Improvements in semen quality, sperm fatty acids, and reproductive performance in aged Cobb 500 breeder roosters fed diets containing dried ginger rhizomes (Zingiber officinale)

Abstract

Exposure to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acid predisposes spermatozoa to lipid peroxidation, resulting in their decreased fertility. Ginger powder (GP), which is high in antioxidative compounds, was fed to aged breeder roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Seventy-five 52-wk-old Cobb 500 breeder roosters randomly received either 0 (GP0), 15 (GP15), or 30 (GP30) g of GP/kg of diet for 14 consecutive wk, during which time their seminal characteristics were evaluated every 2 wk. At the end of the trial, semen samples were tested for determination of sperm fatty acid (FA) concentration and seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, sperm penetration was assayed, and using 225 artificially inseminated hens, fertility and hatchability rates were determined. Dietary GP improved sperm forward motility, live sperm percentage, and sperm plasma membrane integrity. These were associated with a decrease in the percentage of abnormal sperm. The seminal TBA reactive species concentration was lower in birds belonging to the GP30 treatment in comparison with those in the GP15 and GP0 treatments. The feeding of GP resulted in overall decreases and increases in sperm saturated and unsaturated FA, respectively. The n-6:n-3 FA ratio of sperm was decreased in the GP30 group in comparison with controls. The highest levels of sperm C20:4(n-6) and C22:6(n-3) FA were recorded in the GP15 and GP30 treatments, respectively. A higher percentage of sperm C22:4(n-6) FA was found in GP-fed roosters. Seminal plasma total antioxidant capacity was considerably improved by the GP15 and GP30 treatments. Further, a higher number of perivitelline membrane sperm penetration holes was recorded for the GP30 treatment in comparison with the GP15 and GP0 treatments. Interestingly, although hatchability, chick quality, and embryonic mortality were not affected by dietary treatment, fertility rate was improved by the feeding of GP. In conclusion, dietary GP improved most of the seminal characteristics evaluated in aged roosters of this study, suggesting that it has potential for use in attenuating age-related subfertility in senescent male commercial broiler breeders.

The influence of ginger (Zingiber officinale) on human sperm quality and DNA fragmentation: A double-blind randomized clinical trial

“…It is also medically used for its immunomodulatory, anti-tumorigenic, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxidant properties (11). In addition, it was found that Zingiber officinale is associated with a beneficial effect on male reproductive functions in rats, which confirmed by other studies on the increased sperm counts, motility, testosterone, and decreased malonhydialdehyde levels (12-16). …”

Effect of dietary antioxidant supplementation on reproductive characteristics of male broiler breeders during the post-peak production phase

“…Some physical factors, such as increase in body weight and breast size, limb traumas and muscle pain, and decrease in frequency of copulation, may be related to decreased fertility in older flocks and may have a larger effect on infertility than on oxidative stress (FRAGOSO et al, 2013). Akhlaghi et al (2014) also observed no effects of antioxidant supplementation on sperm concentration and viability.…”

“…Further, males without comb presented the lowest area and height of seminiferous epithelium and the smallest seminiferous tubule diameter, showing a correlation between the comb and the male reproductive system. According Akhlaghi et al (2014), although chickens may mate with several roosters and choose males based on a combination of multiple secondary sexual characteristics, comb size and color seem to be the most important characteristics for partner choice by chickens.…”

Effects of L-Arginine supplementation on semen quality, testosterone concentration and testes histological parameters of Ross 308 breeder roosters

“…Then, each sample was placed on a slide and the motility was evaluated by a light microscope. Motility was expressed as a percentage of spermatozoa progressively exhibiting moderate to rapid movement [1].…”

“…Breeders need to be kept under ideal conditions for maximum life of flock fertility. Several authors reported that environmental condition such as nutritional program has an important role on semen quality and reproductive performance of male broiler and layer breeders [1][2][3][4].…”