SEMEN TRAITS OF NOILER COCKS FED DIFFERENT DIETARY PROTEIN AND ENERGY LEVELS

Abstract

In a study to assess the influence of dietary protein and energy levels on semen traits of noiler cocks, 18 cocks were randomly selected across the treatment groups comprising of 3 dietary protein (17%, 19% 21%) and 2 energy (2800kcal/kg ME, 3000kcal/kg ME) levels at 32 weeks of age (32 WOA) and 40 weeks of age (40 WOA). Body weights of the cocks were recorded at each period of collection and semen samples were collected by the double handed massage method and evaluated for appearance, volume, motility, sperm concentration and morphology using standard laboratory procedures. Data collected were analysed in a 3 x 2 factorial design in a completely randomized model. Results obtained revealed that at 32 weeks of age, neither dietary protein nor energy levels had significant (p>0.05) effects on body weight, semen volume, morphology and abnormality. However, motility was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by dietary protein level. At 40 weeks of age, body weight, semen volume, head-tohead and tail abnormalities were not affected (p>0.05) by dietary protein levels. Sperm concentration (at both 32 and 40 WOA) and morphology (40 WOA) improved (p<0.05) at 3000 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. It is concluded that dietary crude protein as low as 17% and energy levels between 2800 and 3000 kcal/kg ME can provide adequate nutrients to support semen production in noiler cocks up to 40 weeks of age.