IMPACT OF SEASONAL DYNAMICS ON REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AND SEMEN QUALITY IN SUBTROPICAL MALE GOATS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/abr.2026.28.01.34Keywords:
Reproductive parameters, seasonal variation, semen quality, subtropical climateAbstract
Seasonal variation significantly influences the reproductive efficiency of small ruminants, particularly in subtropical regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the seasonal variations in semen quality and reproductive parameters of Barbari and Sirohi bucks raised under subtropical environments. A total of 96 ejaculates were collected fortnightly from 12 healthy adult breeding bucks of the Barbari and Sirohi breeds during the summer and winter seasons of 2024 using an artificial vagina. Scrotal temperature was significantly higher and scrotal circumference was significantly lower in summer as compared to winter season in both breeds. Ejaculates collected during summer season had significantly lower mean values of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass motility, individual motility and live sperm countthan those collected during winter time in both breeds. Hormonal profiles (testosterone) were assessed to establish correlations with reproductive performance. The results revealed that semen quality and reproductive traits were superior during winter and autumn, while summer heat stress significantly impaired sperm motility, concentration and morphology. Testosterone levels also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, peaking in cooler months. These findings highlight the pronounced impact of climate-induced seasonality on reproductive efficiency, suggesting the need for improved breeding management and nutritional supplementation during heat stressed periods in subtropical goats.
Downloads
References
Al-Kanaan, A., Konig, S., & Brugemann, K. (2015). Effects of heat stress on semen characteristics of Holstein bulls estimated on a continuous phenotypic and genetic scale. Livestock Science, 177, 15–24.
Blom, E. (1950). A one-minute live-dead sperm stain by means of eosin-nigrosin. Fertility and Sterility, 1, 176–177.
Boni, R. (2019). Heat stress, a serious threat to reproductive function in animals and humans. Molecular Reproduction and Development, 86(10), 1307–1323.
Dhilon, N. S., Cheema, R. S., & Kaswan, S. (2020). Seasonal variation in sperm characteristics, antioxidant defence systems, seminal plasma testosterone and total proteins of Beetal bucks. Indian Journal of Small Ruminants, 26(1), 48–52.
Durairajanayagam, D., Agarwal, A., & Ong, C. (2015). Causes, effects and molecular mechanisms of testicular heat stress. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 30(1), 14–27.
El-Sherbiny, H. R., Abdelnaby, E. A., El-Shahat, K. H., Salem, N. Y., Ramadan, E. S., Yehia, S. G., et al. (2022). Coenzyme Q10 supplementation enhances testicular volume and hemodynamics, reproductive hormones, sperm quality, and seminal antioxidant capacity in goat bucks under summer hot humid conditions. Veterinary Research Communications, 46(4), 1245–1257.
Hafez, E. S. E., & Hafez, B. (2000). Reproduction in farm animals (7th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Hedia, M. G., El-Belely, M. S., Ismail, S. T., & Abo El-Maaty, A. M. (2020). Seasonal variation in testicular blood flow dynamics and their relation to systemic and testicular oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and androgens in rams. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 55(7), 861–869.
Isnaini, N., Ciptadi, G., Herwijanti, E., Walidah, N. I. P., & Putra, M. W. S. N. (2020). Effects of seasons and environmental conditions on semen quality of Senduro goats reared under tropical climate. Turkish Journal of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, 44(3), 594–599.
Jamal, A., Rashid, M. A., & Malik, M. I. (2021). Effects of sodium bicarbonate and chromium propionate supplementation on growth performance, blood indices of Beetal bucks under heat stress. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 53, 1–9.
Kulaksiz, R., Ari, U. C., Kuru, M., Yildiz, S., Lehimcioglu, N. C., Ozturkler, Y., et al. (2019). Seasonal changes in testes size, fresh and post-thawing semen characteristics, serum testosterone level, and phospholipase A2 activity in Gurcu male goats. The Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, 29(2), 353–358.
Kumar, D., Kumar, R., & Sharda, K. (2018). Goat husbandry under changing climate scenario in Banka district, Bihar. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(1S), 2329–2333.
Leboeuf, B., Restall, B., & Salamon, S. (2000). Production and storage of goat semen for artificial insemination. Animal Reproduction Science, 62(1–3), 113–141.
Memon, M. A., Bretzlaff, K. N., & Ott, R. S. (1986). Comparison of semen collection techniques in goats. Theriogenology, 26(6), 823–827.
Mohamed, R. H., Mohamed, R. S., Abd El-Hamid, I. S., Madkour, F. A., Sallam, A. M., Ali, F., et al. (2023). Semen quality, testicular characteristic, biochemical profile and histopathology of testes of goats under heat stress conditions. Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal, 69(176), 76–87.
NRC. (1971). A guide to environmental research on animals. National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences.
Ranjan, R., Singh, P., Gangwar, C., Singh, S. P., Swain, D. K., & Kharche, S. D. (2021). Fortification of catalase improves post thaw fertility of goat semen. Iranian Journal of Applied Animal Science, 11(3), 587–593.
Ranjan, R., Singh, P., Kharche, S. D., Gangwar, C., Ramachandran, N., Singh, S. P., et al. (2020). Effect of temperature humidity index on sexual behaviour and semen quality in Barbari buck under Indian climatic condition. Small Ruminant Research, 193, 1–3.
Ribeiro, M. N., Ribeiro, N. L., Bozzi, R., & Costa, R. G. (2018). Physiological and biochemical blood variables of goats subjected to heat stress: A review. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 46(1), 1036–1041.
Roca, J., Martínez, S., Orengo, J., Parrilla, I., Vázquez, J. M., & Martínez, E. A. (2006). Influence of constant long days on ejaculate parameters of male goats. Theriogenology, 66(5), 1137–1146.
Salhab, S. A., Zarkawi, M., Wardeh, M. F., Al-Masri, M. R., & Kassem, R. (2001). Development of testicular dimensions and size, and their relationship to age, body weight and parental size in growing Awassi ram lambs. Small Ruminant Research, 40(2), 187–191.
Salles, M. G., Viana Neto, A. M., Vieira Neto, M. F., Rodrigues, I., de Rocha, D. R., de Souza Carneiro, P. T., et al. (2020). Tropical climate induces seasonal changes in the reproductive parameters and hormonal profile of Saanen bucks. Veterinarski Arhiv, 90(3), 235–242.
Sejian, V., Bhatta, R., Gaughan, J. B., Dunshea, F. R., & Lacetera, N. (2018). Adaptation of animals to heat stress. Animal, 12(2), 431–444.
Sharma, S., Ramesh, K., Hyder, I., Uniyal, S., Yadav, V. P., Panda, R. P., et al. (2013). Effect of melatonin administration on thyroid hormones, cortisol and expression profile of heat shock proteins in goats (Capra hircus) exposed to heat stress. Small Ruminant Research, 112(1), 216–223.
Shi, L., Song, R., Yao, X., Duan, Y., Ren, Y., Zhang, C., et al. (2018). Effects of maternal dietary selenium (Se-enriched yeast) on testis development, testosterone level and testicular steroidogenesis-related gene expression of their male kids in Taihang Black Goats. Theriogenology, 114, 95–102.
Sultana, F., Husain, S. S., Khatun, A., Apu, A. S., & Khandoker, M. A. M. Y. (2013). Study on buck evaluation based on semen quality and fertility. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 42(2), 101–108.
Wang, W., Luo, J., Sun, S., Xi, L., Gao, Q., Haile, A. B., et al. (2015). The effect of season on spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity in fresh and frozen-thawed semen from Xinong Saanen bucks. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 50(1), 23–28.
