SEMEN PROFILE AND MORPHOLOGY OF FRIESIAN X BUNAJI BULL

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Artificial Insemination unit of National Animal Production Research Institute, Ahmadu Bello University, Shika-Zaria to determine the semen characteristics and morphology of Friesian x Bunaji bull. Three Friesian x Bunaji bulls between 2-3 years of age were used for the experiment and were intensively managed. Semen was collected from the three bulls with the aid of an artificial vagina. Parameters considered included; volume (pooled together), gross motility, semen pH, sperm concentration, viability, normal sperm, free tail, mid piece droplet, detached head, coiled tail and bent tail. Data collected was analysed using ANOVA of SAS. Significant means were compared using DMRT. The result showed that pooled semen volume was between 2.4 to 14.5 ml, gross motility was between 90 and 95 %, semen pH was between 6 to 7, sperm concentration ranged between 314 and 649 x10⁶ and viability between 60 and 95 %. Sperm morphology was as follows mid piece droplet; 0 and 1, detached head; 4 and 13, free tail; 0 and 7, coiled tail; 2 and 7, bent tail; 0 and 15 and normal sperm; 64 and 88 respectively. In conclusion the semen profile from this study depicted good quality which can be used to service a female cow on heat with high chances conception.