Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different diluents, the age of semen, and varying insemination doses on the viability and fertility of turkey semen. Three diluents were used in the experiment Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender (BPSE), Tselutin diluent, and a combination of BPSE and Tselutin (5050). The semen samples were collected from 24-week-old turkey toms, and were grouped according to three age categories young (24-30 weeks), prime (31-37 weeks), and old (38-44 weeks). Insemination doses of 0.05 mL, 0.1 mL, and 0.2 mL were used in the study. The results indicated that the type of diluent significantly affected the viability and fertility of turkey semen. The combination of BPSE and Tselutin diluents (5050) showed the highest sperm motility and viability compared to the other diluents. The age of the semen also played a crucial role in determining the quality of the sperm. Semen from young toms (24-30 weeks) exhibited higher sperm motility and fertility rates compared to prime and old toms. Furthermore, the insemination dose had a significant impact on the fertility rates, with the 0.1 mL insemination dose showing the highest fertility rates compared to the other doses. In conclusion, the findings from this study highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate diluent, considering the age of the semen, and determining the optimal insemination dose for maximizing the viability and fertility of turkey semen. These factors are crucial in the artificial insemination process in turkeys, as they directly influence the success rates of fertilization. Further research is needed to explore the underlying mechanisms behind the effects of diluents, age of semen, and insemination doses on turkey semen quality, with the ultimate goal of improving breeding strategies and reproductive efficiency in turkey production.

Thesis Overview

An investigation was conducted with a total of one hundred and fifty(150) semen samples collected randomly from six (6) toms and one thousandthree hundred and fifty eggs (1350) from forty-five (45) hens to evaluate theeffect of diluents, age of semen and insemination doses on viability and fertilityof turkey semen preserved at ambient temperature. Results of the work revealedthat the semen qualities of those toms used for the work were not statisticallydifferent (P>0.05). The rate of semen survival per hour shows that in diluent(DIII) containing coconut milk a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in ratesof survival of sperm during the 8 hour period was observed. Other diluentspreserved sperm for a reasonable period of time, diluent (D0) lasted for 4 hrs,DI lasted for 5 hrs whereas DII also sustained survival of sperm for above 6hrs before the sharp decline. The level of fertility recorded in all the diluentsusing different dosages showed that diluent D0 containing 0.2ml recorded the

highest yield.

The overall result in this case showed a highly significantdifference (P<0.01). In the aspect of hatchability, diluent DI produced thehighest number of chicks valued 63.48+8.27% .Significantly higher (P<0.01)hatch of fertile eggs and eggs set was obtained from hens inseminated withsemen diluted in DIII than other diluents. From the work, it is evident thatmetabolizable substrates containing coconut milk and other diluents usedproved efficient. The results show that careful improvement and utilization ofthose local and affordable diluents would enhance turkey semen preservation and artificial insemination practice in our local environment.

An investigation was conducted with a total of one hundred and fifty(150) semen samples collected randomly from six (6) toms and one thousandthree hundred and fifty eggs (1350) from forty-five (45) hens to evaluate theeffect of diluents, age of semen and insemination doses on viability and fertilityof turkey semen preserved at ambient temperature. Results of the work revealedthat the semen qualities of those toms used for the work were not statisticallydifferent (P>0.05). The rate of semen survival per hour shows that in diluent(DIII) containing coconut milk a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in ratesof survival of sperm during the 8 hour period was observed. Other diluentspreserved sperm for a reasonable period of time, diluent (D0) lasted for 4 hrs,DI lasted for 5 hrs whereas DII also sustained survival of sperm for above 6hrs before the sharp decline. The level of fertility recorded in all the diluentsusing different dosages showed that diluent D0 containing 0.2ml recorded the

highest yield.

The overall result in this case showed a highly significantdifference (P<0.01). In the aspect of hatchability, diluent DI produced thehighest number of chicks valued 63.48+8.27% .Significantly higher (P<0.01)hatch of fertile eggs and eggs set was obtained from hens inseminated withsemen diluted in DIII than other diluents. From the work, it is evident thatmetabolizable substrates containing coconut milk and other diluents usedproved efficient. The results show that careful improvement and utilization ofthose local and affordable diluents would enhance turkey semen preservation

and artificial insemination practice in our local environment.