Investigation of the changes observed in scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in karayaka rams during the breeding and nonbreeding seasons

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the impact of the breeding (BS) and non-breeding (NBS) seasons on scrotal circumference, and native and post-thaw semen characteristics in Karayaka rams. 6 Karayaka rams were used as semen donors, and ejaculates were collected with the aid of an artificial vagina during the BS (October-November) and NBS (April-May). Interestingly, sperm freezability was found to be higher in the NBS, when compared to the BS, and the sperm motility rate (36.00±2.74%, 55.0±3.24%) and percentage of abnormal sperm (44.00±1.90%, 57.00±2.09%) were found to significantly differ with season (P<0.05). In conclusion, in order to obtain the best results with cryopreservation, it is advised to freeze ram semen during the NBS. However, in case of the short-term use of semen for artificial insemination without being frozen and stored, the semen of rams can be collected and used during both the BS and NBS.