The present study was conducted to characterize the semen quality parameters in roosters of three genetic groups viz. Rhode Island Red (RIR), Punjab Red and RIR X local cross. The roosters for each genetic group were also evaluated for
fertility rate. There was no significant difference in color, pH and abnormalities among different genetic groups. RIR X local cross had significant higher (p less than 0.01) ejaculate volume (0.51±0.02 ml vs. 0.27±0.01 and 0.30±0.01ml), sperm
concentration (2804.70±114.61 vs. 1826.10±77.66 and 2133.50±81.18X106 sperms/ml), sperm motility % (66.60±2.12 vs. 55.38±1.82 and 51.95±1.84), sperm viability % (72.43±2.06 vs. 64.67±1.88 and 51.25±1.89) and HOST % (64.59±2.61 vs. 58.55±1.17 and
47.09±2.11) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively. Interestingly, RIR X local cross had significant lower (p less than 0.01) partially damaged sperm % (36.96±2.81 vs. 41.84±1.78 and 48.98±1.89) and fully damaged sperm % (14.15±3.39 vs. 26.27±1.93 and
31.25±2.46) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively indicating desirable performance. The fertility rate for RIR X local cross was also found to be higher than Punjab Red and RIR respectively. Sperm traits were significantly positively correlated among
groups with high correlation between fertility rate and sperm traits. It can be concluded that the selection of roosters on the basis of sperm function tests for artificial insemination may improve fertility rate and thereby may reduce maintenance
cost of large number of cocks.