Comparative semen analysis of two Polish duck strains from a conservation programme

Abstract

Summary The experiment was conducted on 16 drakes, 8 from each of two Polish duck conservation flocks: crossbreds of Khaki Campbell ducks with Orpington fauve (KhO-01) and Miniducks (K2), developed by crossing low weight Pekin ducks with wild Mallard. The aim of the study was to determine and compare the semen quality parameters of birds maintained in small populations of genetic reserves since only high quality semen is suitable for procedures like artificial insemination and gene banking. A manual dorso-abdominal massage method was used for semen collection. Analysis included the following ejaculate traits: colour, consistence, volume, pH, sperm concentration, motility and morphology. Majority of ejaculates were white and had proper consistence. The ejaculates of KhO-01 were characterised by higher volume ( P < 0.01), than K2. Semen pH was slightly acidic in both breeds. Spermatozoa concentration differed significantly ( P < 0.05) between the examined strains and was higher in KhO-01 ejaculates. Motility rate did not differ significantly between strains. There was a higher ( P < 0.01) number of properly formed spermatozoa in KhO-01. Percentage of immature cells was significantly higher ( P < 0.01) in K2. The percentage of total live, bent neck and dead spermatozoa did not differ significantly between breeds. The Miniducks were characterised by lower semen quality parameters than crossbred ducks. Semen samples from both breeds were characterised by a high percentage of live spermatozoa, motility rate and concentration, which confirms their good quality. On the other hand, a high percentage of abnormal sperm can significantly decrease the fertilising potency of spermatozoa, which demands selection of donors for reproductive purposes.