Testosterone and cortisol patterns and the effects of electro-ejaculation and copulation in Awassi rams

The effects of month, electro-ejaculation (EE) and copulation process on testosterone and cortisol levels were investigated in Syrian Awassi rams. Jugular blood samples were collected from 10 rams at weekly intervals for 1 year. During the breeding and non-breeding season, samples were collected 60 min before EE and copulation as well as 0 (at the time of ejaculation), 20 and 60 min after EE and copulation. Low testosterone levels were detected from October to February (4.58–5.06 nmol L−1), while high levels were noted from May to September (8.01–11.40 nmol L−1) with significant differences among months (P