Abstract

LUNA-PALOMERA, C.; AGUILAR CABRALES, J.A.; PERALTA-TORRES, J.A.  and  VELAZQUEZ MARTINEZ, J.R.. Effect of palm oil on growth and reproductive capacity in pubertal hair rams. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2013, vol.62, n.237, pp.45-52. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922013000100005.

The average daily gain (GDP), semen quality, libido, and serviceability in 8 hair rams (Black Belly x Kathadin and Pelibuey x Kathadin) supplemented with rations containing a 3 % of palm oil (AP) or animal fat (GA) were studied during 120 days. During the first 60 days, lambs were fed with 300 g/animal/d of a diet with 3 % of animal fat and, the following 60 days, each lamb received 500 g of feed. In the experimental group GA was replaced by AP. The average daily weight gain (GDP), body condition score (CC), scrotal circumference (CE), thoracic perimeter (PT), height at withers (AC) and length from the withers to the rump (LCG) were evaluated. The seminal quality was evaluated from 6 months of age and average weight of 26.0 kg. During seven weeks, the volume, concentration, mass motility, individual primary abnormalities and living sperm percentage were assessed. To evaluate the libido and capacity of mating, the males were placed for 15 minutes with estrogenized females; number of mounts (NM), number of services (NS), number of mounts by service (NMS), reaction time (TR) to matings (1M, 2M, 3M) and services (1S, 2S, 3S), were recorded. The variables were analyzed by ANOVA. There were no differences among AP and GA for the evaluated variables for PV, GDP, PT, CC, AC, and LCG. Semen quality, libido and serving capacity were similar. The number of services and reaction times for mount and service were also similar for both treatments, however diferents were observed in the number of mounts and so in number of mounts by service. The AP is an energetic alternative that can be considered in the feeding of rams in the tropics without affecting growth, the seminal quality and libido.

Keywords : Body development; Fertility; Humid tropic; Reproduction.

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