Seasonal Influence on Sexual Behaviour Score of Gir Bulls

Studies on sexual behaviour as such, and the documented reports on the influence of seasons on these aspects are meager in Gir bulls, the world famous milch purpose cattle breed of India. These indices could be used in selection and culling of Gir bulls in the breeding program. The study was carried out on six Gir bulls (4-6 years) located at Cattle Breeding Farm, J.A.U. Junagadh for a period of 8 months during summer and winter. The seasonal variations and correlations amongst the sexual behaviour traits were studied. The effect of season on individual bulls for these parameters was also studied. A total of 96 observations were availed at fortnightly interval. The mean temperament (0-5 scale), libido (0-9 scale), penileerection (0-4 scale), protrusion (0-4 scale), intensity of thrust (0-4 scale), reaction time (sec.) and Flehmen reaction (0, 1) during summer were 1.77±0.08, 5.23±0.22, 2.73±0.07, 2.68±0.07, 3.19±0.11, 153.54±4.82 and 0.46±0.07, respectively, while the respective values in winter season were 2.08±0.06, 5.96±0.22, 3.02±0.06, 2.96±0.43, 3.40±0.39, 128.09±4.24 and 0.56±0.07. There were significant differences among bulls for these traits in both the seasons. However, in general, summer significantly exerted an adverse effect on the sexual behaviour of Gir bulls, while winter was the favoured season. Temperament, libido, penile erection, penile protrusion, and intensity of thrust were significantly and positively correlated among each other, and negatively with reaction time and Flehmen reaction. It could be concluded from the present study that the Gir bulls had good sexual behaviour scores throughout the year, However, bulls showed better sexual behaviour in winter as compared to summer.