Effect of seasonal climatic variation on ejaculate characteristics and sperm structural integrity in Sirohi breeding bucks

Abstract

The present study evaluated the influence of seasonal variations in temperature and humidity on semen characteristics of Sirohi breeding bucks. Ten clinically healthy bucks were assessed across three seasons hot-dry (May-June), hot-humid (July-August), and warm-humid (September-October) with semen collected biweekly and analysed using standard laboratory procedures. Mean ambient temperature and relative humidity varied markedly across seasons. Ejaculate volume was significantly higher (p?0.01) during the hot-dry season compared to the hot-humid season, whereas mass motility, sperm concentration, and pH remained statistically comparable. Sperm morphological abnormalities, particularly bent and coiled tail defects, were significantly elevated during humid seasons (p?0.05). The findings indicate that combined thermal and humidity stress adversely affects certain seminal traits, emphasizing the importance of climatic considerations in reproductive management and breeding strategies for Sirohi goats under changing environmental conditions.