Some Semen Characteristics in Dairy Bulls Ejaculated with Artificial Vaginas at Varying Temperatures

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Abstract
Two ejaculates were taken twice weekly from 12 mature dairy bulls. Three 1st ejaculates were taken from each bull with artificial vaginas at each of the following 5 temperatures: 39-40C, 43-44 C, 47-48 C, 51-52 C, and 55-56 C. All 2nd ejaculates were taken at 47-48 C. The sequence of application of temperature treatments was randomized for each bull, average 1st ejaculates values for semen volume from the lowest to highest temperatures were 6.95, 7.05, 6.99, 6.73, and 6.91ml respectively; for sperm concentration 1.14, 1.15, 1.13. 1.14 and 1.27 billion per ml, respectively; and for total sperm, 7.86, 8.46, 7.79, 7.61 and 8.70 billion, respectively. Sperm concentration and total sperm numbers were greatest at the 55-56 C temperatures (P<0.01 and P = 0.07, respectively). These high temperatures occasionally caused reduced sperm motility. It was concluded that any temperature from 39 to 52 C is satisfactory, at least for occasional use in the routine ejaculation of mature bulls.

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