Comparative Effects of Vitamin A and E Dietary Supplements on Semen Traits, Reproductive System Morphology and Vitamin Storage in Rooster

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of long-term vitamin A and E dietary supplements on the semen traits and morphology of the reproductive system in older roosters to prolong their reproductive contributions to the flock. The research revealed that long-term dietary supplementation of both vitamins A and E maintained the traits of the semen at levels significantly higher than in the control roosters. Vitamin A especially maintained ejaculate volume and semen density, while vitamin E protected semen motility and viability. Vitamin A treatment maintained the uniformity of the epididymal epithelium. No eroded areas were identified in this epithelium. Most epithelial cells were principal cells with uniform stereocilia. The connective tissue which lines the epididymal tubule of the vitamin A treated rooster was thinner than those of the roosters from the control. Vitamin E predominantly protected the structure of the spermatogenesis line. Liver tissue concentrations of vitamins A and E were two times and four times higher respectively than the control. The two vitamins were eliminated in increased quantities through the seminal plasma in supplemented roosters. No mutual inhibition or potentiating effects were found between the two vitamins, suggesting that their combined administration should be further analyzed.