Evaluation of Semen Quality of Five Different Cockerel Breed used in Poultry Industry in Nigeria
Keywords:
Semen, Cockerels, Industry, BreedAbstract
This experiment is conducted to evaluate semen quality of five different cockerel breeds used in poultry industry in Nigeria. The ultimate aim is to improve the production efficiency of meat and egg in the poultry industry. The differences between breeds were determined by evaluating the semen, microscopically checking for motility, sperm concentration, and sperm morphology and life to dead ratio. Five different chickens namely Hubbard, Dominant brown, Isa white, Yoruba Ecotype and Fulani Ecotype were used. Comparative evaluation of the semen was performed in 25 cockerels (Five per breed). Semen was collected twice per week for seven weeks. The eosin-nigrosin staining techniques were used microscopically to evaluate the morphology of the sperm from the different breeds. The fresh semen parameters evaluated were ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, the percentage live and dead sperm, sperm motility and sperm abnormalities. The study shows a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the ejaculated volumes, sperm concentration, active and sluggish sperm cells. There is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in all the semen abnormalities and sperm motility. Hence, Fulani Ecotypes were significantly different in terms of body weight, low sperm abnormalities; high ejaculate volume of semen and high relative motility. Despite the fact that it is an indigenous local breed of poultry found in Nigeria, Fulani Indigenous breeds are recommended for semen production if adequate management practices are in place. This will reduce the cost of importing exotic breeds used for breeding.
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