Comparative reproductive performance of Saanen and Toggenburg bucks raised under tropical environment.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of breed and age on scrotal measurements and semen characteristics of Saanen and Toggenburg bucks raised under extensive system in the tropic. The study was conducted using Toggenburg and Saanen bucks; the bucks were allocated into two different groups based on breed and age in 2 × 2 factorial completely randomized design. The body weight was determined using a hanging weighing scale expressed in kilogrammes (kg). Scrotal circumference and scrotal length were measured using metal measuring tape. Semen characteristics evaluated were volume, consistency, mass activity and progressive motility, live sperm cells, normal morphology and spermatozoa concentration. The current study found that breed of bucks had no influence on body weight, scrotal circumference, scrotal length, volume, mass activity, progressive motility, live sperm cells and sperm morphology. The study also found that Toggenburg bucks had higher semen consistency and spermatozoa concentration as compared with Saanen bucks. Therefore, it can be concluded that Toggenburg bucks can produce high number of total spermatozoa and as a result higher semen doses for artificial insemination purposes. Further studies with more number of animals are recommended.