Effects of different light intensities on quality of spermatozoa in rabbits

Abstract

The present study evaluated the effects of light intensity on semen production in rabbits. Bucks were allocated to two groups which were exposed to a lighting program (16L:8D) with different light intensities (Group 1: <100 Lux; Group 2: >200 Lux). Prior to the thirteen weeks duration of the examination period, bucks were adapted to the light system for two months and conditioned for semen collection for one month. There was no effect of light intensity on libido, concentration and motility of spermatozoa. However, there were more bucks in group 1 delivering ejaculate with the gel fractions (P = 0.0065) and more foreign particles were observed in the ejaculates (P = 0.0007) compared to male rabbits from group 2. The first week of semen collection also revealed a light intensity effect on spermatozoa obtained by swim-up procedure. The concentrations of spermatozoa from group 2 were higher than those from group 1 (P < 0.0001). This effect was only slightly visible for motility after swim-up (P = 0.067).