Impact of Preserved Semen on Fertility and Hatchability of Fayomi Hen Eggs

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of various extenders on fertility, hatchability, and embryonic development in Fayomi breed chickens. Twenty males and two hundred females were divided into four treatment groups: control, grand pharma (gp) commercial based extender, short-term storage in AD2E (alone) extender at 4°C for 72 hours AD2E extender supplemented 10 ml pomegranate juice at 4°C for 72 hours, and on-farm storage in garlic extract for 3 hours. Each treatment group consisted of five males and fifty females. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results among treatment groups. Egg production rates ranged from 74% to 78%, with no significant difference observed among treatment groups (P > 0.05). Yolk weight, albumin weight, shell weight, and egg weight showed no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). However, fertility rates ranged from 20.05% to 77.43%, with significant differences observed among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Similarly, chick hatchability ranged from 17.76% to 78.51%, and embryonic mortality ranged from 21.71% to 81.27%, both showing significant differences among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Chick liveability remained high across all groups, with no significant differences observed (P > 0.05). Hatch window ranged from 24 to 33 hours, showing no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). Overall, egg quality parameters and chick liveability were unaffected by the extenders, fertility, chick hatchability, and embryonic mortality were significantly influenced by storage methods. Further optimization of preservation methods may be warranted to improve these outcomes in Fayomi breed chickens.