Evaluation of semen quality of four strains of turkeys and parthenotes reared in the humid tropics for use in turkey breeding programmes

A total of fifteen post-pubertal toms were used to determine the physical semen qualities of four varieties of turkeys and parthenotes (3 white local (WL); 3 black local (BL); 3 silver local (SL); 3 white Nicholas (WN) and 3 parthenotes (PT)) reared in humid tropics. The PT were from WL hens. The results indicated significant (p<0.05) effects of variety on semen volume, SV, normal sperm, NS, abnormal sperm, AS, sperm concentration, SC, total motile sperm, TMS and total sperm in ejaculate, TSE. The highest SV value of 0.43±0.03ml was recorded in WN and SL strains. WN and BL strains had the highest value of 98.50±0.50% in NS. SL and PT strains had the highest mean value of 4.50±0.50% in AS. The highest SC value of 3.55±0.05 x 109/ml was recorded in BL strain. BL strains had the highest value of 3.01±0.14 x 1012/ml in TMS. BL strain had the highest value of 9.78±1.03 109 in TSE. It was concluded that the effect of strain was significant on the semen physical properties and that parthenotes were equally fecund and compared favourably with their white local parent strain and other strains and could be used in turkey breeding programmes. Keywords: Parthenogenesis; Parthenotes; Plumage colour; Strain; Turkey

Growth performance and haematology of Isa-brown pullets fed diets containing graded levels of Centrosema pubescens leaf meal

This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary levels of Centrosema pubescens leaf meal (CLM) on the growth performance and haematological parameters of pullets. Twenty-four, five weeks old Isa-Brown pullets were weighed and randomly allotted into three dietary treatment groups and was replicated twice with eight pullets per treatment and four pullets per replica in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each treatment was replicated two times giving four birds per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). Pullets were fed dietary levels of CLM at 0, 2.5 and 5% in T1, T2 and T3 respectively from the 5th week of age. Results on growth performance showed significant (P<0.05) difference in average daily feed intake. T3 had the highest average daily feed intake of 209.5±0.00 g. Results on haematology showed significant (P<0.05) differences in packed cell volume, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count and lymphocyte. T3 had the highest packed cell volume, red blood cell count and haemoglobin concentration (29.00±0.58%, 29.00, 10.62±0.23x106/mm3 and 8.55±0.15g/100ml, respectively). T1 recorded the highest white blood cell count (11650±95.74x103/mm3). T1 and T2 had the highest lymphocyte levels (79.00±0.58). In conclusion, CLM should be incorporated in the diets of pullets up to 5% inclusion level to improve their average daily feed intake and some haematological parameters. Keywords: Pullets; Isa-Brown; Centrosema pubescens; Growth performance; Haematology; Die

Effect of dietary inclusion of vitamin E as anti-oxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks

The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary inclusion of vitamin E as anti-oxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks. Avian spermatozoa are subject to oxidative stress, causing male infertility because of its high polyunsaturated fatty acids content. Therefore, it was justified to research and report on the use of vitamin E as an antioxidant on the semen characteristics of local cocks. A total of 50 mature local cocks of uniform sizes (weighing about 1.52-1.53kg) were used for the study. Their exact ages were not known due to the lack of adequate record keeping by the traditional household keepers. The birds were divided into two treatment groups with 25 birds per treatment. Data generated were analyzed using independent group sample t-test. Each treatment had five replicates with 5 birds per replicate. Feed fed to T1 birds contained 1000 IU vitamin E kg-1 feed, while T2 (control) feed had no vitamin E. From the results obtained, sperm progressive motility, live: dead, normal and abnormal sperm cell morphologies were found to be highly significant (p<0.01), while semen volume and sperm concentration were significant (p<0.05). T1 birds that fed diet containing vitamin E had the highest percentage values for semen volume, sperm progressive motility, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells and sperm cell concentration compared to control birds (T2). Percentage values for dead and abnormal sperm cells were highest in control (T2). In conclusion, the use of vitamin E as anti-oxidant to improve semen qualities was recommended because of higher values of sperm progressive motility, semen volume, live sperm cells, normal sperm cells and sperm cell concentration recorded in T1

Comparative study on the semen quality characteristics of parthenotes and parent toms reared in Nsukka

The study was conducted to evaluate the semen quality characteristics of turkey parthenotes and parent toms. A total of twenty-four turkeys were  used for the study. These comprised of twelve parthenotes toms and twelve parent toms. Parthenotes are male turkeys produced through parthenogenesis. The toms were subjected to abdominal massage techniques for semen collection. Semen collection was done twice per week and  analyzed for volume, motility, sperm concentration, like sperm, abnormal sperm, normal sperm, dead sperm, total sperm/ejaculates and total  motile sperm cells. The results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in semen volume, sperm concentration, normal sperm cell, abnormal sperm and total motile sperm with mean values being 0.35mL, 1.74x109/mL, 97.80%, 2.20%, 1.68x1012 and 0.41ml, 1.50x109/mL, 94.00%, 6.00% and 1.42x1012, respectively for both parthenotes and parent toms. However, semen parameters such as motility, live sperm cell, dead sperm cell and total sperm/ejaculate showed no significant difference (p>0.05) with values of 96.7%, 97.7%, 2.30% and 6.07x109 for parthenotes toms and  93.20%, 98.50%, 1.50% and 6.23x109 for parent toms. It was observed from the results that turkey parthenotes possess good quality semen characteristic and therefore, recommended for use in poultry industry for turkey production. Keywords: Turkeys, semen quality, parthenotes and parent tom