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Semen extenders are liquid diluents that buffer sperm cells and preserve their fertilizing potentials. The commercial carbonated drink (CD) as an extender was evaluated on semen characteristics, fertility and hatchability in Yoruba ecotype chickens (YECs). The fructose of the CD was 1.52?0.05 mg/ml. Under the conditions of 370Celsius, 5% and 10% of CD were added to the egg yolk citrate solution to make 100%. Semen was obtained from ten matured Yoruba ecotype chicken cocks with an average weight of 1.8?0.2 kg. The semen was pooled in a test tube and added to the extenders for preservation at 0, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively, in a factorial design layout. Percentage motility of sperm cells was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 5% CD inclusion compared with 10% CD inclusion and control. Motility decreased with an increase in preservation time across the treatments. The percentage of dead sperm cells decreased (p<0.05) in 5% CD inclusion when compared with 10% CD inclusion and control. The sluggish sperm percentage increased significantly (p<0.05) with semen preservation time. Fertility and hatchability of eggs were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 5% CD inclusion. It was concluded that carbonated drinks at 5% inclusion in an extender could preserve cock sperm cells for 60 minutes with improved fertility and hatchability of eggs.

There is an increase in male infertility in Nigeria mostly due to abnormal seminal fluid which may be found in up to 60% of infertile male, resulting in a multi‐ factorial health related issues. This research evaluates the relationship between oral health and infertility in Nigeria men. A total of 43 men were recruited, grouped into 30 infertile men and 13 controls; aged 30 to 50 years, bio data and health related information were collected. Microbial spectrum of seminal and mouth swab was analysed, the following biochemical parameters: lipid profile, testosterone, prolactin, LH and FSH were analysed using serum samples. The average semen volume, concentration and motility of infertile group was significantly lower than the normal group, with a corresponding increase in abnormal spermatozoa morphology of the test group compared to the control (p<0.05). The spectra of bacteria revealed Staphylococcus aureus as the most common bacteria isolate in both the semen culture and the mouth swab of infertile candidates. The level of Testosterone was significantly decreased in the infertile men (Test) group, while the levels of Prolactin, FSH and LH were significantly increased. HDL showed a significant decrease in the test group compared to the control; however there is no significant difference in Creatinine and Urea level of both groups. The results did not confirm any mouth infection that has a direct correlation to infertility status of men; however, there is an increase in seminal fluid infections with decreasing sperm concentration, volume, motility and morphology. Hence, there is no direct association between mouth infection and male infertility.

Borassus aethiopum extract as a biological extender was evaluated on semen quality, fertility and hatchability in chickens under conditions of warm preservation at 37 o C. The extenders were prepared in 1:5 and 1:10 ratios (extract to normal saline) and preserved for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours respectively in a factorial design layout. There was no significant (p>0.05) effect of the extender on semen characteristics within 2 hours of preservation. However, motility (%) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced when the semen was preserved for more than 2 hours. Interactions between the extender ratios and the period of preservation were significant (p<0.05) for motility (%), dead and abnormal cells. Motility (%) was insignificantly (p>0.05) higher in the extender of 1:10 than in the extender of 1:5 and it was above 70%. Using the extender of 1:10 in the fertility and hatchability trial in a completely randomized design layout showed that fertility decreased, 95% in the 0hour treatment to 73% in the 4-hour treatment while hatchability decreased from 71.4% in the 0-hour treatment to 61.5% in the 4-hour treatment. It may be concluded that the Borassus aethiopum extract could be used to extend and preserve the semen of chickens for 3 hours providing good fertility and hatchability of eggs.