Effect of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on Male Sexual Performance in Awassi Rams

Abstract The study was determined to conducted in private farm for sheep breeding located in the middle of Iraq through the year 2020 2021 by using 21 Local Awassi rams and 13 Turkish Awasssi rams divided in to tow groups (less than 3 years and more than 3 years age). Results showed a real significant effects (P≤0.01) of ram breed on semen traits, the volume of semen was 1.04 mil as average in local Awassi breed compared with the Turkish Awassi rams breed namely, 1,72 ml. The abnormality rate of sperms was differed significantly (P≤0.01) according the rams breed, the highest abnormality rate was recorded in Turkish breed namely, 9.09%. A significant effect (P≤0.05) of ram breed on somatic cells count in semen, the highest count was recorded in Local breed (4.19×106/ml) while the lowest count was in Turkish breed (2.16×106/ml). Results showed a significant effects of ram age (P≤0.05) on semen volume in Turkish Awassi breed, the lowest volume of semen was recorded in rams with less than three years of age compared with the rams with more than three years of age namely, 1.43 and 2.01 ml respectively. Abnormality rate differed significantly (P≤0.01) according age also, the rams less than three years of age recorded the lowest abnormality rate (4.61%) compared with the Turkish rams with more than three years old which recorded 7.61%. Somatic cells count in semen differed significantly by rams age in Turkish Awassi rams and it about 1.85×106/ml in younger rams and increased to 2.47×106/ml in older rams and no significant difference in motility rate according age in the Local breed.