Effects of Level of Feeding and Season on Thermoregulation and Semen Characteristics in Desert Rams {Ovis aries)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of level of feeding lucerne hay (high, medium, low) and seasonal change in thermal environment (winter vs summer) on the mean body weight (BW), rectal temperature (Tr), serum albumin (Alb) concentration, scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics in Desert rams. Feeding low level of lucerne hay significantly decreased BW and Tr in both seasons compared to medium and high levels. The afternoon values of Tr were significantly higher during summer with all levels of feeding. In both seasons, serum Alb value and the ejaculate volume (EV) were significantly lower with the low level of feeding as compared to the other feeding levels. The sperm mass motility (SMM) was significantly lower with the medium and low levels of feeding as compared to the higher level during summer. The percentage of sperm individual motility (SIM) was significantly lower with the medium and low levels of feeding during summer and winter. During summer, the live sperm percent (LSP) was significantly lower with medium level of feeding compared to the other groups. The sperm cell concentration (SCC) was significantly higher during winter and summer with medium and low levels of feeding, respectively as compared to the higher level of feeding. The abnormal sperm percent (ASP) was significantly higher with the low level of feeding during summer as compared to the other groups. With all feeding levels, there were significantly lower values of serum Alb, EV, SMM, SIM and significantly higher ASP values during summer as compared to winter. It was concluded that thermoregulation and seminal traits of Desert rams were influenced by feed restriction and seasonal change in thermal environment.