Five Santa Inês rams, between one and five years old, were selected evaluate the reproductive seasonality of the Santa Inês rams in the climatic conditions of Distrito Federal. Approximately every fortnight, for one year, these rams were weighed and underwent an andrological exam. The following testicular characteristics were evaluated: scrotal circumference (PE), testicular length (COMP), width (LARG) and volume (VOL). Semen collection was carried out with an eletroejaculator, and the following seminal characteristics were evaluated: mass motility (TURB), progressive motility (MOT), vigor (VIG) and total of normal spermatozoa (TOTNOR). Date of collection, ram and body weight affected testicular characteristics, but PE did not vary with the body weight. The highest PE was found in the rainy season. TURB, MOT and VIG varied in accordance with the ram, and TOTNOR varied in accordance with the date of collection. During the dry season, the spermatozoa abnormalities increased significantly, mainly head and midpiece abnormalities. Only the semen collected in the rainy season was considered acceptable. A high positive correlation between the body weight and the testicular characteristics was observed. No significant correlation was observed between PE and TOTNOR. The seasonal variation in the semen quality can cause false diagnostic of subfertility in rams. The correlation between body weight and testicular characteristics, as well as the effect of season, confirm that the selection of rams based on the testicular characteristics must be made in the rainy season.
rams; seasonality; semen; testicular; size
