Comparative analysis of semen quality parameters and their relationship with fertility in different genetic groups of layer chicken.

The present study was conducted to characterize the semen quality parameters in roosters of three genetic groups viz. Rhode Island Red (RIR), Punjab Red and RIR X local cross. The roosters for each genetic group were also evaluated for fertility rate. There was no significant difference in color, pH and abnormalities among different genetic groups. RIR X local cross had significant higher (p<0.01) ejaculate volume (0.51±0.02 ml vs. 0.27±0.01 and 0.30±0.01ml), sperm concentration (2804.70±114.61 vs. 1826.10±77.66 and 2133.50±81.18X106 sperms/ml), sperm motility % (66.60±2.12 vs. 55.38±1.82 and 51.95±1.84), sperm viability % (72.43±2.06 vs. 64.67±1.88 and 51.25±1.89) and HOST % (64.59±2.61 vs. 58.55±1.17 and 47.09±2.11) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively. Interestingly, RIR X local cross had significant lower (p<0.01) partially damaged sperm % (36.96±2.81 vs. 41.84±1.78 and 48.98±1.89) and fully damaged sperm % (14.15±3.39 vs. 26.27±1.93 and 31.25±2.46) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively indicating desirable performance. The fertility rate for RIR X local cross was also found to be higher than Punjab Red and RIR respectively. Sperm traits were significantly positively correlated among groups with high correlation between fertility rate and sperm traits. It can be concluded that the selection of roosters on the basis of sperm function tests for artificial insemination may improve fertility rate and thereby may reduce maintenance cost of large number of cocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]