O’Neill, H.A.Scholtz, J.Kruger, L.P.Maqhashu, A.Ganswindt, Andre2025-08-062025-08-062024-12O'Neill, H.A., Scholz, J., Kruger, L.P. et al. 2024, 'Short communication : impact of rest intervals and habituation on electro-ejaculated semen quality in merino-type rams', South African Journal of Animal Science, vol. 54, pp. 685-690. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/sajas.v54i6.02.0375-1589 (print)2221-4062 (online)10.4314/sajas.v54i6.02http://hdl.handle.net/2263/103803This study evaluated the effects of habituation and electro-ejaculation techniques on semen quality in merino-type rams in South Africa, aiming to refine the electro-ejaculation method to improve semen quality. Parameters assessed included semen volume, sperm motility, sperm viability, sperm concentration, sperm viscosity, sperm consistency, and sperm abnormalities. Forty mature (six- to eighttooth) merino-type rams, approximately two and a half to four years old, were randomly assigned to four groups: habituated with a 3-second rest (H3) (n = 10), non-habituated with a 3-second rest (N3) (n = 10), habituated with a 10-second rest (H10) (n = 10), and non-habituated with a 10-second rest (N10) (n = 10). Each group underwent a two-week habituation period to human presence before electroejaculation using a commercial device. Analysed semen samples showed no significant differences in semen volume (0.93–1.28 mL), sperm motility (75.2%–83.1%), sperm viability (73.1%–85.5%), sperm concentration score (3.45–3.83), sperm viscosity score (3.5–4.00), or sperm consistency score (3.5– 4.0). However, the H3 group had a higher percentage of sperm abnormalities (12.3%) compared to the N3 (6.11%) and H10 (6.7%) groups, indicating that a shorter rest interval may negatively impact semen quality. The study concludes that extending the rest interval to ten seconds can enhance semen parameters.enCopyright resides with the authors in terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 South African Licence.Animal handlingAssisted reproduction technologiesMerino ramsSperm qualityArticle