Effects of Dietary Energy on Semen Production, Fertility, Plasma Testosterone, and Carcass Composition of Broiler-Breeder Males in Cages

Abstract

One hundred-fifty broiler breeder males were raised to 17 wk of age in floor pens using standard procedures. The males were placed in individual cages at 18 wk of age in an environmentally controlled house and fed for recommended BW to 29 wk of age. At 30 wk of age, birds were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments. Diets consisted of 10% CP and 1,600, 2,000, 2,400, 2,800, or 3,200 kcal ME/kg feed (Groups 1600, 2000, 2400, 2800, and 3200, respectively). Birds were ejaculated twice weekly; semen characteristics, BW, and serum testosterone (T) were determined every 4 wk. Fertility determinations were made at 38 and 48 wk. At the end of the experiment (60 wk of age), body composition was measured. The percentage of body fat was reduced in Groups 1600, 2000, and 2400. Body weight, percentage of males producing semen, semen weight (SW), total spermatozoa per ejaculate (TS), and T were all reduced in Groups 1600 and 2000; semen concentration (SC) was reduced in Group 1600, compared to the other treatments. Group 2400 had the highest percentage of carcass protein; Groups 1600 and 3200, the lowest percentage. Body weight, percentage of protein, and percentage of fat were quadratically related to dietary energy. The T, SW, SC, and TS were linearly and positively related to the energy level.

Feeding management strategy for male broiler breeders and its effects on body weight, hatchability and fertility

“…In the present study, the dietary energy level of the rooster diet (treatment 2) was the same as that recommended by Rostagno et al (2011); however, Borges et al (2006a) suggested that a lower energy level (2,660 kcal ME/kg) should be applied. The results also show that body weight was directly and positively correlated with energy intake, as previously demonstrated by Sexton et al (1989). Excessive energy is mainly stored as body fat, increasing body weight and reducing both hatchability and fertility (Pearson & Herron, 1981;Leeson, 1999 andBorges et al, 2006a).…”

Escores de cloaca e de crista e morfometria testicular em galos de matriz pesada com 71 semanas de idade e três categorias de peso corporal

“…sexual secundária, com desenvolvimento dependente de testosterona (Zeller, 1971). Sexton et al (1989) mostraram que galos Ross que receberam maiores níveis de energia metabolizável na dieta apresentaram maiores concentrações séricas de testosterona. Possivelmente, galos da categoria pesado são dominantes na competição alimentar e mais eficientes na esteroidogênese.…”

Neuroendocrine and immune characteristics of aging in avian species

“…Calorie restriction or feed restriction is routinely used for commercial poultry to optimize productive lifespan and overall health, with precisely determined requirements for essential amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients (Miles and Leeson, 1990;Renema et al, 1994;Walsh and Brake, 1999). Ultimately, CR also enhances reproductive function and productivity, with more chicks hatched, and lower mortality (Sexton et al, 1989;Zuidhof et al, 1995). Therefore, CR has proven to be beneficial as long as essential nutrients, including minerals and vitamins, are adjusted in CR diets to compensate for quantity of feed.…”