Effects of seasonal changes and shearing on thermoregulation, blood constituents and semen characteristics of desert rams (Ovis aries).

This experiment was designed to study the effects of shearing in different seasons (winter vs. summer) on thermoregulation, blood parameters and semen characteristics of desert rams. Eight intact healthy rams were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 4). The control group was kept unshorn (UN) with intact pelage, the mean length of hair left was approximately 1.5 cm and the treated group was shorn (SH). Rectal temperature (Tr) and Respiration Rate (RR) measurements were carried out twice daily throughout the experimental period. Blood samples were collected once weekly for the evaluation of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Total (TLC) and Differential (DLC) leukocyte count, Serum Total Protein (STP), Serum Albumin (SA), Serum Urea (SU) and Plasma Glucose (PG) concentration. Semen samples were collected once weekly for the determination of Ejaculate Volume (EV), Sperm Mass (SM) and individual (SIM) motility, Sperm Cell Concentration (SCC), live (LSP) and abnormal (ABS) sperm percent and semen pH. Scrotal Circumference (SC) measurements were performed weekly. Shearing of desert rams significantly lowered the morning Tr in both seasons and the afternoon Tr during summer, while RR was significantly lower in both seasons in the afternoon. The PCV was significantly lower in shorn rams during summer compared to winter and PG was significantly higher during winter compared to summer. In both seasons shearing significantly lowered SIM. It is concluded that shearing significantly affected thermoregulation, blood composition and semen characteristics during winter and summer. It is concluded that shearing in different season significantly affected thermoregulation, blood parameters and seminal traits of Desert Hamari rams.