Reproductive characteristics and semen quality in maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions.
Abstract: The semen characteristics and testicular size of 398 3-year-old maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions were studied during February and March. Mean values (+/- SD) of age (1030 +/- 88 days) and testicular size (9.8 +/- 0.9 cm) of the maiden stallions were determined as well as the following semen characteristics (mean of two ejaculates, taken 1 h apart): volume (65 +/- 26 ml), sperm concentration (2.061 +/- 1.685 x 10(8) ml-1), total number of spermatozoa (1.129 +/- 0.71 x 10(10)), percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa (68 +/- 9%), percentage of live spermatozoa with normal morphology (66 +/- 15%), total number of progressively motile morphologically normal spermatozoa (5.307 +/- 3.833 x 10(9)) and pH (7.5 +/- 0.2). The morphology of the spermatozoa was studied and data on the most common abnormalities are presented. The first and second ejaculates show significant differences (P < 0.05) in volume, motility, number of spermatozoa, sperm morphology, total number of progressively motile morphologically normal spermatozoa and pH. The original breed has been split up into two different lines. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in semen characteristics between the types (riding and carriage horses). The semen quality and quantity of semi-siblings were compared and a significant sire effect (P < 0.05) was shown for the following characteristics: volume, motility (%) and sperm concentration. These results indicate that there are differences of heritability of those factors, which makes it possible to select on semen quality.
Publication Date: 1994-05-01 PubMed ID: 8064679DOI: 10.1530/jrf.0.1010183Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This study investigates the reproductive characteristics and semen quality of three-year-old maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions, providing insights into potential differences based on line (riding and carriage horses) and sire effects, suggesting that selection based on semen quality may be possible.
Introduction
- The research was conducted on 398 3-year-old maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions during the months of February and March.
- The study aimed to establish the mean values for the age and testicular size of the stallions, as well as various semen characteristics.
Methodology and Findings
- The mean values for age and testicular size were 1030 days and 9.8 cm respectively.
- The semen characteristics were obtained from two ejaculates taken an hour apart, focusing on aspects such as volume, sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa, percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa, percentage of live spermatozoa with normal morphology, total number of progressively motile morphologically normal spermatozoa and pH.
- Significant differences were found between the first and second ejaculates for several of these characteristics.
- The morphology, or structure, of the spermatozoa was also studied, offering data on common abnormalities present.
Differentiation within Breed
- The study reveals that the original Dutch Warmblood breed has been divided into two distinct lines: riding and carriage horses.
- Significant differences were found in semen characteristics between these two types.
Heritability
- The researchers compared the semen quality and quantity between semi-siblings, i.e. stallions sharing the same sire but different dams.
- A significant sire effect was noticed for several characteristics, including volume, motility, and sperm concentration.
- These findings suggest that these characteristics may be heritable, meaning that they could be influenced by the genetic contribution of the parent.
Implications
- Given the apparent heritability of certain semen characteristics, the study indicates that it could be possible to select stallions based on semen quality in order to favor desired traits.
- This provides valuable insights for breeders aiming to maintain or improve the genetic quality of their horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Parlevliet JM, Kemp B, Colenbrander B.
(1994).
Reproductive characteristics and semen quality in maiden Dutch Warmblood stallions.
J Reprod Fertil, 101(1), 183-187.
https://doi.org/10.1530/jrf.0.1010183 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Herd Health and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Breeding
- Fertility / physiology
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Male
- Semen / physiology
- Sperm Count
- Sperm Motility / physiology
- Spermatozoa / cytology
- Testis / anatomy & histology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Harris IT, Maddock C, Farnworth M, Nankervis K, Perrett J, Pyatt AZ, Blanchard RN. Temporal trends in equine sperm progressive motility: a systematic review and meta-regression. Reproduction 2023 Jun 1;165(6):M1-M10.
- Kavak A, Lundeheim N, Aidnik M, Einarsson S. Sperm morphology in Estonian and Tori breed stallions. Acta Vet Scand 2004;45(1-2):11-8.
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