Association of scrotal circumference with sperm production and semen quality in Sahiwal bulls.

Received: Revised: Accepted: April 22, 2013 July 30, 2013 July 31, 2013 The present study was aimed to investigate the association of scrotal circumference (SC) with sperm production and semen quality in Sahiwal bulls. Mature semen donor bulls (n=76), 3 to 5 years old, were divided into three groups according to SC: GI, GII, and GIII with 28-30, 31-35, and >35 cm, respectively. Semen was collected using artificial vagina once a week for five successive weeks. Positive correlations (P<0.05) were observed between SC and mean ejaculate volume (r=0.2) and percentage of live sperm (r=0.12). Mean volume per ejaculate differed amongst the GI, GII, and GIII (4.3±0.1, 5.0±0.1, 5.7±0.1; P<0.05). Sperm concentration and percentage of live sperm were greater (P<0.05) in GII and GIII compared to GI. Scrotal circumference was not significantly correlated with sperm motility, membrane integrity, normal acrosome or morphology; no significant differences among groups were observed for these endpoints. In conclusion, greater SC in Sahiwal bulls was associated with greater production of live sperm. ©2013 PVJ. All rights reserved