Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamins C and E on the semen quality of local turkeys

Abstract

A 56-day study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamins C and E on semen quality of local toms. Twenty-four toms were procured and randomly divided into four groups (T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄) of six birds each and replicated thrice. Birds in T₁(control) were fed diets without vitamin supplementation. Birds in T₂, T₃ and T₄ were fed diets supplemented with Vitamin C (400 mg), Vitamin E (125 mg), and vitamin E (125 mg) + Vitamin C (400 mg) in a kg diet, respectively. Semen collections and evaluations were done through to the 8^th week. The samples were evaluated for ejaculate volume, progressive sperm motility (mot.), sperm concentration (SC), percentage live (LSP) and dead spermatozoa, and total sperm per ejaculate. Results showed that all semen quality traits considered differed (P < 0.01) among the treatment groups. Toms in T₄ had the highest (P < 0.01) values of mot. (88.08%) and LSP (85.23%). The T₂ and T₃ groups had similar mot. (75.39 and 77.15%, respectively) and LSP (71.81 and 76.80%, respectively) values while the control group had the least values (54.13 and 54.69%, respectively). The SC (x10⁹/ml) was highest in T₄ (17.42). Toms in T₃ had a higher SC level (14.03) than those of the T₂ (11.58) and the control (8.92). It was concluded therefore, that combined supplementation of vitamins E (125 mg/kg diet) and C (400 mg/kg diet) in toms’ diet enhanced semen quality the most and thus, recommended for turkey breeding operations.

Keywords: Toms, semen quality, vitamin C and vitamin E