M Hasani Al-Ameri - Biotechnology and Environmental Center, University of Fallujah, Fallujah, Iraq

Rams play an important role in reproductive efficiency because each ram or semen contains half of the genetic material of its descendants. In Iraq, the Awassi sheep are the most common indigenous breed, highly adaptable to tough environmental conditions. The present study was carried out to evaluate testicular biometry and spermatozoa recovered after the slaughter at different ages in Awassi rams. A total of thirty-three pairs (n=۶۶ testes) of Awassi rams testicles were collected after the slaughter at the abattoir in Baghdad and divided into three groups according to age. Rams less than a year old were grouped as G۱, rams aged one to two years were grouped as group G۲, and rams older than two years as group G۳. There were significant differences (P˂۰.۰۵) in testicular weight, length, width, and diameter in both right and left increased steadily in group G۱ to reach a maximum in group G۳. The epididymal weight and length (right and left) were significant (P<۰.۰۵) in group G۳. The spermatozoa concentration obtained from the left testicle increased significantly (P˂۰.۰۵) in groups G۲ and G۳ compared to group G۱, while the right spermatozoa concentration increased significantly (P˂۰.۰۵) in group G۳ when compared to group G۱. In conclusion, it can be concluded that the biometry of testicular and epididymal (right and left) in this study was influenced by progressing age, and the spermatozoa concentration obtained from the left testicle was higher active than the right one in adult Awassi rams.

Awassi rams, biometry, Testicular, epididymal, spermatozoa characteristics