Zn and Pb concentration in seminal plasma in reference to selected parameters of semiological assessment of bull semen

The Zn and Pb concentration was determined in 45 samples of bull semen from three Artificial Insemination Stations (A,B,C) differing in degree of environmental pollution. Bull semen was diluted with Biociphos-Plus to such an extent as to obtain 16 million sperm cells in an insemination dose. The research aimed at assessing the correlation between zinc, lead and other parameters influencing the semiological assessment of bull semen. The content of zinc and lead was determined with the use of the flame method and an absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Positive, statistically significant correlations between zinc concentration and semen motility were observed in station A at r = 0.61 and station C at r = 0.614. In station B these correspondences were not statistically confirmed. Positive correlation at r = 0.583 was observed in case of zinc and the ejaculate volume only in station B. No statistically significant correlation was observed between lead concentration and the analyzed parameters.