Influence of scrotal morphology and season on the quality of goat semen raised in Piauí State

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the scrotal conformation in the physical and morphological characteristics of goat semen raised in regions with high temperature. Eleven goats without defined race in reproductive age raised in Teresina-Piauí were divided in three experimental groups, according to the scrotal configuration: GI = with no external division on the scrotum (n=4); GII = with scrotum externally divided up to 50% of the  testicular length (n=4); GIII = with scrotum having external division bigger than 50% of the testicular length (n=3). After collection, the semen was evaluated for volume, aspect, wave motion, progressive motility, vigor, concentration and sperm pathologies. Difference was observed (p < 0.05) in the semen quality harvested in the rainy and dry period, and in the dry period GIII animals had higher values (p < 0.05) of wave motion and sperm concentration than other groups (GI and GII). So, it can be concluded that, independently of scrotal division degree, the rainy period determine better conditions for sperm production of goats raised in Piauí State; and in the dry period it should be used preferentially animals that have scrotum with external division higher than 50% of the testicular length.