ABSTRACT

The effect of season on semen quality and blood profile was studied in three phenotypes of the local cocks of Nigeria comprising of nine normal feathered, nine naked-neck and nine frizzle cocks, in the tropical zone of Abia State. They were subjected to semen ejaculation through the dorsal massage method. Semen and blood collections were done during the four different predominant seasons (early rain, late rain, early dry and late dry) of the year. The respective seasons were represented by May, August, November and February for early rain, late rain, early dry and late dry. Samples collected were analysed within 12 hours. The results obtained showed that with the exception of total sperm, all other semen parameters were very highly affected (P < 0.001) by the seasons. Nakedneck cocks recorded the highest semen volume, normal feathered cocks had the highest sperm concentration while normal leathered and naked-neck ranked same as they recorded highest in total sperm per ejaculate. Values for other semen parameters were non-significant (P > 0.05). Results for haematological indices showed that packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin differed gnificantly (P < 0.001) throughout the seasons. Only serum albumin was significantly higher (P