Effect of Age and Season on the Seminal Traits of Pure HF Bulls Under Tropical Condition

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the effect of age and season on seminal traits of pure HF bulls under tropical condition. A total of 30 HF bulls of age group up to 3, 4-5, 6-7, 8 and above 8 years were selected and divided into 3 seasons viz rainy, summer and winter. The breeding bulls were kept under intensive system of rearing as per MSP guidelines of India. Semen was collected, evaluated and data analyzed by using standard procedures. The overall production and all the seminal traits viz volume, initial motility and post thaw motility was found to be better in summer season as compare to rainy and winter season. However, there was no significant change in concentration due to season. Among all the age groups, 8 years and above were found to produce highest volume, post thaw motility and eventually more production. Highest percentage of initial motility was recorded among the youngest group of bulls and concentration was significantly (plessthan0.01) high in the age group 6-7years followed by 8 and above 8 years of age. The study revealed that age and season have highly significant (plessthan0.01) effect on all the seminal traits and production.