Comparative effect of saline solutions as diluents on <i>in vitro</i> semen storage, egg fertility and hatchability in Turkey hens

Abstract

The high viscosity and concentration of turkey semen necessitates its dilution prior to artificial insemination. The comparative effects of Modified Ringer’s Solution (MRS), Normal Saline (NS) and Dextrose Saline (DS) as diluents on semen quality and fertility in turkeys were investigated. Semen pooled from 20 toms was divided into four: Undiluted Semen (US), others were diluted at 1:1 with MRS, NS or DS and stored at ambient temperature (27.75±0.25 ). Progressive Spermatozoa Motility (PSM) was measured hourly till it was below 50%. Sixty turkey hens were inseminated with the treatments for two successive days, and fertility assessed over ten weeks. At first hour of storage, PSM was greater than 90% in all treatments while it was significantly (P˂0.05) higher in MRS (58.3±2.9%) and DS (56.7±1.7) than US (43.2±2.9%) and NS (41.7±1.7%) at the fourth hour. Fertility at the first six weeks post insemination was similar among the treatments. Values at the first 3 weeks were 81% to 97%. At week 8, it was significantly (P˂0.05) higher in NS (20.83%) than others (0%). Modified Ringer’s solution, normal saline and dextrose saline are suitable as semen diluents for insemination in turkeys. However, modified Ringer’s solution and dextrose saline stored semen better in vitro.

Keywords: Dextrose saline; Normal saline; Ringer’s solution; Saline solutions; Turkey fertility; Turkey semen