SEMEN QUALITY AND EGG HATCHABILITY IN LOCAL TURKEY FED DIETS CONTAINING MORINGA OLEIFERA AND GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM LEAF MEAL

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Semen quality and egg hatchability are crucial factors in determining the reproductive efficiency and success of turkey production. This study aimed to investigate the effects of diets containing Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal on semen quality and egg hatchability in local turkey breeds. A total of 60 mature local turkey toms were randomly divided into four groups and fed diets with varying concentrations of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal for a period of 16 weeks. Semen samples were collected weekly for analysis of volume, sperm concentration, motility, viability, and morphology. Egg hatchability was assessed by setting eggs from the experimental groups in an incubator. The results showed that the inclusion of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal in turkey diets had significant effects on semen quality and egg hatchability. Toms fed diets containing higher levels of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal exhibited improved semen quality parameters, including increased sperm concentration, motility, viability, and normal morphology. These improvements were attributed to the phytochemical compounds present in Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal, such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, which are known to have positive effects on reproductive health. Furthermore, the egg hatchability results demonstrated that eggs from toms fed diets with Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal had higher hatch rates compared to the control group. This suggests that the inclusion of these leaf meals in turkey diets not only enhances semen quality but also positively influences embryonic development and hatchability. The improved hatch rates can have significant economic implications for turkey producers by increasing the overall productivity and profitability of the operation. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that diets containing Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal have beneficial effects on semen quality and egg hatchability in local turkey breeds. The inclusion of these natural feed additives in turkey diets can serve as a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to enhance reproductive performance and overall production efficiency in turkey farming operations. Further research is warranted to explore the specific mechanisms by which these leaf meals exert their reproductive benefits and to optimize their inclusion levels in turkey diets for maximal results.