The aims of the present study were to evaluate if seasonality in semen characteristics and
plasma testosterone concentrations exist in Markhoz male goats. Ten Markhoz (Angora)
bucks were housed and fed according to standard recognized practices. During the observation
period, semen was collected monthly with the aid of an electro-ejaculator and
examined microscopically immediately after collection. Physical parameters of semen
and the semen index were recorded. Blood samples were also taken monthly throughout
the observation period and the plasma testosterone concentration monitored. Bucks
demonstrated a higher semen quality (P < 0.05) in autumn and summer (semen index of
965×106 and 752×106 ml−1, respectively), compared to spring and winter (semen index
of 606×106 and 512×106, respectively). This coincided with a higher (P < 0.05) plasma
testosterone concentration in autumn and summer (8.1 and 10.1 ng ml−1, respectively),
compared to that obtained in spring (3.0 ng ml−1) and winter (2.5 ng ml−1). During autumn
and summer, the ejaculate volume (average of 1.2 and 1.0 ml), sperm output (1159×106 and
1005×106 sperm ml−1), sperm massmotility (4.2 and 4.3), sperm progressivemotility (83.9
and 82.0%) and percentage live sperm (90.7 and 88.2%, respectively) of the buckswere higher
(P < 0.05) than in the spring (0.6 ml, 880×106 sperm ml−1, 3.3, 71.5% and 80.2%) and winter
(0.7 ml, 863×106 sperm ml−1, 4.0, 71.5% and 84.9%, respectively). During autumn and summer,
the percentage of sperm abnormalities (5.0 and 9.2%)was significantly lower than that
in spring (12.9%) and winter (11.2%). The semen pH was slightly alkaline being significantly
(P < 0.05) lower in the autumn (7.1) than in spring (7.3). Data showed season of the year to
influence all semen parameters evaluated—indicating that optimal buck performance may
be obtained in latesummerand autumn. It can thus be said that Markhoz bucks have distinct
seasonal spermatogenic activity, with poorer semen characteristics being
