Effect of gastrointestinal nematodes in ram sperm production

The effect of gastrointestinal nematodes on the sperm production of rams was carried out over a period of 12 months. Two groups of 8 animals were formed each with different treatments. The Control group with the lowest initial parasitic load (EPG<600) who received anthelminthic treatment during the experimental period. Parasitized group with highest initial parasitic load (1000-2800 EPG) and who did not receive anthelminthic treatment during the experimental period. In order to monitor the parasitic load, individual monthly stool test were performed on each animal. Semen was collected by artificial vagina (2 ejaculates per day, twice a week). No significant effects were found for body weight and testicular volume, but if significant differences (p<0.05) were verified for body condition between treatments, in favour of the control group with respect to the Parasitized group. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found in sperm concentration between the different treatments, 4.8% above for the Control group. There was no effect of nematodes on ejaculate volume, motility and sperm production. It our conditions (breed, native pasture), the load of gastrointestinal nematodes achieved in the study did not show significant differences in the effect of gastrointestinal parasites on sperm production.