MONITORING THE QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS OF THE REFRIGERATED RAM SEMEN DURING NON-BREADING SEASON.

The association of the biotechnology of artificial insemination with the conservation of the semen allows the use of a small number of males with which a large number of females can be inseminated. Artificial insemination gives numerous genetic and economic benefits for animal production, being the safest method to bring into the herd the superior genes, of valuable individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tris-based extender containing 2% glycerol and 20% egg yolk on the motility and viability of rams' semen collected in non-breeding season and refrigerated at 4°C. During 30 days, a total of 16 ejaculates from 6 Texel rams were collected. The semen was collected by artificial vagina during May-June 2019. The main qualitative parameters: motility and viability were evaluated immediately after collection and also at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The results were statistically processed and the extender’s influence and storage time were analyzed. In conclusion, the Tris-based extender containing glycerol and egg yolk showed a satisfactory protective effect on rams' semen collected in non-breeding season and refrigerated at 4°C. Storage time (P <0.05) has significantly affected the qualitative parameters of the semen recording a 10-15% decrease of the qualitative parameters every 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]