Vol. 10, Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
Shailendra Kumar Mahala, Ashok Kumar, JS Mehta, Amit Kumar, Pramod Kumar, Shivendra Kumar Bhalotia, Nirmala Saini and Ashish Chopra

Abstract:
Study on the seasonal response to Hypo-osmotic Swelling Test (HOST) and correlation with seminal attributes are essential to predict quality and fertility of semen. A total of 7 Magra rams, aged 1.5-3 years, weight 38±5 kg, were sampled twice in a week for 3 consecutive weeks during breeding and non breeding seasons. A total of 84 ejaculates (6ejaculates/ram/season) were collected and evaluated for HOST and seminal attributes. Results of the study indicated significantly (p< 0.05) higher mean value of HOST (percent) during breeding compared to non breeding season. Semen parameters were correlated to assess semen quality and observed that semen volume was negatively correlated with sperm concentration and was positively correlated with sperm per ejaculate and semen index. Semen pH was positively correlated with live sperm and HOST percentage. HOST was positively correlated with mass motility, individual sperm motility, live sperm percentage and was negatively correlated with abnormal sperm percentage. Further mass motility was positively correlated with individual sperm motility, semen index and live sperm percentage and similar to HOST, was negatively correlated with abnormal sperm percentage. Individual sperm motility was positive with live sperm percentage and semen index and was negative with abnormal sperm percentage. Therefore, the present study revealed that Magra rams are capable of breeding throughout year and HOST can be used as an important tool in assessing the seminal quality.