Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Tocopherol and Selenium on Rooster Semen Quality and Fertility Rate

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effects of tocopherol and selenium dietary supplementation on rooster semen quality and fertility ability. Thirty-six Pradu Hang Dum roosters (1 year old) were used and divided into 9 experiment groups. They were fed a basal diet supplemented with tocopherol (0, 50, and 100 mg/kg diet) and selenium (0, 0.3, and 0.6 mg/kg diet). After 14 days of feeding, semen samples were collected twice a week. Semen evaluation in terms of volume concentration and morphology was performed. Sperm motility characteristics were assayed by CASA. Sperm viability was evaluated by fluorescent staining using SYBR-14 and PI. The fertility test was determined by inseminating 54 layer hens. The results showed no significant differences in volume and concentration parameters. Supplemented with tocopherol 50 mg/kg combined with 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg selenium to diets increased sperm motility (96.06±2.19 and 96.00±2.27%) and viability (92.45±2.13 and 92.67±2.41%) (P<.05). For the fertility test, supplemented with tocopherol 50 mg/kg combined with 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg selenium was significantly higher than other groups (93.07±1.17 and 93.27±3.57 %) (P<.05). Therefore, the supplementation of tocopherol 50 mg/kg combination with 0.3 and 0.6 mg/kg selenium in diet is recommended to improve the quality of fresh semen and fertility ability.