A preliminary study on semen collection, evaluation and insemination in Nigerian local turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

This preliminary study was carried out with 6 local turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) by collecting semen from 2 toms and insemination into 4 hen. The semen collection was achieved by the method of abdominal massage. It was evaluated based on volume, mass motility, live-dead-ratio and sperm concentration, which were; 0.195 + 0.010mls (Tom 1) and 0.205 + 0.024mls (Tom 2), (+++) for both toms, 70% (for Tom 1) and 75% (for Tom 2) approximately and 6.150 ± 0.329 x10^9/ml and 6.295 ± 0.161 x10^9/ml for Tom1 and Tom 2 respectively. Hens were inseminated weekly. Eggs laid were collected, stored and later incubated for hatching. Fifty four (54) eggs were incubated, (16 eggs from Hen A and 10 from Hen B, 15 from Hen C and 13 from Hen D), and all were found to be fertile. Forty six eggs (46 eggs i. e. 85%) were hatched (13 eggs from Hen A, 8 from Hen B, 14 from Hen C and 11 from Hen D). From the result it was clear that semen collected from the turkeys (Toms) in Sokoto was of satisfactory quality and can be used fresh in artificial insemination. The result also signifies satisfactory hatchability of eggs from inseminated hens.