Reproductive performance of turkeys as related to male rearing diets, semen quality and semen diluents

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of altering the levels of vitamin A and protein in the rearing and breeding diets of Broad Breasted White (B.B.W.) toms and the effect on subsequent reproductive performance, and to investigate the extension of turkey semen with various experimental diluents and the effect on fertility and hatchability. Experiment I B.B.W. turkey males were reared and maintained on low or high protein diets containing 100, 4000, or 8000 I.U./kg. of vitamin A. Vitamin A at a level of 100 I.U./kg. was low enough to produce symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in one group, as evidenced by their weakened condition and high mortality due to coccidiosis. Body weights were significantly higher at 16, 27, and 34 weeks of age in males receiving 4000 or 8000 I.U./kg. of vitamin A in their diets than the lower level of vitamin A. Hemoglobin, hematocrit or heart rates were not affected by the diets. Generally, males receiving the low vitamin A diets (100-1000 I.U./kg.) had slower maturing testes than males receiving higher levels of vitamin A as evidenced by gross and microscopic appearance at 29 and 51 weeks of age. Gross and histological examination of adrenal glands revealed no differences between groups due to dietary protein or vitamin A levels. ...