Bull semen quality parameters and impact of exogenous factors on semen quality

摘要

Use of quality sires in the artificial insemination of cattle leads to the increased production in cattle breeding. In EU countries and the countries which cooperate in semen trade with EU countries bulls’ health status and minimal criteria for semen quality are regulated by law. Bull semen quality is influenced by several exogenous factors. Semen quality parameters are influenced by season. The highest values of ejaculate volume and total sperm output were found during the summer, while the lowest values were found in winter period. Some xenobiotics can also affect semen parameters. Correlation between semen quality and pesticide use in limited geographic area was found, namely bull semen quality decreased in the period when pesticide use increased.