Cockerel Chicks Research Articles

Phytochemical Screening and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Henna Leaves (Lawsonia inermis)

In traditional West African setting, plants are commonly used for cosmetic and medicinal benefits such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiparasitic effect of which Henna (Lawsonia inermis), a natural occurring plant of the lythraceae family is not an exception. A preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening and anti-inflammatory properties of Lawsonia inermis leaves extracted with N-butanol and ethyl acetate was investigated. Standard analytical procedures were observed, and statistical analysis using ANOVA version 20.0 was conducted to analyze for mean ± standard deviation (SD) and the least significant difference (LSD) obtained from the study. Results revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, cyanogenic and cardiac glycosides; while In vivo anti-inflammatory activity wasobserved on a week old cockerel chicks induced carrageenan inflammation post extract administration, using aspirin tablet as control. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract as portrayed could be attributed to the plants rich phytochemical potential.

Research Note: Evaluation of acute oral toxicity of povidone-iodine in cockerels using the up-and-down procedure

Povidone-iodine (Polidine) is a synthetic broad-spectrum antiseptic and being applied topically to treat wounds and prevent their infection. It is however used by poultry farmers, field veterinarians, and other animal health workers with the claim that it is effective for treatment of infectious bursal disease when administered orally. Hence, an acute oral toxicity study was conducted to ascertain its safety profile. Ten cockerel chicks were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups of 5 chicks per group. One group served as the negative control, whereas the other group was administered povidone-iodine at a dose of 2,000 mg/kg of BW orally. The blood sample was collected at the end of the study to determine changes in hematological and biochemical parameters. In addition, vital organs were also harvested and preserved for histopathological examinations. The result showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) of the povidone-iodine is higher than 2,000 mg/kg of BW in cockerels. There were no significant changes in the hematological parameters measured. Biochemical evaluation (renal and liver function test) showed an increase in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels after administration of povidone-iodine. The study indicated that the LD50 of povidone-iodine is higher than 2,000 mg/kg of BW of cockerels, and there were increases in urinary and liver enzymes at this dose.

Short Communication: Investigating woody breast disease and broiler chicken activity using an automated tracking software program

ABSTRACT Objective This research quantified the effect of woody breast disease (WBD) presence and severity on activity in broilers. Materials and Methods Broiler cockerel chicks (n = 27) were enrolled over 2 periods and individually housed. Video data were collected continuously from 21 to 55 d of age. Behavior was analyzed over a 4-h interval using EthoVision XT automated tracking software to quantify total activity. Birds were slaughtered at 55 d of age and assigned a woody breast severity score (0–2) based on manual palpation and visual observation. Results and Discussion Of the 25 birds that survived for the duration of the study, 6 birds were assigned a severity score of 0 (no evidence of WBD), 14 a severity score of 1 (firm focal lesions), and 5 a severity score of 2 (diffuse firmness of the entire pectoralis major muscle). Neither WBD presence nor severity had an effect on total activity (P > 0.05). In the present study, no effect of WBD on activity was detected using an automated tracking software program for behavior quantification. However, limitations of the software and the potential presence of microscopic lesions in birds with a severity score of 0 may be contributing to this outcome. Implications and Applications Although WBD has significant financial implications for the poultry industry, limited research has evaluated the effect of WBD on bird welfare and behavior. Future studies should measure a more diverse set of behaviors while also analyzing muscle histology to better elucidate any associations between WBD and behavior.

The effect of a Local isolate and Houghton strain of Eimeria tenella on clinical and growth parameters following challenge in chickens vaccinated with IMMUCOX® and LIVACOX® vaccines.

Coccidiosis, a parasitic infection caused by one or more of the numerous species of Eimeria is recognised as the disease that has severe economic impact on poultry production. In an experiment to determine the effect of vaccination on the infection with a Local isolate and Houghton strain of Eimeria tenella (E. tenella). Ninety (90) day-old Dominant black cockerel chicks of D109 strain were randomly divided into nine groups (A-I). Two commercially available anti-coccidial vaccines-Livacox® (Biopharm, Czech Republic) and Immucox® (Vetech, Ontario, Canada) were used to immunize the chicks. Immunization was done at 5days-old by oral gavage and infection was carried out with 1.7 × 104 E. tenella of either Houghton strain or a field (Local) isolate at 4-weeks old. Six (6) days post-challenge, generalized pallor, moderate bloody diarrhea, slight reduction in feed intake and weight gain characterized the infected groups. There is a significant difference (p < 0.05) in packed cell volume of group B, unvaccinated and infected with Houghton strain of E. tenella and group E vaccinated with Livacox® and infected with Houghton strain. The Immunogenicity of Livacox® and Immucox® was determined primarily on the ability of the vaccinated chickens to overcome the effect of the virulent challenge by E. tenella including blood loss, reduction in feed intake and feed conversion and weight loss. The two anticoccidial vaccines used in this experiment were effective in varying degrees especially with the local isolate.

128 Additional dietary DL-methionine affects tissue redox and inflammation status of broiler chicks in response to high stocking density

Abstract We determined if 30% extra supplemental DL-methionine affected oxidative and inflammatory responses of broilers stocked at a high density. A total of 560 day-old male Cornish cockerel chicks were divided into 4 groups: 2 stocking densities (2.9 and 3.8 kg/ft2) and 2 methionine supplementations (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Chicks were fed the same corn-soy starter diet and then respective experimental diets (grower: 6.4 g SAA/kg, finisher: 5.9 g SAA/kg, n = 10 pens/treatment). Blood and tissues (3 chicks/pen) were sampled at the end of each period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The high density elevated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) glutathione concentration in the plasma, breast, and thigh of growers, but decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) it in the liver of growers and thigh of finishers. The high methionine elevated (P &amp;lt; 0.05) glutathione concentration in the thigh at both ages. There were interactions (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between dietary methionine and stocking density on activities of antioxidant enzymes including GST in 2 or more tissues at both ages and GPX and SOD in the thigh of growers. Hepatic expression of inflammation-related gene IL-6 was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by the high density, while heat shock protein genes HSP70 and HSP90 were decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by the high methionine. Expression of stress-related genes TNFα and JNK was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) by a combined high methionine and density treatment. The high methionine decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) finisher thigh and breast malondialdehyde concentrations and grower plasma glucose concentrations. Neither the density nor the methionine supplementation affected concentrations of plasma ferric reducing ability, serum amyloid A, and corticosterone or hepatic protein carbonyl. In conclusion, the high stocking density showed bilateral effects on the redox and inflammatory responses of broilers. Supplemental extra methionine modulated some of those effects.

125 Supplementing extra dietary DL-methionine mitigates effects of higher stocking density on growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broiler chicks

Abstract This study was to determine if 30% extra supplemental DL-methionine could improve growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broilers stocked at a high density. A total of 560 day-old male Cornish cockerel chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups: 2 stocking densities (2.9 and 3.8 kg/ft2) and 2 supplementations of DL-methionine (grower: 2.90 or 3.77 g/kg and finisher: 2.60 or 3.38 g/kg). Chicks were fed the same corn-soybean meal-based starter diet and then experimental diets (grower: 6.4 g SAA/kg, finisher: 5.9 g SAA/kg, n = 10 pens/treatment). Growth performance and mortality were recorded, and blood and tissue samples (3 chicks/pen) were collected at the end of each period. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA. High stocking density decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW and (or) ADG of growers and finishers. Both high stocking density and methionine decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADFI and the high methionine improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) feed use efficiency of chicks during the grower-finisher period. Neither treatment affected feather coverage, mortality, incidences of diseases, or dressing percentage. The high methionine improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) meat to bone ratio of thigh, and exerted mixed effects (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on texture of breast and thigh. Dietary methionine and stocking density showed no major effects on tissue lipid profiles, but moderate effects (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and(or) triglycerides of chicks. Fatty acid profiles in the liver and breast of chicks were unaffected by either treatment. The two treatments enhanced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) tibial maximum breaking strength (15–20%) and plasma alkaline phosphatase activity of growers. In conclusion, the high stocking density affected growth performance, meat quality, and health status of broilers. Supplementing 30% extra dietary methionine seemed to mitigate some of those effects. (Supported in part by Evonik Nutrition &amp; Care GmbH, Germany)

Supplemental methionine exerted chemical form-dependent effects on antioxidant status, inflammation-related gene expression, and fatty acid profiles of broiler chicks raised at high ambient temperature1.

This study was to explore metabolic effects of two forms and concentrations of supplemental methionine in grower and finisher diets for broiler chickens raised at high temperature. Male Cornish cockerel chicks (total = 360, day-old) were divided into four groups (10 pens/treatment, 9 chicks/pen) and fed with 100% or 130% required methionine in the diets as DL-methionine (DL-MET) or 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)butanoate (HMTBA). The room was maintained at 4 to 13 °C above the suggested thermoneutral temperature. The higher concentration of both DL-MET and HMTBA enhanced (P < 0.05) hepatic GSH concentrations of the growers and plasma ferric reducing ability of the finishers. The DL-MET-fed growers had greater (P < 0.05%) muscle GSH and hepatic unsaturated fatty acid concentrations than those fed HMTBA. Expression of inflammation-related genes in the liver of finishers was affected (P < 0.05) by interaction effects of the methionine form and concentration. In conclusion, effects of the extra methionine supplementation on the high ambient temperature-related metabolic responses of broilers varied with their age and(or) tissue and the methionine form.

Effect of Garlic Supplementation in the Diets of Cockerel Chicks on Performance and Economy of Production

A feeding trail was conducted to determine the effect of garlic supplementation (0,1.5,3.0 and 4.5%) in the diet of 240 day old cockerel chicks on growth performance, economy of production, nutrients digestibility, hematological and serum indices, four treatments with 3 replicates each of 20 birds each were adopted in a complete randomized design. The four diets used were almost isocaloric and isonitrogenous,while data collected were subjected to ANOVA. The diets had comparable levels of nutrients, initial body weight (90.0 g), daily weight gain per bird (6.02 ± 0.39 g), and fuel conversion ratio (5.43 ± 0.5 g), while the daily fuel intake per board was significantly (P&lt;0.05) varied and least at 4.5% inclusion level, with corresponding highest (#25,489) profitability and best (P&lt;0.05) digestibility of crude protein, NFE and ether extract. Highest (P&lt;0.05) PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC and lymphocyte was obtained at 4.5% level of inclusion, with corresponding high level of plateles and significantly (P&lt;0.05) depressed urea (3.13 g/dl). The use of garlic in cockerel chicks’ nutrition up to 4.5% is beneficial, for the enhancement of growth, digestibility wellbeing and profitability.

A Comparative Study of Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality Traits of Breast Muscle Between Broiler and Cockerel Chicken

A Comparative Study of Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality Traits of Breast Muscle Between Broiler and Cockerel Chicken

Rendimiento del crecimiento y perfil de la sangre de gallos jóvenes por la administración del champiñón ostra (Ostreatus pleurotus) en agua y alimento

Este estudio investigó el rendimiento del crecimiento y el perfil sanguíneo de 240 gallos jóvenes expuestos a diferentes niveles de champiñón ostra (Pleurotus ostreatus Jacq ex fr.) en agua y piensos durante 12 semanas. Las aves fueron criadas durante 3 semanas y posteriormente subdivididas en ocho grupos de tratamiento siguiendo un diseño experimental factorial de 2 x 4 consistente en 2 vías de administración (agua y piensos) cada una a 4 niveles de inclusión (0, 5, 10 y 15 ml/litro de agua y 0 , 500, 750 y 1000 ppm, respectivamente). Cada tratamiento contenía 30 aves con tres repeticiones de 10 aves cada una. Los datos obtenidos fueron sometidos a un diseño completamente aleatorio. Las aves en 1000 ppm y 15 ml de niveles de inclusión de champiñones ostra en pienso y agua, respectivamente, tuvieron el mayor peso final (P &lt; 0.05) y aumento de peso, y las mejores proporciones de conversión de alimento de 3,16 y 3,19, respectivamente. El PCV, HB, RBC, la proteína total y la globulina de los gallos jóvenes resultaron los más altos (P &lt; 0.05) en la inclusión champiñón de ostra en 10 ml en un litro de agua. El colesterol total, los triglicéridos, el LDL y el VLDL fueron los más bajos (P &lt; 0.05) en los gallos jóvenes a la inclusión de 1000 ppm de champiñón ostra en la alimentación. Los gallos jóvenes, tras la inclusión de 15 ml y 750 ppm de champiñón ostra en agua y en alimentación, respectivamente registraron el HDL más alto (49,50 mg/dL). Se concluyó que la administración de champiñones ostra en agua y piensos a 15 ml/litro y 750 ppm, respectivamente, podría adoptarse en la producción de pollos de gallo para mejorar el rendimiento del crecimiento y el perfil sanguíneo.

Consumers’ Perspective on Dual‐purpose Chickens as Alternative to the Killing of Day‐old Chicks

The usage of dual‐purpose chicken breeds – a chicken breed which provides meat and eggs at the same time is one of the discussed alternatives to prevent cockerel chicks of laying hens from being killed for economic reasons. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse consumers’ perspective on dual‐purpose chickens. To get an insight into consumers’ perspective, we initially conducted six focus groups with German consumers focussing on their chicken meat and egg preferences, perception of chicken farming and attitudes towards dual‐purpose chicken breeds. The results show that most of the participants were aware of the killing of day‐old chicks. However, alternatives were scarcely known. After giving the participants information about dual‐purpose chickens, they were generally in favour of this chicken breed. Some participants raised concerns regarding the economic efficiency and the higher product prices. For others, ethical values predominated. All in all, the results demonstrate that the discussants have specific expectations regarding the husbandry conditions but also regarding the product characteristics and the labelling of dual‐purpose chickens.

Consumers’ Perspective on Dual-Purpose Chickens

The usage of dual-purpose chicken breeds is one of the discussed alternatives to prevent cockerel chicks of laying hens from being killed for economic reasons. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyse consumers’ perspective on dual-purpose chickens. To get an insight into the consumers’ perspective, we initially conducted six focus groups with German citizens focussing on chicken meat and egg preferences, perception of chicken farming and attitudes towards dual-purpose chicken breeds. The results show that most of the participants were aware of the killing of day-old chicks. However, alternatives were scarcely known. After giving the participants information about the dual-purpose chicken, they were generally in favour of this chicken breed. Some participants raised concerns regarding the economic efficiency and the higher product prices. For others, ethical values predominated. All in all, the results demonstrate that the discussants have specific expectation regarding a dual-purpose chicken.

Ensiled Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Peel and Caged Layers’ Manure Mixture as Energy Source in Cockerel Starter Diet

This research was carried out in which dried cassava peel and dried caged layers’ manure mixed in ratio 5:1 (w/w) was ensiled for 14 days and the mixture used to partially replace maize, an expensive energy source in broiler diets in most developing countries at 0%, 25% and 50% dietary inclusion levels. Feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were monitored for the 28 day period of the trial. Proximate composition of cassava peel meal, poultry manure, fermented cassava peel and dried caged layer manure and the experimental diets were carried out. The results showed that ensiled cassava peels meal evaluated improved some performance indices and positively enhanced nutrient digestibility in cockerel chickens. Therefore, ensiled mixture of cassava peel and caged layers’ manure (ECPCLM) in cockerel starter diet at 50% dietary level support good energy, enhanced gain in eviscerated weight and reasonable cost per kilogramme flesh gained at the starter phase. It is suggested that the nutritive value for cockerels using ensiled cassava peels can be improved.

Interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks.

The interaction effect of whole wheat feeding and mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on growth performance, haematological indices and caecal microbiota of cockerel chicks were investigated using 250-day-old cockerel chicks previously reared for 7 days pre-experimental period. Birds were fed with commercial chick mash during the pre-experimental period. At the expiration of this period, 192 chicks were selected on weight equalization basis and assigned into 24 pens. Each treatment consisted of six pens, while each pen housed eight birds. Four wheat-soya bean-based experimental diets were formulated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diets having two wheat forms (ground and whole wheat grain) each supplemented or not with 1 g/kg MOS/kg feed. Whole wheat feeding (irrespective of MOS supplementation) showed reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake. Birds fed whole wheat diet supplemented with MOS recorded the highest (p < 0.01) final live weight, weight gain and the best (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio. Haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and red blood cell count of the chicks were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatment. However, dietary supplementation with MOS resulted in increased (p < 0.05) WBC counts. The caecum content of chicks fed with MOS-supplemented whole wheat diets recorded the least (p < 0.01) salmonella counts. In conclusion, combination of whole wheat feeding and MOS supplementation showed improved growth performance, gut microbiota and indications of improved health status of cockerel chicks.

Genetic response of growing cockerels to sorghum offal substitute for sorghum meal in a research environment

One hundred and fifty (150) Day old Anak cockerel chicks were used in this study, to evaluate the effect of feeding Sorghum Offal (SO) in the bird's performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics. They were distributed into five dietary treatments, with varied levels of weight for weight replacement (2, 3, 4, and 5 contained 15, 35, 55 and 75 % sorghum offal in place of sorghum meal) respectively. While treatment 1 with zero replacement serving as control. The response of the birds, in terms of feed intake weight gained, feed conversion efficiency, and apparent nutrient digestibility and retention were determined. The organ weights and weight of cut parts were also recorded. The result showed that weight of organs such as spleen, heart, liver, kidney and proventriculus increased significantly across the row. The study indicated that the substitution of sorghum offal for sorghum meal at levels up to 35 % can be tolerated by cockerel chicks. KEYWORDS : Nutrient utilization, digestibility, Sorghum offal, carcass characteristics, performance, response.

Mortality and Pathology Associated with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 Outbreaks in Commercial Poultry Production Systems in Nigeria.

Commercial layer-type, pullet, cockerel, and broiler chicken flocks infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Nigeria between 2006 and 2008 were investigated for morbidity, mortality, and pathology. Of the one hundred and fifty-three (153) farms confirmed with HPAI infection, one hundred and twenty-seven (127) were layer-type farms, nine (9) were pullet and broiler farms each, and eight (8) were cockerel rearing farms. This study revealed the morbidity and mortality of a total of 939,620 commercial layer chickens, 16,421 pullets, 3,109 cockerels, and 6,433 broilers. Mortality rates were 11.11% in commercial layers, 26.84% in pullets, 45.51% in cockerels, and 73.92% in broilers in a total of eighteen (18) states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. A total of 316 carcasses were examined of which 248 were commercial layer, 25 were pullet, 14 were cockerel, and 29 were broiler. Main clinical and pathologic findings were observed in the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, integumentary, musculoskeletal, hemopoietic, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems and, occasionally, lesions were generally nonspecific and multisystemic. Lesions occurred more frequently, severely, and in most of the carcasses examined, irrespective of chicken type.

Osteometric Effects of Surgical Caponisation on Some Long Bones in Cockerel Chickens

The study was conducted to assess the osteometric effects of surgical caponisation on long bones of cockerel chickens. Sixty- (60-) day-old chicks were distributed into two experimental groups with thirty (30) cockerels per group. The birds were caponised at eight (8) weeks of age. The mean of final body weights of caponized groups was significantly higher (P≤0.05) than the uncaponised group. The weights of all long bones measured as well as lengths between the two groups were not statistically different (P&gt;0.05) from one another except the weight of femur of the caponized group and the lengths of tibia and tarsometatarsus (P&lt;0.05) that differed significantly from one another (P&lt;0.05). All the proximal, midshaft, and distal diameters of all the long bones measured between the two groups were not statistically different (P&gt;0.05) from one another except the midshaft diameter of ulna that was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in caponized group. It was concluded that caponisation of cockerel chickens at eight (8) weeks of age has no significant osteometric effects (P&gt;0.05) on almost all the long bones studied when they were normalised to the final body weights.

Comparative efficacy of Diazepam, Ketamine, and Diazepam-Ketamine combination for sedation or anesthesia in cockerel chickens

The comparative efficacy of Diazepam, Ketamine, and Ketamine-Diazepam combination was assessed in adult chickens. The chickens (n=30) were divided into three equal groups (G-1, G-2 and G-3), and were administered with Diazepam dosed at 0.5 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.), Ketamine HCL dosed at 20 mg/kg b.wt., and Ketamine HCL (dosed at 10 mg/kg b.wt.) combined with Diazepam (dosed at 2 mg/kg b.wt.) through intramuscular (IM) route. The means of induction period, duration of sedation or anesthesia, full recovery period and duration of analgesia were significantly (p≤0.05) differed among the groups. Also, the clinical and hematological parameters measured before and after the sedation or anesthesia within the groups were found to be differed significantly (p≤0.05) from each other. It was concluded that Diazepam dosed at 0.5 mg/kg b.wt. (IM) can be used in cockerels. However, combination of Ketamine (at 10 mg/kg IM)-Diazepam (at 2 mg/kg b.wt. IM) is preferably recommended as this combination is comparatively safer, and minimizes the pains elicited from the surgical procedure of using Diazepam alone.

Effects of surgical caponisation on growth, carcass and some haematological parameters in cockerel chickens

The study was conducted to assess the effects of surgical caponisation on growth, carcass and some haematological parameters in cockerel chickens. Sixty (60) apparently healthy day old chicks were randomly distributed into two experimental groups (caponised and un-caponised) of thirty (30) cockerels each. The birds were caponised at the age of eight (8) weeks old and slaughtered at sixteen (16) weeks of age. The means of weekly weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio and final body weight in the two groups were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) except the mean of final body weight that was significantly different (p.0.05). The mean weights of carcass, eviscerated carcass, hind-limb and fore-limb of the two groups were significantly different (p.0.05) while that of the breast was not significantly different (p&gt;0.05). The mean weights of the heart, liver and gizzard of the two groups were significantly different (p.0.05) however the mean weight of the kidney was not (P&gt;0.05). All the mean values of Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemoglobin Content (HBC) and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) in the two groups were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) however the White Blood Cells (WBC) was significantly different (p.0.05). It was concluded that the surgical caponisation of cockerel chickens at eight (8) weeks of age has significant effects on the growth and carcass traits (p.0.05) except on kidney (p&gt;0.05) and has no significant effects on the haematological parameters (p&gt;0.05) except on WBC (p.0.05).Keywords: Caponisation, Carcass, Cockerel, Growth, Haematological.

Growth Performance of Cockerels Administered Crude Follicular and Testicular Fluids

This Study was conducted to assess the performance of cockerels administered crude follicular and testicular fluids. Two hundred (200) day old Hyaline white cockerel chicks were randomly assigned to five different treatments namely control (T1), 0.5mls follicular fluid (T2), 25% testicular fluid (T3), 0.25ml follicular fluid (T4) and 20% testicular fluid (T5).The study which lasted for 16 weeks involved the feeding of chicks in all the treatments with similar diet and water ad libitum. Testicular and follicular fluids were administered orally from the second to the twelfth week. Parameters measured included live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and comb length and height across the treatments. The results showed that the administration of testicular and follicular fluids at 20% and 0.25ml respectively would help boost the feed conversion ratio of cockerels.