Reproductive performance of Saanen bucks under tropical climate

Reproductive performance of six imported Saanen bucks was studied under tropical climatic conditions. The reaction time, measured from the moment the buck was presented to the female until ejaculation was accomplished, averaged 61.9 +/- 7.3 s. It was higher in autumn and winter than summer. Average ejaculate volume was 0.77 mi. Pooled seminal volume when repeated collections were performed was higher in autumn than other seasons. Average spermatozoa concentration was 2.77 x 10(9) ml(-1). Average mass activity was 3.19; 68.57% of the spermatozoa were active, 15.5% were dead and 8.7% abnormal. The best semen quality was obtained in autumn and the poorest in summer. The percentage of spermatozoa that survived freezing-thawing was highest in autumn and winter than in summer. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.