Influence of reproductive season and testicular volume on seminal parameters of alpacas (Vicugna pacos)

Huamani M.C.; Palomino C.Y.G.; Berrocal H.R.O.; Arcce I.M.L.; Bellido-Quispe D.K.; Leiva A.Y.A.; Chaves M.S.; de Figueirêdo Freitas V.J. · Tropical Animal Health and Production (2025) · DOI: 10.1007/s11250-025-04478-5

Resumen

The male alpaca plays an important role in the reproductive process and, consequently, in genetic improvement. South American camelids (SACs) have a well-defined reproductive season, particularly in the Andean region. The objective was to evaluate the influence of reproductive and non-reproductive seasons, as well as testicular volume, on seminal parameters in alpacas. Nine healthy male alpacas, over 4 years old, were selected for this experiment. Semen samples were taken every two days using an artificial vagina incorporated into a dummy. The collected were in the reproductive (November to April) and non-reproductive (May to October) seasons, from breeders with testicular volumes that range between 63–70 cm3 and 83–94 cm3. The total number of ejaculates collected was 72 per season, with 8 samples collected from each male. Macroscopic aspects such as color, volume (ml), thread formation (cm) and foam (cm) were evaluated, in addition to microscopic aspects such as sperm motility (%), viability (%) concentration (sperm/ml) and total number of sperm. The results were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney non-parametric test, using the R 3.4.3 software, considering P < 0.05 as the significance level. A decrease in thread formation was observed in semen collected during the reproductive season compared to the non-reproductive season (P < 0.05). On the other hand, sperm motility and viability in semen collected during the reproductive period was higher (p < 0.05). Regarding testicular volume, alpacas with larger testicular volume had greater ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and total number of sperm (p < 0.05). Based on these results, it is possible to conclude that the semen of alpaca breeders is influenced by the season, and that testicular volume can predict their reproductive capacity, being a parameter to be considered when selecting the best breeding male. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V. 2025.