Ambiência, comportamento ejaculatório e parâmetros do sêmen de garanhões Quarto de milha

Abstract

The environment in which horses are placed, especially those undergoing reproductive management, is an important aspect to be evaluated. Since reproductive processes can be influenced by well-being issues, disruptions in physiological factors caused by stress can interfere with reproductive performance. The objective of this study was to assess the influence of the collection room ambiance on the behavior, semen volume, and concentration of Quarter Horse stallions. The stallions used had weights ranging from 416 to 505 kg and ages within active sexual maturity, varying from 6 to 24 years, selected based on fertility index. The experimental design employed was a dependent paired-sample design with four stallions. Movements during mounting and dismounting were observed, with a chronological recording of copulatory behavior using a camera attached to a mobile device (Samsung, model SM-A107 M/DS, Galaxy A 10s). Parameters such as muscle contraction, tail movement, and pawing were documented by day, month, and time, with identification of each animal. This analysis was initially conducted at normal video speed, and subsequently, for confirmation, the video speed was slowed down to work with each behavior separately. The frequency (number) of each activity involved in the process and the elapsed time (in seconds) for each activity were recorded. These data were then correlated with the ambiance, assessed by local internal and external temperature, digital device (dry and wet bulb), wind speed, dew point, relative humidity, and black globe index. The model also considered semen volume and concentration. The results did not reveal any influence of the collection room ambiance on the behavior, semen volume, and concentration of Quarter Horse stallions.