Abstract

BARBAS, J. et al. Fertility of Saloia rams using refrigerated or frozen semen. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.238, pp.303-306. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000200018.

We intend to estimate Saloia breed rams fertility and its variation coefficients (VC) after cervical artificial insemination (AI) with refrigerated (SR) or frozen semen (SC). In experiment 1, we studied the seasonal effect of AI (spring vs. autumn) on fertility (n=5 rams) using SR. The seasonal effect of semen freezing (autumn vs. winter, n=3 rams) on fertility of ewes inseminated in spring was also tested with SC. Variations in ram fertility using either SF or SC were determined independently of seasons of insemination and freezing (experiment 2: SF (n=4), SC (n=4), same rams; experiment 3: SF=16, FS=5 rams). No seasonal differences in fertility were found when ewes were inseminated either with SF or SC. Fertility was higher when RS rather than SC was used (experiment 2: 51.28 vs. 13.65 %; experiment 3: 48.51 vs. 13.04 %, respectively). Fertility VCs from SC were higher than those from SR (experiment 2: 41.3 vs. 13.1 %; experiment 3: 38.9 vs. 19.5 %, respectively). SR or SC from Saloia rams can be used in AI programs during the studied seasons with no deleterious effect on fertility. Higher fertility VCs are estimated when insemination is performed with SR, suggesting semen individual susceptibility to freezing.

Keywords : Artificial insemination.

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