Plasma urea levels on reproductive parameters of wool-less rams (Ovis aries, LINNAEUS, 1758)

Authors

  • Carmen Neusa Martins Cortada Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Reprodução Animal, São Paulo, SP
  • Carlos de Sousa Lucci Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Nutrição e Produção, Pirassununga, SP
  • Rodrigo Alonso Forero Gonzalez Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Departamento de Reprodução Animal, São Paulo, SP
  • Renato Valentin Tecnopec Consultoria e Representação Ltda
  • Carla Balzano de Mattos Universidade Paulista, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, São Paulo, SP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-95962000000600007

Keywords:

Urea, Semen, Reproduction, Rams, Feed Ration

Abstract

The effect of increased plasma urea levels on reproductive parameters of Santa Ines Brazilian breed rams (Ovis aries) was determined during two phases, 60 days in length each. During the first phase, 18 animals divided into three blocks according to scrotal circumference were submitted to the following treatments: diet A1- with nitrogen levels according to ARC (1980); diet B1 - nitrogen levels 133% higher than A1; and diet C1 - nitrogen levels 166% higher than A1. During the second phase, 12 animals divided into two groups received diet A2- with nitrogen levels according to ARC (1980), and diet B2 - nitrogen levels 200% higher than diet A2, respectively. The increase in protein equivalents was obtained by adding 20, 40 and 60 g of feed grade urea to treatments B1, C1 and B2, respectively. Semen was collected daily using an artificial vagina and analyzed twice a week for progressive motility; vigor, whirling, density, pH, concentration, sperm morphology, ejaculated volume and total sperm per ejaculate. Urea concentration was determined weekly in semen and plasma. Urea level increased in plasma and semen (p < 0.0001) during both phases but did not affect the parameters studied.

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Published

2000-12-01

Issue

Section

VETERINARY MEDICINE

How to Cite

Plasma urea levels on reproductive parameters of wool-less rams (Ovis aries, LINNAEUS, 1758). (2000). Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science, 37(6), 457-461. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1413-95962000000600007