Abstract
Age-related changes of semen parameters from 1.5 to 5.7 years were evaluated in captive bharal (Pseudois nayaur). In 28 trials. 25 semen samples were collected using an artificial vagina method from two males during four breeding seasons between December 2001 and February 2005. One male bharal was able to ejaculate semen at the age only of 1.5 years, but its quality was quite inferior (semen volume : 0.24ml, semen pH : 8.3, sperm concentration : 13.8 million/ml, sperm motility index : 0.0, sperm viability : 0.0% and morphologically normal sperm : 54.1%). As age increased, semen quality improved and totally stabilized by the age of 4.5 years. The final quality (semen volume : >1ml, semen pH : 6.8, sperm concentration : 3,500-4,000 million/ml, sperm motility index : <80, sperm viability : >70% and morphologically normal sperm : >95%) was virtually equal to that reported in domestic sheep and goat.
