Evaluation of semen quality and seminal plasma and blood metabolite and enzyme concentrations in breeding and non-breeding season in Moghani rams

Seminal plasma is a fluid with different compositions, which some of its biochemical components regulates the sperm function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the semen quality, some of the metabolites and enzymes of seminal plasma and blood serum between breeding and non-breeding season in Moghani rams. For this purpose, 8 healthy Moghani rams with 2-3 years old were used. Blood and semen samples were collected every 2 weeks in natural breeding and non-breeding seasons. Simultaneously with semen collection, scrotal circumference and testicular length as well as its volume were determined. Immediately after ejaculation, quantitative and qualitative parameters of semen and spermatozoa were evaluated, then seminal plasma was removed. Testicular volume and length, scrotal circumference, progressive spermatozoa motility, sperm concentration, live and normal spermatozoa in breeding season was significantly higher than non-breeding season (P<0.05). The seminal plasma values of triglyceride, total protein and globulin, as well as blood serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, globulin and AST were higher during breeding season compare to other seasons (P<0.05). Glucose, cholesterol, ALT, AST and ALP contents of seminal plasma and ALP concentration of blood serum were lower during the breeding season compare non-breeding seasons (P<0.05). No significant differences were observed between seasons, in the values of seminal plasma albumin and ALT in blood serum. In both seasons, there were significant differences in most metabolites and enzymes between blood serum and seminal plasma (P<0.05). Generally, testicular size, semen quality and concentrations of enzymes and metabolites in seminal plasma and blood serum have significantly differences between breeding and non-breeding seasons in Moghani ram.