Resumen
-
Objective: To assess the testicular and semen characteristics of Tropical Milking Criollo (CLT) bulls in the subhumid Mexican tropics.
Design/methodology/approach: Eight bulls were evaluated and distributed in two groups: G1 (n5): young bulls and G2 (n3): adult bulls. All bulls were managed under grazing and evaluated throughout a year. From each bull, the following measurements were taken once a month: live weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference, and testicular width, length and volume. Semen was obtained every 3 months via an artificial vagina. The evaluated semen variables were: aspect, volume, mass and individual motility, and sperm concentration and morphology.
Results: Live weight and testicular measurements linearly increased during the study in bulls from both groups. All bulls had a scrotal circumference larger than the minimum threshold value for cattle and high-quality semen.
Study limitations/implications: The low availability of CLT bulls prevented the inclusion of a larger number of animals in the research. This low animal availability makes it necessary to establish standard values for testicular measurements and semen characteristics in the CLT breed in order to select the best individuals as sires and contribute to its conservation.
Findings/conclusions: The CLT bulls had good scrotal circumference and semen quality from a young age and into adulthood. These traits make CLT bulls an important alternative for livestock breeding in the tropics.