POULTRY SEMEN: Effects of season and genotypes on quality - Tapa blanda

Climate change impacts on humans and animals. As a necessary step to mitigate the effect of climate on poultry production, crossbreeding between local and exotic genotypes have been advocated. Improvement of local chickens require that important gene markers be identified and evaluated. Naked-neck and frizzle genes have been identified and birds having these genes are known to maintain their production potential even at high ambient tropical temperature.This research work evaluated (i) the physical and biochemical characteristics of ejaculates of naked-neck, frizzle and normal genotype cocks and (ii)the impact of season on ejaculates qualities of naked-neck, frizzle and normal genotype cocks. The potential benefits of incorporating naked-neck and frizzle poultry chickens in artificial insemination programme as a measure to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on semen production of poultry were identified and discussed. This priceless work serves as an indispensable reference for academics, researchers, poultry breeders, AI specialist, and extension agents involved in practical poultry production.

MACHEBE, Ndubuisi Samuel holds a doctorate degree in Animal Science (Animal Physiology) from University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He is currently a Lecturer in the same University. He has attended several local and international conferences and workshops and has published many journal articles. He hails from Ezeagu in Enugu State, Nigeria.