Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting semen production and quality characteristics of Gir cattle breed under semi-arid climate

Research (Published online: 27-08-2020)

32. Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting semen production and quality characteristics of Gir cattle breed under semi-arid climate

K. G. Bhave, K. Thilak Pon Jawahar, P. Kumarasamy, T. Sivakumar, C. Joseph, T. Shirsath, P. Deshmukh and R. Venkataramanan

Veterinary World, 13(8): 1714-1718

K. G. Bhave: Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

K. Thilak Pon Jawahar: Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Madras Veterinary College, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

P. Kumarasamy: Controller of Examinations, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

T. Sivakumar: Dean, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

C. Joseph: Director of Research, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

T. Shirsath: Frozen semen laboratory, BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Uruli Kanchan, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

P. Deshmukh: Frozen semen laboratory, BAIF, Development Research Foundation, Dr. Manibhai Desai Nagar, Uruli Kanchan, Pune, Maharashtra, India.

R. Venkataramanan: Livestock Farm Complex, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

doi: www.doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2020.1714-1718

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Article history: Received: 28-03-2020, Accepted: 07-07-2020, Published online: 27-08-2020

Corresponding author: K. G. Bhave

E-mail: kaustubhbhave89@gmail.com

Citation: Bhave KG, Thilak Pon Jawahar K, Kumarasamy P, Sivakumar T, Joseph C, Shirsath T, Deshmukh P, Venkataramanan R (2020) Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting semen production and quality characteristics of Gir cattle breed under semi-arid climate, Veterinary World, 13(8): 1714-1718.

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to evaluate genetic and non-genetic factors influencing semen production potential of Gir bulls.

Materials and Methods: Data on semen quantity (n=6911) and quality (n=466) available from January 2011 to December 2018 at BAIF's frozen semen station, Jind, Haryana, India, were utilized for the study. Factors, namely, season of collection, age at collection, and bull (random effect) were studied for their effect on quantitative and qualitative semen traits. Least square means for the traits were obtained using a general linear model. The effect of age within bull for repeatable traits was analyzed using a longitudinal model with age as the control variable. Multivariate analysis using mixed repeatability model equation was utilized to estimate bull effect correlation (genetic + permanent environmental correlation), phenotypic correlations, and repeatability.

Results: The overall least square means of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total sperms, initial and post-thaw motility, hypo-osmotic swelling test, and acrosome integrity of frozen semen were 6.62±0.03 ml, 1.22±0.01 10⁹/ml, 8.09±0.05 10⁹/ml ejaculate, 75.78±0.001%, 55.92±0.0001%, 55.13±0.005%, and 71.08±0.001%, respectively. The season of the collection showed a significant effect on volume, concentration, total sperm, and initial motility. The performance of bulls was superior in summer season, followed by winter and monsoon. Increase in semen attributes during summer season was due to the effect of lower temperature on sensitive stages of spermatogenesis. Age at collection had a significant effect on all semen traits. Volume and total sperm count showed increasing trend while concentration showed a decreasing trend with an increase in age. Motility and quality traits did not show any particular pattern. Individual bulls showed differences in all the semen performance traits with age. The repeatability of the traits ranged from 0.04 (HOST) to 0.58 (acrosome integrity). Bull effect correlation ranged from –0.73 (initial motility and acrosome integrity) to 0.93 (HOST and acrosome integrity).

Conclusion: Individual bulls showed variation in traits measured over age. The result of the study could be utilized in suggesting suitable management plans to achieve the desired profit by improving semen quality in Gir bulls.

Keywords: Gir, longitudinal analysis, repeatability, bull effect, and semen production.