Effect of temperature humidity index on sexual behavior and semen quality in Barbari buck under Indian climatic condition

Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is a single value representing the combination of air temperature and humidity associated with the level of thermal stress. Ejaculates (n = 890) from 12 Barbari bucks (2–4 years) maintained under semi-intensive management system were utilized to find out the effect of THI on sexual behavior and semen quality in Barbari buck. Semen with mass activity ≥ 4 was considered freezable. Buck mounting per cent during May and June were high whereas comparatively lower during November and December. Interestingly freezable quality of semen was good during November and December. The poorest freezable quality was observed during January and February. The comfortable THI (<72) during November and December have beneficial effect on semen quality in spite of poor libido. It is suggested that semen freezing should be carried out in November-December not round the year in Barbari bucks.