Seasonal variation in macronutrient content of stallion spermoplasm

Abstract

The effects of seasonal factor on the concentration of macronutrients: calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, chlorine and magnesium in the spermoplasm of stallions (n=12) were studied. The average age of animals was 11.2±0.8 years, the animals were located in the central strip of Russia (Ryazan region). We established reliable differences between the content of macronutrients in spermoplasm depending on the season of the year. We obtained data on the dependence on the season of the year of calcium concentration by 30% (p<0.001), phosphorus by 15% (p<0.05). The maximum values of average concentrations of calcium, potassium and magnesium in spermoplasm were recorded in spring- summer period, sodium and chlorine concentrations in winter. It was also stated that phosphorus concentration had no significant changes in winter, fall and spring, but was lower in summer.