Investigations into the causes of poor semen quality and freezability in Jafarabadi buffalo bulls

Abstract

A detailed andrological investigation of 5 mature Jafarabadi buffalo bulls of a sperm station revealed that the measures of scrotal biometry in 2 problem bulls (poor quality and freezability of semen) were similar to those of 3 normal bulls, with identical testosterone profile and sexual behaviour. However, as compared to normal bulls, problem bulls had significantly higher ejaculate volume and abnormal sperm per cent and lower initial as well as post-thaw motility and cold shock resistant sperms, but the viability and sperm concentration did not vary between them. Semen ejaculates of a problem bull though initially appeared good, showed sudden and significant drop in motility to around 50% or so and increase in abnormal sperm up to 60% especially of tail segment. Hardly 10% ejaculates of this bull yielded post-thaw motility up to acceptable level. The seminal fructose, albumin and albumin-globulin ratio were significantly higher and total cholesterol content was lower in problem bulls as compared to normal bulls. The seminal plasma transminase activity was significantly higher and phosphatase activity lower in problem bulls than the normal bulls. Moreover, the problem bulls had significantly lower seminal plasma inorganic phosphorus, potassium and chloride. The levels of calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, copper and manganese were identical in problem and normal bulls, but the Ca:P and Na:K ratios were altered in problem bulls. Zinc in seminal plasma was, however, significantly higher in problem bulls than that in the normal bulls. These changes in semen picture and seminal biochemistry were correlated with testicular pathology (low germ cell resistance hypoplasia and degeneration) as confirmed by histopathological examination.