Relative Effectiveness of Management Techniques: Spiking and Intra-spiking on Broiler Breeder Production,...

The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of spiking and intra-spiking on mitigating the decline in fertility and hatchability associated with aging roosters in broiler breeder flocks.

A total of 162 Ross 308 strain birds were utilized, divided into six replicates, each consisting of nine individuals (eight hens and one cock). These replicates were randomly assigned to one of three management treatments: Group 1 (control group), group 2 (spiking group), or group 3 (intra-spiking group). Data were systematically collected from 42 to 62 weeks of age. Semen samples were obtained four times during the experimental period and evaluated for semen characteristics. Additionally, blood samples were supplied for quantifying concentrations of insulin, creatinine, testosterone, and nitric oxide. Following the experimental phase, each rooster was weighed and subsequently slaughtered, wherein testicular tissues were harvested for histological analysis. Fertility and hatchability rates were computed based on the collected data.

Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in semen characteristics among the experimental groups. However, the spiking group exhibited a statistically significant increase in testicular weight compared to the control and intra-spiking groups (P≤0.05). Furthermore, there were greater counts of spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa in the spiking group (P≤0.05). Conversely, the control group demonstrated elevated numbers of Sertoli cells, increased seminiferous duct diameters, and greater thickness of the germinal epithelium compared to the treatment groups (P≤0.05). The decline in fertility and hatchability rates associated with advancing age was less pronounced in the spiking group when compared to the other experimental groups. While concentrations of insulin and creatinine did not exhibit significant variations among the groups, testosterone and nitric oxide levels were significantly higher in the spiking group (P≤0.05).

The research findings indicate that spiking represents an effective strategy for maintaining fertility and enhancing hatchability rates in aged broiler flocks, as well as consequently increasing the economic profitability for broiler breeder producers.