Effect of Different Management Systems and Ejaculation Frequencies on Fertility and Hatchability of Turkey Eggs
Abstract
A total of 72 local turkeys comprising 24 Toms and 4 hens were used for the study. The males were randomly divided into two groups; M1 and M2. Group M1 males were intensively managed and fed 17% CP and 12.6 MJ/kg Metabolizable energy breeder diet. Group M2 males were semi-intensively managed and subjected to free range management and given concentrates. The males in both groups were randomly divided into four groups and subjected to four ejaculation frequencies/treatments (once, twice, three times and four times) per week using abdominal massage technique. A total of 729 eggs were incubated, candled and analyzed for fertility and hatchability. The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a 2x4 factorial arrangement in a Completely Randomized Design. Significant means were separated using Duncan's option of SPSS. The results obtained showed significant (p < 0.05) effect of ejaculation frequency and management system on fertility and hatchability in all the parameters measured. The number of fertile eggs (NF) was significantly (P< 0.05) affected by ejaculation frequency and management system. Once and twice per week ejaculation frequency produced the highest number of fertile eggs under M2. The number of infertile eggs was significantly (P<0.05) affected by ejaculation frequency, increasing with increase in ejaculation frequency in both management systems. Similarly, the number of early dead-embryo was significantly (P<0.05) affected by ejaculation frequency. Once per week ejaculation had the highest early dead embryo in both management systems. Percentage fertility ranged from 71 .01 I; 2.65% to 92.18 ± 21.18% in both management systems. Out of a number of 929 eggs incubated, 614 eggs were fertile. Percentage hatchability ranged from 85.1 1 ± 4.20%o to 100 ± 0.00 in both management systems. Therefore, two times per week ejaculation was ideal local forms used for AI, and both management systems could be used for rearing breeder toms.
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