Seasonal and Nutritional Effects on Growth Performance and Seminal Traits of Kano Brown Bucks

Abstract

This investigation aimed at determining the seasonal and nutritional effect on growth parameters and seminal traits of Kano brown bucks. The study was carried out for a periods of 84 days (March – June, 2016). Sixteen Kano brown bucks with average initial body of 15 kg, 10 – 12 months of age were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with four animals each per treatment in a complete randomize design. The result shows a significant (p< 0.05) difference with respect to body weight, T₃ recorded the highest mean values of (16.32 kg) whereas T₁ recorded the lowest mean values of (15.38 kg). No significant (p< 0.05) different was observed for semen color and volume, though T₁ had highest mean values (3.25) for semen color and (7.45) for semen pH. Significant (p< 0.05) different was observed in live spermatozoa (x106)/ml and sperm motility, T₃ recorded the highest mean value (2902.17 x106)/g/testis while T₄ recorded the lowest mean values (2302.56 x106) sperm concentration. The study revealed that temperature and nutrition significantly affect body growth and seminal characteristics of Kano brown bucks. It can be concluded that animals should be allowed to go for grazing and supplemented twice a day.