VGO 511: Veterinary Andrology and Reproductive Techniques (1+1)

FACTORS AFFECTING QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SEMEN

The various factors affecting quality and quantity of semen are

Sexual maturitity

• The process of spermatogenesis is initiated just before puberty the spermatogenesis is at it’s peak during sexual maturity.

Senile changes

• The age of the male livestock affects the semen production such as spermatozoal concentration and seminal volume.

Season

• The seasonal variation is observed on the process of spermatogenesis as well as plasmogenesis . in male live stock via., buffalo –bull, stallion ,ram.
• The quantity of semen ejaculate is greatly declined due to adverse summer season in buffalo bull which is probably due to less activity of accessory gland (seminal vesicle).

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Climate

• The environmental temperature, relative humidity and wind flow rate have a great effect on the process of spermatogenesis.
• The extreme hot or extreme cold has adverse effect on spermatogenesis and semen quality.
• The day length also affects the spermatogenesis among ram in cold countries

Nutrition

• The under nourished male livestock especially in terms of protein ,A,D and E vitamins and certain trace elements (iron ,cobalt, copper, phosphorus)have adversely affect the semen quality.

Endocrine

• The testicle and pituitary gland play an important role in spermatogenesis through production of testosterone and ABP from male gonad and LH/ICSH and FSH from hypophysis.

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Hormone

• The androgen is the principle hormone for initial impetus for spermatogenesis.
• The androgen is secreted by leydig cells under the control of LH/FSH . the FSH also helps in the spermatogenesis through influencing the production of ABP (Androgen Binding Protein) by sertoli cell . Hence the level of above hormone is vital.

Pshycological factors

• The pshycho –neuric and pshyco-somatic factors also affect semen production.

Sexual stimulant

• If the male livestock is placed near it’s female sexual partner then it will stimulates the process of semen production through pheromone and various extraneous stimulies.

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Semen collection technology

• The output of good quantity and quality of semen can be improved through proper semen collection techniques via., sexual preparation and sexual stimulation prior to ejaculation.

Two false mounts will improve the semen quality.

• The proper temperature, lubrication and pressure of artificial vagina, site of semen collection , dummy and attendant affects the semen production.
• The frequency of semen collection is an important factor for semen quality.
• The method of semen collection techniques ( AV, electroejaculation ,massage method ) also affect the semen production .

Management factors

• The care and management of male livestock directly affects the quantity and quality of semen ejaculate .The exercise of animal also affects it.

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Health

• The general and reproductive health conditions of male livestock affects the semen production.

Genetics

• The species , subspecies and breed affect the quantity and quality of semen ejaculate .

Individual variation

• The production of semen chiefly depends on the individual male livestock.

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