Rate of spermatozoon abnormalities in Arbia breed bucks

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the frequency, type and rate of sperm abnormalities and their seasonal variations in Arbia goats in Algeria. Semen was collected once a week during a year with an artificial vagina from three Arbia bucks. Semen abnormalities were assessed using eosin nigrosine staining. Tail abnormalities were the most frequent (63.45%), followed by those of the midpiece (21.48%) and lastly, those of the spermatozoa head (15.07%). In contrast to spermatozoa head abnormalities, those in the midpiece and tail exhibit seasonal variations. The rate of spermatic anomalies showed significant seasonal changes (p <0.05) with high values in spring (24,87 ± 11,14%) and low in autumn (8,85 ± 6,91%). Arbia bucks show significant seasonal variations in the rate of sperm abnormalities, and autumn is the season of producing semen with the low rate of sperm abnormalities. Key words: goat, semen abnormalities, Arbia breed, seasonal variations