Some aspects of reproduction in fat-tailed sheep in the subtropics V. Seasonal variation in sexual desire and semen characteristics.
The seasonal variations in sexual desire and semen characteristics were studied in five 1.5 to 2.5 years young and five mature (4 to 5 years old) fat-tailed Ausimi rams. The sexual desire was assessed according to the "reaction time" (period between initiation of the ram and the semen delivery into the artificial vagina): the sperm quality was assessed with the usual parameters. Although the breeding ability of the rams was continuous throughout the year, the sperm density was highest in the summer (due to long daylight periods). On the other hand the sexual desire and semen volumen reached their peak during the autumn. This and other results denote that the complex environmental factors controlling sexual activity exhibit different seasonal effects on different parts of the male reproductive system.
D000818:Animals; D002980:Climate; D004534:Egypt; D007989:Libido; D008297:Male; D012098:Reproduction; D012621:Seasons; D012661:Semen / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D012756:Sheep / Q000502:physiology*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000502:physiology; D014329:Tropical Climate