Seminal proteins of Holstein-Friesian bulls associated with vitamin C supplementation

Abstract EN

Seminal total protein (STP) as well as percentage of albumin , u-, p- and y- globulins were examined in Holstein - Friesian bulls as affected by vitamin C supplementation during hot season (August -September) in Iraq.

A total of nine bulls (3 - 3.5 years old) were randomly assigned to 0 (Control ,<.').

5g (Ti) and 10 g (Tj) vitamin C dissolved in drinking water for 5 weeks .

STP tended to be higher (P < 0.16) in Tj - bulls during week 3 onward .

During week 2 ,3 and 4 , percent seminal albumin was greater (P < 0.01) in Trgroup , whereas a slightly decline (P = 0.10) was noticed in 1,-bulls during week 5.

No overwhelming change was observed in a- globulin percentage during first 4 weeks, while it decreased (P < 0.01) in group 1 during week 5 .

Vitamin C supplementation relatively increased (P < 0.06) seminal |3-globulin percentage of group Ti during week 5.

Excluding data of week 1, percent seminal y- globulin was not changed among groups during the whole experimental period .

It was concluded that variable responses of Holstein bulls to different levels of vitamin C were noted.

However, weekly treatment with 5g vitamin C had a positive effect on seminal P- globulin and reduce seminal albumin.

This could improve bull fertility in Iraq and further investigations are warranted .