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Abstract
1. The effect of food restriction on the quality of semen production and fertility in broiler breeder males was studied.
2. Seventy‐two Ross broiler breeder males, from 20 to 54 weeks of age, were divided into 4 groups and fed as follows: group 1 = 110 g/bird/d; group 2 = 120 g/ bird/d; group 3 = 130 g/bird/d; group 4 = ad libitum.
3. Body weight, sperm quality (volume, concentration, % motility and % live cells) and fertility were measured. The birds were slaughtered at 55 weeks of age; the abdominal fat pad and testicles were weighed.
4. Groups 2 and 3 produced the highest volume of semen. The quality of semen was very similar in all the restricted groups.
5. Males fed ad libitum produced semen with the best motility and percentage of live cells. Groups 3 and 4 showed the best fertility percentage (79%) against group 1 and 2 (59 and 72% respectively).
Notes
Address for correspondence: I.D.V.G.A.‐C.N.R., Via Celoria 10,1–20133 Milano MI, Italy.