Effect of Eruca sativa Seeds on Semen Quality in Lohmann Roosters
S. A. Al-Haj
Department of Poultry Production, Faculty of Animal Production, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
O. H. A. Ali
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
A. O. Alameen *
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Sudan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background and Objective: The poultry industry plays a very important role in improving the standard of life worldwide due to its concern about fighting hunger. Improving fertility, hence, productivity is the main goal in poultry production. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Eruca sativa (Rocket salad) on semen quality in cockerels’ chicken.
Materials and Methods: The Eruca sativa seeds were provided to fifteen cocks of Lohmann chicken breed (age seven months) at a concentration of 0.0% (control), 0.01%, and 0.02% as a feed additive for nine weeks. The cocks' sperm were collected using an abdominal massage technique. The semen volume, concentration, motility, live/dead ratio and normal/abnormal ratio were determined weekly over the experiment period. Data were statistically analyzed by a one-way ANOVA test using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 16).
Results: Concentration of 0.02% Eruca sativa significantly (p < 0.05) increased semen volume, motility, live/dead ratio. The other characteristics were also numerically increased in response to this concentration. Although it was not significantly different from the control group, 0.01% of Eruca sativa improve semen characteristics.
Conclusion: Eruca sativa improved the reproductive potentiality in cock by optimizing the semen quality. Generally, 0.02% Eruca sativa improved semen quality better than 0.01%.
Keywords: Cockerels, Eruca sativa, feed, fertility, powder seeds, semen quality