Effect of vitamins, probiotics and protein on semen traits in post-molt male broiler breeders.
The study aimed to investigate the comparative effect of vitamins E and C, probiotics, lower than normal protein level and the combination of these treatments in male broiler breeders after Zn-induced molting. One hundred and eighty birds at 65 weeks of age were divided into six groups (five replicates per group) in a completely randomized block design. Birds were induced to molt by mixing zinc oxide in feed at the rate of 3000 mg/kg of feed. Upon completion of molting, birds were fed different supplements. One group was kept as a control, while the other groups were fed: vitamin E (100 IU/kg), vitamin C (500 IU/kg), probiotics (50 mg/L of water), lower dietary protein level (14%) or the combination of these treatments. Results revealed that vitamins (E and C) supplementation increased (P<0.05) semen volume, however, sperm motility and egg fertility were significantly higher only in vitamin E supplemented group compared to control. The dead sperm percentage decreased (P<0.05) in vitamin C fed group, whereas, sperm concentration did not differ (P>0.05) between the control and treated groups. The results validate the key role of antioxidant vitamins in male broiler breeders' fertility after Zn-induced molting.
Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Animal Husbandary and Veterinary Science, KP Agricultural University Peshawar, Pakistan.
R U
RU
Khan
Zia-ur
ZU
Rahman
I
I
Javed
F
F
Muhammad
D000818:Animals; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002645:Chickens / Q000378:metabolism*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D018978:Molting / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D019936:Probiotics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011897:Random Allocation; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology*
D004044:Dietary Proteins; D014810:Vitamin E; D001205:Ascorbic Acid