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Genotype-diet effect on comparative semen parameters of chickens fed graded levels of Moringa oleifera seed meal

Akintunde, A.O.^1* Toye, A.A.² Ademola, A.A.² Chimezie, V.O.² and Ajayi, O.A.¹

¹Department of Agriculture & Industrial Technology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
²Department of Animal Production, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Malaysian J. Anim. Sci. 2021 24(1): 41-55

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Moringa oleifera seed meal is a novel feed ingredient that has attracted the attention of many 
researchers as it affects the utilization since it thrives well in almost all ecological zones. However, it is ascertained that there is variation within and across different genotypes of chickens. The study aimed to determine the genotype-diet effect on semen and spermiogramic parameters of chickens fed graded Moringa oleifera seed meal (MOSM). The study evaluated the comparative influence of dietary MOSM on semen and spermiogramic characteristics of Yoruba Ecotype Nigerian Local Chickens (YENLC) and Isa Brown chickens. Data obtained were subjected to correlation and forward-stepwise regression using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 
Version 22. The findings of the study showed that the inclusion of MOSM in the diets of the birds 
of both genotypes affected the spermiogramic and semen parameters of the cocks. There was a 
significant high positive correlation (p<0.05) between body weight and spermatozoa reserves in 
the testes of YENLC. The positive relationship between body weight and spermatozoa reserves in 
the epididymis significantly increased (p<0.05) up to 10% inclusion of MOSM but significantly 
reduced at 15% inclusion. The relationship between body weight and sperm motility was negative 
but became positive and significantly low (P<0.05) at 15% inclusion of MOSM. Bodyweight can 
be significantly predicted (p<0.05) from spermiogramic parameters (R2=82.40%) and spermatozoa 
reserves in the testes can be significantly predicted (p<0.05) from bodyweight for YENLC but 
predictions of both body weight and spermiogramic parameters could not be done for Isa Brown 
cocks since the R2 values were significantly low (p<0.05) hence with very low reliability. However, 
there were associations between body weight and spermiogramic parameters and Body weights 
predicted sperm characteristics. These components could, however, be used in the selection for 
sperm characteristics in YENLC and Isa Brown Cocks.