Evaluation of Semen Characteristics of White and Black Plumage Improved Nigerian Local Chicken (FUNAAB ALPHA)

Abstract

This study was carried out to evaluate the semen characteristics including semen pH, volume, normal and abnormal morphology, actively and sluggishly motile, sperm count and viability, using data obtained from 15 birds originating from improved Nigerian local chickens (8 white plumage and 7 black plumage) of 28 – 36 weeks of age. The result indicates that significant difference (p<0.05) exist between normal and abnormal morphology – 74.16 and 67.85; 26.25 and 32.85 for white and black plumage colour cocks respectively. The semen pH and volume between the white and black plumage cocks recorded no significant difference (p<0.05). Both sperm count and percentage dead were significantly higher in the black plumage strain. The percentage motility for actively and sluggishly motile were 79.37 and 66.19; 13.12 and 16.90 for white and black plumage respectively. All the traits evaluated were significantly influenced by the age of the cocks. Semen pH, concentration and volume, normal morphology, actively motile, and percentage live increased with age, though variation was found in sperm percentage dead and sperm count at 32 and 36 weeks of age, indicating that some of these traits could be used to ascertain semen condition at various age.