Age and body weight as determinants of semen quality and sperm motility in Ross 308 broiler breeder males

Rooster fertility has a considerable impact on reproductive efficiency in broiler breeder management, with semen quality being an important factor in fertilization success. This study evaluated the effects of age and body weight on semen quality measures in Ross 308 broiler breeder males. Twenty-four roosters were allocated into two age groups (25-29 weeks and 30-39 weeks) and three body weight categories (underweight: 3.0-3.5 kg; normal: 4.0-4.5 kg; overweight: 5.0-5.5 kg). The volume, concentration, motility, and viability of sperm samples were evaluated. Sperm motility was affected by age and body weight. Older roosters showed higher motility (69.33%) than younger ones (41.26%). Roosters with normal body weight had better sperm motility (84.0%) than roosters that were underweight (44.17%) or overweight (46.33%). Semen volume increased with age only in overweight roosters, whereas other parameters were not significantly affected. These findings underline need to maintain an optimal body weight to optimize fertility, while also acknowledging the beneficial effects of advancing age on sperm motility. Age-specific weight management strategies may improve reproductive performance in broiler breeder males.

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