SEASONAL CHANGES ON REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS IN ALGERIAN REMBI RAMS

This study was conducted to determine the effect of season on three main parameters of sexual activity in Rembi rams in Algeria during 12 months period. The experiment involved a monthly measurement of plasma testosterone (T) level, scrotal circumference (S.C) and body weight (B.W) in ten adult rams, aged between 2 and 6 years and raised under semi-extensive system, in permanent contact with the ewes. The data collected showed a significant effect of season on the parameters studied. The seasonal variations have showed higher values ​​during spring and autumn with a maximum in April for the testosterone levels (3,45±0,14 ng/ml), in November for the scrotal circumference (34,7±2,00 cm) and the body weight (82,3±1,28 Kg). The lower values ​​were recorded during periods of very high temperatures in summer, during food restriction periods and poor grazing in winter, with an annual minimum in June for the testosterone levels with 0,47±0,02 ng/ml and in July for the scrotal circumference (31,58 cm) and the body weight 80,93±1,20 Kg.