Semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and bacterial isolates of fine wool range rams.
During 1983, 887 fine wool rams were subjected to breeding soundness evaluation to determine effects of age and scrotal circumference on semen characteristics. Of rams evaluated, 94.4, 84.8, and 81.9% of young (</=1.5 yr), mature (2 to 5 yr), and old (>6 yr), respectively, were rated as satis-factory. Old rams had fewer (P < 0.05) motile cells and more (P < 0.05) abnormal cells than young rams. Among older rams there was a higher percentage (P < 0.05) with testicular lesions than among young or mature rams. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with semen volume and percentage of motile normal cells. Motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with percentage of abnormal cells. Mature and old rams with large (>/=36.7 cm) testis had more (P < 0.10) abnormal cells than those in the same age groups with smaller testis. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.10) to volume and motility in mature and old rams, while motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) to percentage of abnormal cells in all age groups. Previous semen testing reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of mature rams with leucocytes. Vaccination against epididymitis reduced (P < 0.05) the incidence of mature rams with leucocytes and testicular lesions. Brucella ovis was recovered from 54 (67.5%) of 80 ejaculates cultured. Among rams infected with B . ovis , only three (5.6%) were vaccinated against B . ovis and had their semen tested previously.
Wiemer
K E
KE
Department of Animal and Range Sciences College of Agriculture and Home Economics New Mexico State University Las Cruces, NM 88003-0009 USA.
Ruttle
J L
JL