Effect of age on semen quality in naked neck and dwarf chicken under tropical climatic conditions

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect of age on semen quality of naked neck and dwarf chicken lines under tropical climatic conditions. Semen collected by abdominal massage at 4-week intervals from 24 to 48 weeks of age was evaluated for different semen quality parameters. Except sperm concentration and appearance, all other parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the age of the birds. The semen volume, motility, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide dye reduction test and percentage of live sperm were significantly (P < 0.05) lower at 24 weeks of age compared with 40 weeks of age. At 24 weeks of age the dead sperm percentage was significantly (P < 0.05) high and with advancing age it decreased. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the gene lines for volume, appearance, motility, sperm concentration, and percentage of live and dead sperm. Except for sperm concentration, significant (P < 0.05) interaction between gene lines and age was observed in other parameters. In conclusion, semen quality was different between naked neck and dwarf line males and age affected semen quality of the gene lines studied in different manners.