Semen Characteristics and Hematological Indices of Nigerian Local Cocks Subjected to Different Semen Collection Frequencies

Abstract

This study sought to determine the semen quality and haematology of Nigerian light-ecotype (Normal feather) local chicken subjected to varying semen collection frequencies. Eighteen mature cocks (weighing 1.35±0.15 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 groups of once (T₁), twice (T₂) and thrice (T₃) weekly ejaculation with 6 cocks in each and replicated thrice in completely randomized design. Semen collections were done by abdominal massage method for a period of 8 weeks and were evaluated for physical characteristics. At the 8th week, blood samples were collected for haematology. From the results, the progressive sperm motility and total sperm count did not differ (p≥0.05) among the treatment groups. Semen volume, sperm concentration (× 109/ml), percentage live and normal sperm were affected by varying ejaculation frequencies. Cocks in T₂ had sperm concentration value (2.43) which was higher (p<0.05) than that of T₁ (2.29). The sperm concentration increased while the percentage live and normal sperm decreased as the frequency of ejaculation increased from once to thrice weekly. Only the haematological parameters of Total white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes, heterophil and eosinophil levels were observed to be affected by varying ejaculation frequencies. The WBC was observed to lower (p<0.05) when the frequency increased to thrice weekly. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio decreased with the increase in the ejaculation frequency. It was concluded that subjecting cocks to thrice weekly ejaculation yielded good quality semen while greatly reducing their stress levels and hence recommended for use in local chicken in view of improving their welfare.