Semen Quality Traits of Two Thai Native Chickens Producing a High and a Low of Semen Volumes

Simple Summary Smallholder farmers commonly encounter the problem of low fertility and hatchability after artificial insemination (AI). Because of that, they need to use the simple method as a tool to select potential cocks that could ensure high fertility in the breeding process. Our findings demonstrate that breeds are affected by sperm concentration. Thai roosters producing high semen volumes have superior sperm quality than those producing a low semen volume but not superior sperm viability. These findings suggest that the amount of semen production may be used as a tool in selecting Thai native roosters for breeding, especially for smallholder farmers who may not have access to specialized tools for semen evaluation. Semen quality traits such as semen volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, pH, and color are very important, since they can determine the fertility potential of the semen. The objective of this study was to compare the semen quality traits of Thai Native chickens (Pradu Hang Dam and Chee) producing high and low semen volume. Semen was collected from 24 roosters (12 reps) and divided into two groups of roosters producing high semen volume (>0.3 mL) and those producing a low amount of semen (<0.3 mL). Fresh semen quality parameters (semen volume, sperm motility, viability, concentration, and pH) were measured and compared between groups. It was found that semen volume showed a positive correlation with sperm concentration, mass movement, motility, viability, and pH of fresh semen. There was no significant difference in fresh semen parameters between Pradu Hang Dam and Chee roosters with either high or low ejaculate semen, except for sperm concentration. Sperm concentration was significantly higher in Chee compared with Pradu Hang Dam in both high and low ejaculate semen. The semen quality parameters between groups of chickens producing high and low ejaculate semen were significantly different except for sperm viability. In conclusion, it was found that chickens producing high volumes of semen have better sperm quality than those producing a low semen volume. Therefore, these results provide a possible consideration that the amount of semen production among chickens can be used as a tool in selecting Thai native roosters for breeding.

Automated summary

Smallholder farmers often face the problem of low fertility and hatchability after artificial insemination. This study found that the amount of semen production in Thai native roosters is correlated with sperm concentration and quality. Chickens producing higher semen volumes exhibit superior sperm quality compared to those producing lower volumes. These findings suggest that semen production could be used as a tool for selecting Thai native roosters for breeding, particularly for smallholder farmers who lack access to specialized semen evaluation tools.