A Study of Variation in Semen Quality of Dromedary Camel Bulls

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the sperm parameters of dromedary camels used for artificial insemination. A total of 200 ejaculates was collected using an artificial vagina from 6 males and throughout 4 years (2012/2013; 2013/2014; 2014/2015 and 2015/2016). Ejaculates were analyzed according to the following parameters: color (grey, white, white milky), viscosity (liquid, viscous, very viscous), volume (direct observation), mass motility (scale from 0 to 5), viability (eosin/ nigrosin stain), and sperm concentration (Thoma cell). Data were statistically analyzed by the GLM procedure of SAS with three factors (season, month and bulls) and the difference was examined using Duncan test (α = 5%). χ² test was used for color and viscosity. The Results showed that volume, percentage of viable sperm and total sperm were significantly higher in the three last years compared with the first one. There were also significant monthly changes in semen characteristics with maximum values registered in January and February (winter). However, no significant variation in viscosity was found during months and years. Concentration, viability, mass motility, total sperm and total viable sperm viable were varied significantly between dromedary bulls. This study showed that the effects of climatic parameters (hot temperature, less rainfall) and housing conditions (social isolation, limitation in movement…) could explain the yearly variation in sperm parameters of dromedary camel bulls