The effect of dietary L-carnitine on semen traits of White Leghorns.
A previous study conducted in our laboratory showed that feeding 500 ppm of dietary L-carnitine to young and aging White Leghorns for 5 wk improved sperm concentration and reduced sperm lipid peroxidation during the last half of supplementation. The current study examined the effect of feeding dosimetric as well as lower levels of L-carnitine for longer durations on semen traits of White Leghorns. In experiments 1 and 2, White Leghorns consumed diets supplemented with 0, 125, 250, or 500 mg of L-carnitine/kg of feed. For experiment 1, an 8-wk trial was conducted with 48 White Leghorns from 46 to 54 wk of age. For experiment 2, a 17-wk trial was conducted with 96 White Leghorn roosters from 46 to 63 wk of age. For experiment 3, 84 roosters were provided for ad libitum consumption a diet formulated to contain 0 or 125 ppm of L-carnitine beginning at hatch until 37 wk of age. Long-term consumption of 125 ppm of L-carnitine beginning at hatch was the only dietary treatment that sustained a persistent increase in sperm concentration. These results suggest that L-carnitine's antioxidant influence on sperm production begins before the onset of sexual maturity.
Zhai
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Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Neuman
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SL
Latour
M A
MA
Hester
P Y
PY
D000375:Aging; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000032:analysis; D000824:Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D000818:Animals; D002331:Carnitine / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000502:physiology*; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000187:drug effects*
D002331:Carnitine