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Summary
Broiler breeder males can be selected for reproduction as early as 11 weeks of age, with the experimental line showing slightly higher fertility. No significant differences were observed in hatchability or chicks produced per hen between the two lines.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Reproductive Biology
- Poultry Science
Background:
- Optimizing broiler breeder male selection is crucial for efficient poultry production.
- Understanding the onset of sexual maturity and fertility in different broiler lines is essential for breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the earliest age for selecting broiler breeder males based on viable sperm production.
- To compare the fertility, duration of fertility, hatchability, and chicks per hen between commercial and experimental broiler lines.
Main Methods:
- Individual evaluation of sexual maturity and fertility in two broiler breeder male lines.
- Collection of comparative data on fertility parameters over an 8-week period using pooled semen.
Main Results:
- Viable spermatozoa were produced by 9.1% of experimental and 6.8% of commercial males at 11 weeks of age.
- Duration of fertility was 10.5 days (experimental) and 8.8 days (commercial); fertility levels were 86.1% and 82.8%, respectively.
- No significant differences were found in fertility, hatchability, or chicks per hen between the lines over the 8-week period.
Conclusions:
- Broiler breeder males can be selected for reproduction at 11 weeks of age.
- The experimental line demonstrated a slightly longer duration of fertility and higher fertility rate.
- Both lines exhibited comparable reproductive performance regarding hatchability and overall chick production.