The objective of this study was to evaluate two semen collection schedules utilizing the assumed behavioral differences between bovine species. The efficiency was measured by bull behavior and semen quality parameters. Four Holstein and four Brahman bulls were collected each during a morning and a night collection time weekly. Ejaculates (n=64) were obtained via artificial vagina over four-weeks. To avoid masking benefits of night collection, the first collection of the week was alternated between night and day. Two collection teams were employed to reduce the time needed for collection, and the variability in collection method. Sampling order and collection team were randomized throughout the study. Bull behavior parameters included reaction time to first mount, time to ejaculation, a refractory period test, and a thrust intensity test. As a managerial factor, the numbers of handler interruptions were counted. Pre-freeze semen parameters included total volume, initial motility and concentration. These were combined as total motile sperm harvested. Post-freeze semen viability parameters included post thaw motility, percent intact acrosomes, and 3-hour post thaw motility. Semen morphology parameters consisting of primary and secondary abnormalities were also measured. All data were analyzed by least squares methods. The bull within breed interaction was significant for all bull behavior parameters as well as the managerial parameter (P < .05). The bull within breed effect for total motile sperm harvested was not significant, but differed between breeds (P< .05). There was a mixed response due to bull within breed for the post freeze semen viability parameters. Bull within breed was not significant for the semen morphology parameters. The night versus day treatment was significant for the managerial parameter (P = .002). Consideration of a different collection schedule for Bos indicus cattle was not warranted. However, the efficiency of the collection process was impacted by extraneous environmental conditions.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LSU/oai:etd.lsu.edu:etd-0415102-205738 |
| Date | 19 April 2002 |
| Creators | Yates, Jennifer H. |
| Contributors | John E. Chandler, Cathleen C. Williams, Donald E. Franke |
| Publisher | LSU |
| Source Sets | Louisiana State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://etd.lsu.edu/docs/available/etd-0415102-205738/ |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby grant to LSU or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University Libraries in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. |
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