| Summary: | The assessment of reproduction characteristics of an Algerian local sheep in a semi-arid
zone was the objective of this study. Twenty rams of Ouled Djellal breed were used. The
parameters analyzed were testosterone rate, testicular diameter, ejaculate volume, sperm
concentration, mass motility, and percentage of live and dead spermatozoids (SPZ). The
results obtained showed that the mean monthly testosterone rate was high throughout
the year (4 ng/mL), increased in spring, peaked in summer (July) (4.9 ng/mL), and
decreased in autumn and winter to reach a minimum value (January) of 1.9 ng/mL.
Similarly, testicular diameter, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and count showed
high levels in spring and summer and decreased in autumn and winter. The maximum
and minimum values were respectively, 7.09 cm, 1.55 mL, 4 billion/mL, 3.5, 79.37%, 21%
and 5.46 cm, 0.80 mL, 2.50 billion SPZ/mL, 2.81, 77.36%, and 20.42%. Significant effects
of season on serum testosterone levels, testicular conformation, ejaculate volume, and
concentration were recorded in this study. Indeed, the rates of these parameters increased
significantly (P<0.05) during spring/summer and decreased during autumn/winter
except for motility, and the percentage of live and dead sperm. Testicular conformation
was positively correlated with testosterone concentration, ejaculate volume, and semen
concentration. To conclude, Ouled Djellal breed seemed not to be very sensitive to the
photoperiod and little affected by high temperature.
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