Effect of Semen Extenders on Post Hatch Performance of Fayomi Chicken Breed

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the effects of various semen extenders and storage methods on post-hatch performance and chick welfare in Fayoumi breed chickens. Twenty males and two hundred females were divided into four treatment groups: a control group, a group using the commercial extender Grand Pharma (GP), a group using the short-term storage in AD2E extender alone at 4°C for 72 hours, a group using AD2E extender supplemented with 10 ml of pomegranate juice at 4°C for 72 hours, and a group using on-farm storage in garlic extract for 3 hours. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results among the treatment groups. The results revealed significant differences among the treatment groups across various parameters. Chick abnormalities, such as reflex issues, appearance, eye condition, gait, navel area condition, and yolk sac quality, varied across treatment groups and storage durations. The weight of day-old chicks decreased with prolonged storage duration, ranging from 42.20g (GP extender) to 39.32g (garlic extract for 3 hours). Weekly relative body weight followed a similar decreasing trend, ranging from 210.00g (GP extender) to 180.00g (AD2E extender alone for 72 hours). Chick length ranged from 20.34 cm (GP extender) to 18.00 cm (garlic extract for 3 hours), also decreasing with longer storage durations. Water intake and feed intake decreased slightly with prolonged storage duration. Additionally, mortality and morbidity rates increased with longer storage periods, with mortality ranging from 3.10% (GP extender) to 3.80% (garlic extract for 3 hours), and morbidity ranging from 7.20% (GP extender) to 8.40% (AD2E extender with pomegranate juice at 72 hours). Parameters related to chick welfare, including ruffled feathers, lameness, and cannibalism, were observed across all treatment groups and storage durations, with varying severity. These findings underscore the importance of semen extender selection and storage method in preserving post-hatch performance and chick welfare.