| Popis: |
Mature Muturu and N'dama bulls of different ages were studied for libido, serving ability and breeding soundness to assess the overall breeding potential of the bulls in natural mating programs. Each bull was given two libido tests of 5 min each on separate days, and a libido score was recorded for it. In serving capacity tests, bulls in test groups were allowed 30 min with restrained estrous heifers on each of two different days, and the number of services (serving capacity score) and mounts achieved by each bull were recorded. Each bull was also tested for semen quality (breeding soundness) using two semen samples collected at monthly intervals. The overall mean libido scores for the first and second libido tests were 6.25 ± 1.80 and 6.75 ± 1.95, respectively, indicating an average of more than two mounts or mounting attempts but no service within the 5-min period for the bulls. The best libido score averaged 7.08 ± 2.04 (one service followed by no further sexual interest) over all bulls. The average number of mounts for all bulls was 7.83 ± 2.26 and 8.50 ± 2.45 for first and second serving capacity tests, respectively. The corresponding number of services was 2.17 ± 0.63 and 3.08 ± 0.89. Breeding soundness examination scores averaged 84.8 ± 2.2% over all bulls. On breed basis, N'dama bulls demonstrated more sexual activity than Muturu bulls. Associations between the variables were also evaluated. |
