Project Abstract

Abstract
In turkey production, the use of diluents in semen preservation is a critical aspect that can influence the viability and fertility of semen post-insemination. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different diluents, age of semen, and insemination doses on the viability and fertility of turkey semen. The experiment was designed to evaluate three different diluents Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), Lactose-egg yolk (LEY), and Aloe vera-gelatin (AVG). Semen samples were collected from 12 to 68-week-old Nicholas turkey to examine the impact of semen age on semen quality. Additionally, three different insemination doses were used 0.05 mL, 0.1 mL, and 0.2 mL to assess the effect of varying insemination volumes on fertility outcomes. The results indicated that the type of diluent used significantly affected the post-thaw viability and fertility of turkey semen. Semen samples diluted in BPSE demonstrated superior post-thaw sperm motility and fertility rates compared to samples diluted in LEY and AVG. This suggests that the composition of the diluent plays a crucial role in preserving the quality of turkey semen during storage. Furthermore, the age of the semen showed a negative correlation with sperm motility and fertility, with younger semen samples exhibiting higher viability and fertility rates compared to older samples. This highlights the importance of using fresh semen for optimal fertility outcomes in turkey insemination programs. In terms of insemination doses, the study revealed that the volume of semen inseminated significantly impacted fertility rates. Turkey hens inseminated with 0.1 mL of semen exhibited the highest fertility rates compared to those inseminated with 0.05 mL or 0.2 mL. This suggests that an optimal insemination dose is crucial for maximizing fertility outcomes in turkey breeding programs. Overall, the findings of this study underscore the importance of selecting the appropriate diluent, utilizing fresh semen, and optimizing insemination doses to enhance the viability and fertility of turkey semen. These findings can be valuable for turkey producers and researchers seeking to improve reproductive efficiency and genetic selection in turkey breeding programs.

Project Overview

An investigation was conducted with a total of one hundred and fifty(150) semen samples collected randomly from six (6) toms and one thousandthree hundred and fifty eggs (1350) from forty-five (45) hens to evaluate theeffect of diluents, age of semen and insemination doses on viability and fertilityof turkey semen preserved at ambient temperature. Results of the work revealedthat the semen qualities of those toms used for the work were not statisticallydifferent (P>0.05). The rate of semen survival per hour shows that in diluent(DIII) containing coconut milk a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in ratesof survival of sperm during the 8 hour period was observed. Other diluentspreserved sperm for a reasonable period of time, diluent (D0) lasted for 4 hrs,DI lasted for 5 hrs whereas DII also sustained survival of sperm for above 6hrs before the sharp decline. The level of fertility recorded in all the diluentsusing different dosages showed that diluent D0 containing 0.2ml recorded the

highest yield.

The overall result in this case showed a highly significantdifference (P<0.01). In the aspect of hatchability, diluent DI produced thehighest number of chicks valued 63.48+8.27% .Significantly higher (P<0.01)hatch of fertile eggs and eggs set was obtained from hens inseminated withsemen diluted in DIII than other diluents. From the work, it is evident thatmetabolizable substrates containing coconut milk and other diluents usedproved efficient. The results show that careful improvement and utilization ofthose local and affordable diluents would enhance turkey semen preservation and artificial insemination practice in our local environment.

An investigation was conducted with a total of one hundred and fifty(150) semen samples collected randomly from six (6) toms and one thousandthree hundred and fifty eggs (1350) from forty-five (45) hens to evaluate theeffect of diluents, age of semen and insemination doses on viability and fertilityof turkey semen preserved at ambient temperature. Results of the work revealedthat the semen qualities of those toms used for the work were not statisticallydifferent (P>0.05). The rate of semen survival per hour shows that in diluent(DIII) containing coconut milk a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in ratesof survival of sperm during the 8 hour period was observed. Other diluentspreserved sperm for a reasonable period of time, diluent (D0) lasted for 4 hrs,DI lasted for 5 hrs whereas DII also sustained survival of sperm for above 6hrs before the sharp decline. The level of fertility recorded in all the diluentsusing different dosages showed that diluent D0 containing 0.2ml recorded the

highest yield.

The overall result in this case showed a highly significantdifference (P<0.01). In the aspect of hatchability, diluent DI produced thehighest number of chicks valued 63.48+8.27% .Significantly higher (P<0.01)hatch of fertile eggs and eggs set was obtained from hens inseminated withsemen diluted in DIII than other diluents. From the work, it is evident thatmetabolizable substrates containing coconut milk and other diluents usedproved efficient. The results show that careful improvement and utilization ofthose local and affordable diluents would enhance turkey semen preservation

and artificial insemination practice in our local environment.