Enhancing Breeder Poultry Health: Exploring the Effect of Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Meal Supplementation on Seminal Biochemistry and Spermatological Characteristics

Abstract

This experiment investigated the effect of oregano meal (ORM) supplementation on seminal biochemistry and spermatological characteristics of breeder chickens. Following a completely randomised design, 24-week-old Yoruba chickens (n = 48) were assigned to four equal groups of three replications per group, and fed graded levels of ORM (1.50, 3.00, and 4.50 g kg^-1 diets, respectively) for 56 days on ad libitum. By the end of experimental feeding, semen collection was performed to evaluate specific seminal biochemicals and spermatological characteristics. Data obtained were analysed in one-way analysis of variance. Results showed highest (p < 0.05)
sperm concentrations in birds fed 3.00 and 4.50 g ORM, while control had least concentrations. Sperm motility was highest (p < 0.05) in birds fed 3.00 g ORM and lowest in the control. Birds fed 1.50 g ORM had higher (p < 0.05) live sperms, normally-shaped sperms, and seminal potassium levels than other groups. Seminal levels of sodium and fructose of birds fed 3.00 and 4.50 g were higher (p < 0.05) than control and those fed 1.50 g ORM. Highest (p < 0.05) levels of seminal magnesium were recorded by birds fed 3.00 and 4.50 g ORM while those fed 1.50 g ORM had lowest levels. The study concluded that 1.50 g ORM kg^-1 diet influences seminal biochemistry and spermatological characteristics for good semen quality in Yoruba breeder chickens.