, lives sperm%, sperm concentration and sperm abnormalities showed a non-significant difference in both groups. The AQP7 gene showed no genetic variation in all bulls. The alignment of the resultant sequence with buffalo AQP7 gene sequence (ID: XM_006066699.2) showed 100% identity (122/122), however, deletion of A49 was discovered when the sequence was aligned with ID: XM_006066700.2 of buffalo in GenBank. In conclusion, the sire conception rate is not associated with any genetic variation in Aquaporin 7 gene. The Aquaporin 7 gene could be a highly conserved sequence in Egyptian buffalo bulls. Future research on large herd populations in different regions of AQP7 gene is required for evaluating the AQP7 gene polymorphism and its association with the fertility of Egyptian buffalo bulls.

Polymorphism Investigation of Sex Determining Factor gene (SRY) and the association of Semen Criteria with Field fertility in Egyptian Buffalo Bulls

The current study aimed to determine the genetic polymorphism of sex determining factor or sex determining region, Y-chromosome gene (SRY) and the association of semen parameters with field fertility of Egyptian buffalo bulls. Fresh semen ejaculates (n=264) from 66 bulls were collected and evaluated. The bulls (n= 56), with ejaculates ≥ 60% motility, were categorized according to pregnancy rate (PR) into high (PR≥50%, n=47) and low (PR

REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EGYPTIAN BUFFALO BULLS ADMINISTRATED WITH N-ACETYLCYSTEINE, L-CARNITINE, OR THEIR COMBINATION

This study was to evaluate the effect of daily oral administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), L-carnitine (L-C), or their Combination for 2 months pre-semen collection on semen quality, sexual desire and some blood parameters traits of Egyptian buffalo bulls. A total of 20 bulls (400±37 kg LBW and 24-25 mo old) were divide into 4 groups. In group1 (G1, control), G2, G3 and G4, animals fed a basal ration and the managed under the same conditions, and were received orally a daily dose of 0, 3 L-C, 3 g NAC, or 1.5 g NAC +1.5 g L-C as a combination/bull/day, respectively, for 2 months. The results showed that bulls that received the combination dose (G4) increased (P<0.05) the concentration of total proteins, albumin, globulin and glucose, while it decreased (P<0.05) total cholesterol, triglyceride, creatinene concentrations, and AST and ALT activities compared with the control and other groups. All physical characteristics in fresh and thawed semen were higher (P<0.05) in all treated groups than in the control group, being the best in G4. Plasma testosterone and total antioxidant capacity concentrations were increased (P<0.05) in G4, G3 and G2 compare with the control (G1), being the best for G4 bulls. In conclusion, an oral dose of 1.5 g NAC plus 1.5 g L-C bull/day, as a combination, for 2 months pre-semen collection improves health status, immunity response and antioxidant capacity of buffalo bulls to produce semen with high quality require for spreading the tool of artificial insemination in buffaloes.

Morphological Comparison in Spermatozoa from Italian and Egyptian Buffalo Bulls, and their IVF Outcome

Morphological Comparison in Spermatozoa from Italian and Egyptian Buffalo Bulls, and their IVF Outcome

Effect of Different Antioxidant Sources Added to Buffalo Semen Extender During Cryopreservation on Freezability and Fertility of Buffalo Spermatozoa

| There are several types of antioxidants which can be use in buffalo semen preservation. The current study was performed to study the influence of antioxidants viz., Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), L-Carnitine (LC), or N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) added to the extender of buffalo semen on freezability and fertility of spermatozoa. Semen of Egyptian buffalo bulls (n=5) were pooled and extended with tris (1:10) without addition of antioxidant (E1), or with antioxidants i.e., 0.03 mM CoQ10 (E2), 3.0 mM LC (E3), and 1.0 mM NAC (E4). Then the diluted semen was frozen at -196oC in liquid nitrogen. Results showed that the progressive motility, livability, membrane integrity, and head-head agglutination percentages increased, while sperm abnormality and acrosomal damage decreased by all antioxidant supplements (P<0.05), being the best for E2. Pregnancy rate was higher (P<0.05) for buffalo cows inseminated with semen of E2 and E4 (81.8% for each) versus 72.7 and 63.6% for E3 and E1, respectively. In conclusion, tris-egg yolk extender supplemented with 0.03 mM CoQ10 can improve sperm characteristics of cryopreserved semen and increase pregnancy rate of inseminated buffalo cows.

Effect of Quercetin Supplementation in Extender on Sperm Kinematics, Extracellular Enzymes Release, and Oxidative Stress of Egyptian Buffalo Bulls Frozen-Thawed Semen.

Buffalo spermatozoa are more sensitive for cryopreservation compared to other species. This study aimed to evaluate the consequences of quercetin against cryodamage of buffalo frozen–thawed spermatozoa characteristics. Semen of Egyptian bulls (n = 4) was extended in OptiXcell extender incorporated with quercetin at 0 (control), 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, 40.0, and 80.0 μM before cryopreservation. Frozen–thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility by computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA), viability, morphology, membrane, and acrosome integrities. The kinematics parameters including average path velocity (VAP; μm/s), straight linear velocity (VSL; μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL; μm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH; μm), beat cross frequency (BCF; Hz), linearity [LIN, (VSL/VCL) × 100], and straightness [STR, (VSL/VAP) × 100] were assessed. The sperm-free extender was evaluated for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and H2O2. Homogenized sperm cells were evaluated for oxidative stress biomarkers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX)], and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)]. The highest values of total motility, progressive motility, viability, intact acrosome, and membrane integrity substantially improved with 10 μM of quercetin. STR (%) was substantially low (P < 0.01), and VCL (μm/s) and ALH (μm) were markedly high (P < 0.05) in 10 μM of quercetin. The outflow of ALT enzyme to extracellular fluid was lower with 10 μM of quercetin (P < 0.001) and higher at 2.5 μM of quercetin. The spermatozoa leaked AST was markedly lower at 5.0, 10 (P < 0.001) and 20 μM (P < 0.05) of quercetin. The activity of antioxidant enzymes was eminently low at all quercetin concentrations, and this was accompanied by the decrease in H2O2 in the media. SOD activity at 10–80 μM, CAT at 5.0–40 μM, and GPX at 2.5–80.0 μM of quercetin in spermatozoa were substantially low. MDA level significantly (P < 0.001) decreased at all quercetin concentrations. In conclusion, the incorporation of quercetin at the level of 10 μM is promising in improving buffalo semen characteristics and lower the freezing–thawing oxidative stress.

Relationship between angioarchitecture of the testicular artery and spermiogram parameters in Egyptian buffalo bulls (bubalus bubalis).

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of testicular artery angioarchitecture on the spermiogram parameters in Egyptian Buffalo bulls. Eight adult buffalo bulls aged between 2 and 8years were used for semen evaluation. For anatomical studies, the masculine gonads were collected after slaughtering 30 adult bulls and prepared for injection by different masses (Urographine® , Latex and Epoxy) through the testicular artery. The mass activity of the ejaculate was assessed immediately after collection. The sperm motility in fresh bull ejaculate was more than 80%. The overall mean percentage of sperm abnormalities was <18%. The recorded sperm abnormalities were mostly secondary one including distal protoplasmic droplet, fragmented tail, detached head, detached galea capitis and bent tail. The highest percentage of sperm viability was recorded just after sperm collection (alive>85%). The results revealed that testicular artery can be divided into three parts (abdominal, funicular and marginal parts) along its course. The coils of the funicular part forming a cone-like structure with its base fixed to the head of the testis. Two epididymal branches to the head and tail of epididymis emanate from the funicular part which continues as pars marginalis on the lateral surface of testis before its division into the lateral and medial testicular arteries on approaching the tail extremity of the testis. The increase in the length of the testicular artery with increase in the size of the testes played a great role in the degree of complexity of the architectural vascular patterns. The degree of complexity is affected by the number of coils formed by the vessel. The increase in the convolutions of the vessel will reduce the speed of blood flow to the gonads. Thus in turn will enabling the thermoregulatory mechanism to work more efficiently and will affect the semen value.

Effect of tonophosphan, zinc oxide, and ascorbic acid on semen, sexual desire, and the fertility rate of Egyptian buffalo bulls

A twenty weeks experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of using tonophosphan (8 ml injection), zinc oxide (ZnO) at 0.8 g oral dose and ascorbic acid (AA) at 0.5% oral dose of live body weight on reproductive performance of Egyptian buffalo bulls (n = 20, 550–600 kg). The overall mean of all treated groups yielded marked improvement in all semen physical characteristics. Reaction time (RT), scrotal circumference, testicular volume, the concentration of semen fructose, testosterone, total proteins, and albumin in blood plasma were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved in all treatment groups compared with the control, but were greater in tonophosphan group. The highest concentrations of phosphorus and zinc in blood or semen were observed in tonophosphan and zinc treatments, respectively as compared to other groups. Overall mean of all semen physical characteristics and sperm outputs were not affected by advancing collection weeks. Meanwhile, the testosterone concentration and testicular volume increased (P ≤ 0.05), whereas the reaction time did not vary. The conception rate of buffalo cows was the highest (P ≤ 0.05) in tonophosphan (82.8%), followed by ascorbic acid and zinc (77.1 and 74.2%) as compared to the control group (60%). These findings suggested that tonophosphan, zinc oxide, and ascorbic acid supplementation improved the reproductive performance of Egyptian buffalo bulls; however, tonophosphan showed better performance.

Testosterone levels and the genetic variation of sex hormone-binding globulin gene of Bubalus bubalis, bulls in Egypt

Testosterone is themain plasma androgen produced and secreted by male testis. To be bioactive, it binds to sex hormonebinding globulin (SHBG), i.e. the major transporter protein of sex steroids in the blood of mammals and other vertebrate species.Firstly, this study aimed to determine the levels of testosterone in different-age groups of buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis) in Egypt, and secondly to screen the genetic polymorphisms in their SHBG gene and to investigatewhether these polymorphisms are associated with the level of the circulating serum testosterone. Blood samples were collected from 67 Egyptian buffalo bulls representing four different age-groups and testosterone concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay. Selected DNA samples from different age-groups were sequenced for the full length of theirSHBGgene.Asignificant increase in the concentration of serum testosterone in buffalo bulls was recorded with the advancement of age from 12/18 to 24/36 months. Based on the number of polymorphisms in SHBG gene, the current study reveals the presence of three bull genotypes, of which one is likely to be associated with low testosterone concentration, while other is likely to be associated with an increased testosterone concentration. Such genetic associations can provide a good tool for the selection of bull genotypes with higher testosterone concentrations, which are indispensible for breeding purposes.

EFFECT OF TONOPHOSPHANE AS A PHOSPHORUS COMPOUND PREPARATION ON SEXUAL DESIRE AND SEMEN QUALITY OF EGYPTIAN BUFFALO BULLS

Aim of this study was to evaluate sexual desire, physical semen characteristics, and some blood biochemical parameters of buffalo bulls injected with tonophosphane during summer season. Total of 20 sexually mature Egyptian buffalo bulls with average of 4 years of age and 600 kg live body weight were divided into 4 experimental groups (5 bulls in each). Bulls in the 1st group (G1) were served as a control and did not receive any treatment. However, each bull of those in the 2nd (G2), 3rd (G3) and 4th (G4) groups was once weekly administrated by intramuscular injection with 5, 7 and 10 ml of tonophosphane for 8 weeks (treatment period). Reaction time (RT) and scrotal circumference (SC) were recorded, semen was collected by artificial vagina and evaluated, and blood samples were taken for 12 weeks. Results showed that RT decreased (P<0.05), SC increased (P<0.05) by increasing treatment level, being the lowest in G2 and the highest in G4. All physical semen characteristic (ejaculate volume, mass and progressive motility, sperm livability, sperm cell concentration and sperm abnormality) were the best (P<0.05) in G4. Sperm outputs per ejaculate as total motile, live and normal sperm output per ejaculate increased (P<0.05) in G4. Plasma total proteins and albumin concentration increased (P<0.05) in treatment groups, while globulin concentration increased only in G3. By advancing collection week, RT, SC, ejaculate volume, abnormal sperm, sperm cell concentration, all sperm outputs (P<0.05), and mass and progressive motility (P≤0.05) improved, while live sperm decreased (P≤0.05). In conclusion, intramuscular injection with tonophosphane as a phosphorus source once weekly pre-collection of semen showed pronouncedly positive effects on sexual desire, semen quality and health status of Egyptian buffalo bulls. Tonophosphane injection at a level of 10 ml/head showed the best results.