Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Semen quality and egg hatchability are critical factors in the successful reproduction of turkeys. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of incorporating Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal in the diets of local turkey on semen quality and egg hatchability. A total of 60 local turkey toms were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups Control (basal diet without leaf meal inclusion), 5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM), 5% Gongronema latifolium leaf meal (GLLM), and a combination of 2.5% MOLM and 2.5% GLLM. The turkeys were fed their respective diets for 16 weeks. The results indicated that the inclusion of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal in the turkey diet significantly improved semen quality parameters. Specifically, turkeys fed with the combination of MOLM and GLLM had higher sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability compared to the control group. These improvements in semen quality could enhance fertility and reproductive success in local turkey production systems. Furthermore, the dietary treatments also influenced egg hatchability in turkey hens. Hens receiving diets containing MOLM, GLLM, and the combination of MOLM and GLLM exhibited higher egg hatchability rates compared to the control group. The increased hatchability rates could be attributed to the improved semen quality in toms fed with the supplemented diets, leading to better fertilization rates and embryo development. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the inclusion of Moringa oleifera and Gongronema latifolium leaf meal in local turkey diets positively impacts semen quality and egg hatchability. These dietary supplements have the potential to enhance reproductive performance in local turkey production, thereby contributing to improved productivity and sustainability of the turkey industry. Further research is recommended to explore the mechanisms underlying the effects of these leaf meals on reproductive parameters and to optimize their inclusion levels for maximum benefits in turkey production systems.

Thesis Overview

1.0 Introduction                                                                                                     1

1.1 Background of the study                                                                                   1

1.2 Problem statement                                                                                             3

1.3 Objectives of the study                                                                                       4

1.4 Justification of the study                                                                             5