Tomato juice supplementation in physiological solutions and egg yolk extenders improves broiler rooster semen extension

Abstract

The use of semen extenders is essential for maximizing the potential of artificial insemination in the poultry sector. The aim of this study was to assess whether a tomato-based semen extender is appropriate for semen extension in a Broiler parent stock. Three broiler roosters were used the experiment was replicated three times. The process of semen collection involved the stimulation of the copulatory organ through gentle massage of the abdomen and back areas surrounding the testes. The semen was evaluated at room temperature. Pre-extension Semen parameters evaluated were semen volume, pH, motility, concentration, morphological abnormalities and viability which were; 0.45 ± 0.05, 7.25 ± 0.35, 85 ± 7.07, 2.65 ± 0.35 (×10⁹), 8 ± 2.43 and 94 ± 1.41 respectively. Post-extension semen parameters were evaluated at 0, 1, 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 hours. Extenders used were; Sodium citrate-Egg yolk (control), Sodium citrate and Tomato juice, Physiological solutions (Normal saline, Dextrose, and Dextrose-saline), Tomato juice and Physiological solutions and Tomato juice and Egg yolk. Data collected were subjected to descriptive statistics and means were analyze using ANOVA. Generally, sperms motility decreased significantly with time in all the extenders. However, the combination of sodium citrate, Tomato juice and Egg-yolk based extender significantly improved semen extension up to 60% at 9 hours post extension. The study recommends the use of combination of Sodium citrate, Tomato juice and Egg-yolk for the extension of broiler rooster semen.