Evaluation of sexual maturity of young bulls from different breeds selected for post-weaning weight

Abstract

Sperm traits of 243 young bulls from Caracu (n=62), Gir (n=23), Guzerá (n=59) and Nellore (n=99) breeds, with 20-25 months of age, from the Breeding Program of Estação Experimental de Zootecnia de Sertãozinho, were analyzed. On the day of breeding soundness evaluation animals were weighed, the scrotal circumference was measured and the semen was collected by electroejaculation. The sperm motility, vigor and morphology were assessed and the animals were classified according to the andrological classification by points (CAP). No difference was observed among breeds for any seminal trait evaluated, although Nelore presented lower scrotal circumference average than the other breeds. When the animals were classified by body weight, it was observed that the heavier animals presented greater scrotal circumference, better seminal characteristics and, consequently, greater percentage of these animals were considered sexually mature comparing with the other body weight groups. It was concluded that the animals selected for post-weaning and reared on pasture from the taurine adapted breed Caracu and from the zebu breeds Gir, Guzerá and Nelore have proved able to reproduction at 23.2, 23.4, 22.7 and 22.8 months, respectively, corresponding to age which reached an average weight of 452, 422, 470 and 467 kg respectively.

Keywords

• Bos indicus
• Bos taurus
• maturidade sexual
• peso corporal