Effect of Borassus aethiopum extract as a biological extender on semen characteristics, fertility and hatchability in chickens

Abstract

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.