Effect of Monthly Variations on the Plasma Membrane, Acrosome and DNA Integrities of Spermatozoa in Friesian Holstein Bulls Born in Iraq

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate the influence of months of the year on the quality of semen in Holstein bulls. A study carried out at artificial insemination centre/ Abou-Ghareeb/ western of Baghdad. A total of 160 ejaculates were collected from 15 bulls born in Iraq via the artificial vagina. The age of the bulls ranged between 4 to 5 years and the study period were December to March and September. The semen samples were diluted with Tris base extender. The semen was packed in a straw according to the program of artificial insemination centre. Semen characteristics (plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA integrities) were evaluated. The results revealed a significant decrease (P≤0.01) in the plasma membrane and acrosome integrity in September as compared with December, January, February, and March. There was a significant decline (P≤0.05) in DNA integrity in September as compared with December, January, February, and March in fresh and frozen semen. In conclusion, the September month had a negative effect on the plasma membrane, acrosome, and DNA percentage in all bulls.