Semen quality on ram: a review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29059/cvpa.v4i1.50

Keywords:

semen quality, ram, cryopreservation, heat stress, sheep

Abstract

Sperm quality is an essential component of reproductive efficiency in sheep and constitutes a key parameter in the application of biotechnologies such as artificial insemination and cryopreservation. Sperm volume, concentration, motility, morphology, and viability are seminal parameters that are affected by heat stress, nutrition, and reproductive management. Excessive heat causes a decrease in spermatogenesis, reduced sperm motility and concentration, and an increase in morphological abnormalities accompanied by cell death. Intense cold causes structural damage and loss of viability due to intracellular crystallization. Additionally, factors such as age, breed, and nutrition modulate semen quality, with antioxidants acting as protective elements against oxidative stress. Cryopreservation is limited by the low tolerance of sperm to cold, the toxicity of some cryoprotectants and underlying pathologies of the reproductive system. Understanding these, environmental, physiological, and pathological factors allow the establishment of management and conservation strategies to optimize fertility in sheep.

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Published

2026-07-15

How to Cite

Islas-Sotelo, J. A., Rosales-Martínez, G. N., & Pérez-Torres, L. I. (2026). Semen quality on ram: a review. Ciencias Veterinarias Y Producción Animal, 4(1), 59–69. https://doi.org/10.29059/cvpa.v4i1.50

Issue

Section

Review Article
Received 2026-06-05
Accepted 2026-07-13
Published 2026-07-15

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