Effects of Concentrate Supplementation on Reproductive Performances and Semen Quality of Indigenous Rams in Bangladesh

The study was set for one year to measure the effects of concentrate supplementation on reproductive performances and semen quality in indigenous rams. The study was conducted at the Department of Surgery and Obstetrics, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during the period from May 2011 to April 2012. Forteen ram lambs (4~5 months) were randomly divided into two equal groups (n=7); supplemented vs control. The animals of control group were maintained on natural grazing. Along with natural grazing the supplemented group was on supplemented feeding. The concentrate supplementation (Wheat bran, Crushed maize, Soy bean meal, Fish meal, DCP powder, Vitamin mineral premix, Salt) was provided @ 300 g/head /day to the supplemented group. Body weight, scrotal circumference, BCS and libido index were measured weekly. Age, body weight and scrotal circumference at puberty were recorded. Semen was collected once in a weak using artificial vagina and chilled at $5^{\circ}C$ for 48h for evaluation. Concentrate supplementation did not influence (p>0.05) body condition score, age, weight, scrotal circumference at puberty and libido index. Final body weight (kg), growth rate (g/d), scrotal circumference (cm) and scrotal growth rate (mm/15d) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in supplemented group of rams compared to control. Volume, concentration, motility and membrane potentiality of spermatozoa were varied significantly (p<0.05) in supplemented and control groups. However, density, mass motility, viability and sperm with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail were not differed insignificantly (p>0.05) in different observation times. It was concluded that concentrate supplementation with free grazing improved weight and scrotal circumference gain and semen production with increased quality in indigenous ram.