Junaid Ahmed Bhatti1, Hidayatullah Soomro 1,2*, Imdad Hussain Laghari1, Azizullah Memon1, Xiaoxia Du 3, Qudratullah Kalwar2, Mohammad Farooque Hassan 2 and Zahid Iqbal Rajput2
1Department of Poultry Husbandry, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam 70060, Pakistan 2Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Science, Sakrand 76210, Pakistan 3Shandong Vocational Animal Science and Veterinary College, Weifang, China
*Corresponding author: hidjaans@gmail.com
A total number of 40 male birds (10 each of Fayoumi (FAY), Aseel (ASL), Rhode Islam Red (RIR), and Australorp (AUS) of 35±5 weeks of age were randomly selected for trial. An experimental study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Animal Health (SIAH), Karachi for the summer and winter seasons. The semen volume of RIR was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to other breeds and for seasons. Semen color was classified as medium white for summer and winter seasons and found significant (P>0.05), however, there was a non-significant (P>0.05) difference among breeds. Moreover, semen pH has a non-significant difference for both seasons and amongst breeds. Sperm motility during summer season was observed significantly (P<0.05) higher in ASL breeds (72.2%) as compared to FAY (71.7%), AUS (64.99%), and RIR (64.65%) breeds. Whereas sperm motility during winter season was observed significantly higher in FAY (84.12%) as compared to AUS (84.10%), ASL (83.03%), and RIR (72.08). Sperm concentration for the winter season was observed significantly (P<0.05) higher in the ASL breed followed by RIR, Australorp, and FAY. Nevertheless, during the summer season, the sperm concentration was notably higher in the RIR breed, followed by AUS, ASL, and FAY, with a significant difference observed (P<0.05). The impact of seasonal variations in photoperiod and temperature on live sperm during summer showed a significantly higher percentage in the ASL breed (74.39%) compared to FAY (73.06%), AUS (65.83%), and RIR (65.2%) (P<0.05). It was concluded that seasonal photoperiod and temperature had significant effects on semen volume, sperm mortality, sperm concentration, and live sperm. In addition, roosters performed better in the winter season as compared to the summer season. Aseel and Fayoumi breeds had better performance as compared to all breeds.