Effect Of Genotype And Frequency Of Collection On Semen Characteristics Of Chickens

ABSTRACT

Studies were carried out on the effect of genotype and frequency of collection on semen characteristics of chickens. Semen samples were collected from ten adult Nigerian local cocks comprising ' 4 Normal Feathered, 2 Naked - Neck, 2 Frizzle and 2 Naked - Neck x Frizzle. They were subjected to two ejaculation frequencies namely - once and twice per week, for nine weeks (June - July) using the massage technique. Ejaculates were subjected to physical and laboratory evaluation for quality. Results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences between the genotypes for ejaculates volume. The Normal- Feathered (0. 15±O.009) and Naked-Neck x Frizzle (0. 13±O.013ml) chickens were significantly superior to the Naked-Neck (0.11±0.0 13m1) and Frizzle (0.08±0.013ml) genotypes. Total spermatozoa were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the two frequencies of semen collection with once a week evacuation giving significantly higher value (530.61±99.412 x 106) than twice a week (243.60±95.74 x 106). Sperm concentration and total sperm per ejaculate showed significantly higher (P<0.05) values when semen collection frequency was twice a week. From these results it was concluded that the Normal-Feathered and Naked-Neck x Frizzle cocks were superior to the normal cocks in semen output and quality under the humid tropical environment.