title: Effect of lycopene on semen quality, fertility and native immunity of broiler breeder.
abstract: 1. The effect of drinking water supplementation with lycopene on the semen quality, fertility and immunity of broiler breeders was evaluated. 2. Broiler breeder males were individually caged from 25 to 42 weeks old and divided into two group: L group, treated birds (lycopene 0.5 g/l) and C group, control birds. Laying hens were divided into two groups and artificially inseminated. 3. Semen variables were evaluated and daily fertility recorded. Serum bactericidal activity was tested. 4. Semen production and viability were affected by lycopene supplementation. Serum bactericidal activity was better in L than in C group. The fertility rate curve of the L group displayed a positive trend.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Mangiagalli
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Martino
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Smajlovic
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guidobono Cavalchini
authors.forename: S P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Marelli
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000276:immunology*; D000077276:Lycopene; D008297:Male; D011897:Random Allocation; D012661:Semen / Q000276:immunology*; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D002338:Carotenoids; D000077276:Lycopene