Seasonal stress on semen quality profiles, seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in endangered Teressa goat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

To measure seasonal effects on semen quality profiles, seminal biochemical and oxidative stress attributes in fresh and liquid stored semen in monsoon and dry seasons. A total of 10 Teressa bucks (3-4 years) were selected from breeding farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Semen samples (n=25 per season) were collected through artificial vagina method and preserved at refrigerated temperature (5°C) for 48 h using Tris citrate glucose based extender. We detected semen quality parameters [volume, mass activity, pH, sperm concentration, total motility, viability, total sperm abnormality, and plasma membrane, acrosomal and nuclear integrities], biochemical profiles [aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and total cholesterol], and oxidative stress markers [total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] during monsoon and dry seasons. Semen quality parameters significantly differed between seasons (P<0.05) and among storage periods (P<0.05). Volume, pH, mass activity, motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly higher (P<0.05). Sperm concentration, sperm abnormalities, MDA, AST, ALT and total cholesterol were significantly lower in fresh semen of monsoon than dry season (P<0.05). Motility, viability, acrosomal, plasma membrane and nuclear integrities, and TAC were significantly decreased (P<0.05) while sperm abnormality, AST, ALT, total cholesterol and MDA were significantly increased as liquid semen storage period advanced (P<0.05). Monsoon season has higher beneficial effects on semen quality profiles and liquid stored semen remained usable for upto 48 h. Good quality ejaculates with higher TAC and lower MDA can be cryopreserved and will be used for artificial insemination.