Initial Levels of Fructose and Citric Acid in Bull Semen as Related to Fertility

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
663 semen samples used in 20 or more inseminations were analyzed for initial levels of fructose and citric acid. Samples were collected over a 12-month period from Guernsey, Jersey and Holstein bulls. Avg. fructose for all samples was 552 mg. % ([plus or minus] 169), and avg. citric acid was 724 mg. % ([plus or minus] 192). These values approximate those previously reported. There was no significant relationship between fructose or citric acid and fertility as measured by the 60- to 90-day nonreturn rates. Correlations by months showed low-order, non-significant negative values between fructose and nonreturn rate for 10 of the 12 months. Citric acid in semen showed varying degrees of low order negative correlations to fertility during 6 of the months and varying degrees of low order positive correlations in the other 6 months. Evidence of a cyclic relationship between fructose and citric acid was indicated in that correlations between fructose and citric acid were significantly positive in Oct. and April, but were slightly negative during Jan., Feb. and June.