Scrotal, testicular and semen characteristics of the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) males

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate seasonal differences in the characteristics of various male reproductive
organs and in semen quality. Ten adult males of mountain gazelles (Gazella gazelle) were used in this
study during summer and winter. The results showed significant differences in July to September versus
October to December for volume (P≤0.05), motility and viability (P≤0.01), progressive motility, and
morphologic alteration (P≤0.001). Hence it was concluded that sperm characteristics are strongly
influenced by season. This study therefore suggested that the suitable period for semen collection is the
breeding season (October to December), which has a good quality for manipulation and long-term
preservation of G. gazelle in Saudi Arabia.