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The effect of freeze-dried quail egg white and yolk addition to basic EK extender on morphology and motility of chicken broiler breeder semen was investigated. Fresh pooled semen was divided into eight parts: fresh, undiluted (control), diluted in 1:2 ratio (v/v) with: basic EK extender, EK + 200 mg/mL of egg white, EK + 100 mg/mL egg white, EK + 50 mg/mL egg white, EK+ 100 mg/mL egg yolk, EK + 50 mg/mL egg yolk, EK + 25 mg/mL egg yolk. Semen samples were evaluated 15 minutes after dilution and after 6 hours of storage at 4°C. In the fresh semen, the number of live normal sperm was the highest in semen diluted with EK + 200 mg egg white and EK + 100 mg egg yolk, while the highest sperm motility was in the neat semen. Semen storage reduced the number of normal sperm in all analyzed semen samples. In the neat semen, the number of normal sperm decreased, in relation to the fresh not-stored samples, by 36.8% (from 72.3 to 35.5%), with EK extender by 9.2%, in samples enriched with egg white, from 8.4% (EK + 200 mg) to 10.0% (EK + 100 mg), and in EK with egg yolk addition, from 1.2% (EK + 50 mg) to 10.6% (EK + 100 mg). The highest percentage of motile sperm was observed in EK extender enriched with 50 mg of egg white (77.1%) and EK + 25 mg of egg yolk (65.3%).

The creation of genetic reserves of domesticated animal species and breeds almost become a necessity in the recent years, but there is a question what is the value of semen of males kept ex situ in vivo as gene conservation flocks. Presented studies assessed the response to semen collection by dorso-abdominal massage and the quantitative and qualitative semen characteristics of six goose breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa, Kuban, Landes, Roman and Slovakia) covered by the genetic resources' protection programme. Fourteen semen collection attempts were performed per male. In each breed there were ganders with low and high sensitivity to massage. The most positive reactions were stated in Pomorska ganders (67.9%) and the least in Kuban breed (52.60%). Individual male evaluation showed that only in three breeds (Pomorska, Garbonosa and Kuban) there were individuals showing 100% susceptibility to semen collection, in some breeds only one to four positive reactions (ending with ejaculation) were noted. Results obtained indicated breed and male effect on analysed semen traits, with the exception of sperm motility. The highest number of live normal sperm (44.2% on average), sperm concentration (530 × 10

Males of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) are mainly used for mule duck production via artificial insemination of females originated from wild mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos); therefore, the quantity and quality of drake semen play a crucial role. The assessment results of male reaction to sexual stimulation by dummy female and basic semen characteristic (ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and morphology) of 12 individually kept Muscovy drakes carried out during the entire reproductive season are described. The male and period of the reproductive season effect on scored semen traits are documented. In total, 792 individual semen collections and evaluations were performed. The average of positive reaction in the entire reproductive season varied from 90.6% in December and April to 50.0% in July, while for individual males, it varied between 97.1% and 29.0%. Throughout the season, the ejaculate volumes ranged from 0.05 to 2.45 ml, sperm concentration from 0.15 × 109 ml-1 to 4.44 × 109 ml-1 , total number of live spermatozoa from 68.0% to 100% and live normal (properly formed, with any deformations) from 51.0% to 99.0%. Our study indicates the necessity of male breeders pre-selection before the onset of the reproductive season, and the need to leave an appropriate number of males to ensure adequate amount of semen for female insemination, especially when using Muscovy drakes (Cairina moschata) for interspecies crossing with Anas platyrhynchos ducks.

Avian semen dilution with appropriate extender allows to prolong the fertilizing ability of sperm stored in vitro. In the present study, the impact of extenders and time of storage on morphology of Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) drake semen were examined. Semen was collected twice a week, using male stimulation by a female method, from 12 adults (29 weeks old) drakes kept individually in cages, under controlled environmental conditions. Freshly collected, pooled ejaculates were divided into three part: neat undiluted sample, and diluted 1:1 with Schramm (SCH) or Watanabe (W) extender and stored at 4°C. Morphological examination of all samples was conducted after dilution and then, after 3 and 6 hr of storage. The storage of undiluted semen caused decrease (p ≤ .01) in live morphologically normal sperm, from 79.73% in the freshly collected ejaculates to 55.75% and to 12.12% after 3 and 6 hr of storage, respectively (average calculated for the entire reproductive season). In the semen diluted with Schramm's extender the adequate values attained 86.84, 79.65 and 61.66%, and using Watanabe extender 84.77, 83.58 and 75.25%, respectively. The period of semen storage and the type of extender caused significant (p ≤ 0,05; p ≤ 0,01) changes in sperm morphology. The longer period of storage contributed to the decrease in number of morphologically normal sperm, whereas their content in Watanabe extender after 3 and 6 hr of storage was higher (p ≤ .01) than in semen diluted in Schramm extender.

Artificial insemination is used in almost 95% of turkey reproductive flocks and is becoming more important in chickens, particularly broiler breeders, as well as in assisted reproduction of wild birds kept in breeding centers. Diluted semen is recommended for artificial insemination. Pooled semen samples collected twice a week by dorso-abdominal massage from 2 chicken lines: laying—ISA Brown (ISA-B) and meat type—Hubbard Flex (H-F) were divided into 5 parts: neat semen and diluted in 1:2 ratio with 4 extenders: basic EK; EK + 1 μg/mL organic selenium and 8 μg/mL vitamin E; EK + 10 mg/mL of royal jelly; and EK + 0.25 g/mL of lyophilized bovine colostrum. Diluted semen samples were evaluated after 15 min and then 24 h storage at 4°C. Sperm concentration, motility, motility parameters (with Sperm Class Analyzer), and morphology were evaluated in the neat semen, whereas in diluted and stored samples, the last 3 traits were determined. In case of both lines, dilution did not affect (P > 0.05) the number of live normal cells (78.0–81.1% in ISA Brown and 73.8–68.7% in Hubbard Flex) in relation to neat semen; however, bovine colostrum addition increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of bulb head sperm (5.7 vs. 10.0% and 12.1 vs. 17.6%, for ISA and Hubbard, respectively) and decreased sperm motility (67.4 vs. 92.9% and 67.3 vs. 98.5% for ISA and Hubbard). The 24 h storage of neat semen and semen diluted with colostrum caused (P < 0.05) the unfavorable changes in all evaluated traits and both chicken lines, whereas semen dilution with remaining extenders decreased the percentage of live normal cells (by 18.8–23.4% ISA and by 20.9–25.5% Hubbard) but did not affect sperm motility (81.5–87.6% for ISA and 81.1–96.6% for Hubbard). Sperm motility and motility parameters depended both on the extender and chicken line.

Compared to other domestic bird species, geese exhibit the lowest reproductive efficiency (poor semen quality, low egg production, and poor fertility and hatchability rates). From an economic perspective, it is a necessity of improve these reproductive traits. Studies have demonstrated that the essential trace element-selenium-plays key roles in testicular development and the maintenance of spermatogenesis. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of feed supplementation with organic selenium and vitamin E on ganders' response to manual semen collection and semen quality. Sixteen 3-year-old White Koluda ganders were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was provided commercial feed while the experimental group was provided with the same commercial feed supplemented with selenium (0.3 mg/kg) and vitamin E (100 mg/kg). The response of individual ganders from both groups to manual semen collection and the quality of the semen collected were evaluated. The supplements increased (P ≤ 0.05) the frequency and decreased the time interval of a complete ejaculatory response of the ganders to manual semen collections (82.7 % supplement vs. 73.5 % control). Males from the supplemented group had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01; P ≤ 0.05) ejaculate volumes, sperm concentrations, and percentages of viable sperm and lower percentages of immature sperm (spermatids). Lipids peroxidation, expressed in terms of the malondialdehyde concentration, was lower (P ≤ 0.01) in semen of the supplemented group (0.172 nmol/50 × 10(6)) as compared to the controls (0.320 nmol/50 × 10(6)). Moreover, the duration of the reproductive period of the ganders in the experimental group was 1 week longer. The results show that supplemental dietary selenium and vitamin E improved both the ganders' response to manual semen collection and semen quality. We conclude that such feed supplementation could lead to greater economic benefits through increased reproductive efficiency within the goose production industry.

The effect of proctodeal gland foam addition to fresh net or diluted semen supplemented with (DMA) dimethylacetamide, on morphology and fertilising potency of quail spermatozoa was evaluated. Every stage of quail semen preparation caused an increase in sperm deformations. The addition of foam, diluent and DMA decreased the number of morphologically intact spermatozoa by 28.3 percent points, in relation to the fresh semen. Foam addition to the fresh semen allowed to obtain 91.4% fertility, which was similar to results obtained during natural mating (93.0%), but in diluted and DMA supplemented semen, equilibrated for 5 minutes at 4°C, the foam had a detrimental effect on fertilising ability of spermatozoa.

The effect of quail semen dilution with three extenders : Lake's, Ringer's and Tyrod's on morphology and fertility trials of unstored spermatozoa was evaluated. Semen was collected twice a week by male stimulation by female method, from 60 quail males randomly divided into four groups (I-IV). Forty-eight females divided into four respective groups (A-D) were inseminated intravaginally with 10μl of fresh or 20μl of 2-folds diluted semen. Semen dilution did not affect the number of live spermatozoa in total, but the number of live, morphologically normal spermatozoa depended on the diluent. The highest number of morphologically normal spermatozoa -65.3% vs. 67.5% in fresh semen was stated in semen diluted with Lake's extender. It was significantly higher (P≤0.01) than in semen diluted with Ringer's diluent (56.2%). Egg fertility (99.2%), hatchability from set (91.2%) and fertile eggs (93.9%) in naturally mated group were significantly higher (P≤0.01) when comparing with females inseminated artificially both, with fresh and diluted semen. The highest fertility (60.1%) was obtained for spermatozoa diluted with Lake's extender, the lowest for spermatozoa treated with Ringer's solution (30.2%).

This experiment was carried out on 200 White Koluda geese, 1 day old, randomly divided into 2 groups with 50 males and 50 females in each group. From the first day until week 13, birds from the control groups were fed basic feeds; in the experimental groups, feed was supplemented with 0.3 mg/kg of selenium and 100 mg/kg of vitamin E. Later on, all birds were fed for 1 week with 160 g of oat grain and 250 g of ground cereals per day, then with oat grain ad libitum. The body weight of each bird was measured individually on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, 63, 77, 91, and 112, and growth rates were calculated. On the last day of the experiment, live zoometrical measurements were taken. On days 7, 14, 21, 35, and 63, the live body weights of geese from the experimental groups were significantly higher compared to those of the control groups (P < 0.05). Feed supplementation positively affected the length of the body and width of the chest (P < 0.05). The thickness of skin with subcutaneous fat was significantly lower in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Regardless of the feeding group, significant sex-based differences were observed in the majority of the evaluated live body measurements (P < 0.05).

This work focused on inexpensive methods of evaluation fowl sperm morphology, based on eosin-nigrosin smears, which can determine disorders in spermatogenesis and can be recommended for evaluating the fertilising potency and selecting males in flocks reproduced by artificial insemination. Four fowl breeds (Black Minorca, Italian Partridge, Forwerk and Greenleg Partridge) were used to determine the efficacy of sperm morphology evaluation using four eosin-nigrosin staining methods (according to Blom, Bakst and Cecil, Morisson, Jaśkowski) and three examiners of different experience (high, medium, novice). There were significant (P< or = 0.01) differences in sperm morphology between Blom's staining method and those of Bakst and Cecil, Morisson or Jaśkowski, irrespective of fowl breed and examiners experience. Blom stain caused sperm head swelling and showed a drastic reduction in the proportion of live spermatozoa with normal morphology. The staining method had a greater influence on sperm morphology evaluation than the experience of the examiners.

The effect of different levels (2, 4 or 6%) of DMA (dimethylacetamide) on the morphology and fertilising ability of unfrozen quail spermatozoa was evaluated. Semen was collected from 72 males kept individually in cages and randomly divided into four groups: Group I--control -- fresh undiluted semen (12 males) and three experimental groups (20 males each) - semen diluted 1:1 with Lake's extender and supplemented with 2% (Group II), 4% (Group III) or 6% (Group IV) of DMA (final concentration). Sperm morphology was evaluated at each step of semen preparation, i.e. in fresh and diluted semen, semen supplemented with DMA and semen that remained after insemination. For fertility tests, 36 females were divided into four groups (nine females each). Females in the control group were inseminated with 10 microl of fresh semen, in the experimental groups with 40 microl of diluted semen. Each stage of quail semen treatment had a deleterious effect on sperm morphology. The highest percentage of morphologically normal cells in semen evaluated after insemination, was observed in samples with 2% DMA, and the lowest--in samples with 6% DMA. Semen dilution and DMA addition significantly affected the fertilising potency of spermatozoa. Fertility of eggs collected from the control group (71.5% on average) was significantly higher (P

Semen of Greylag (Anser anser L.) ganders was frozen according to a method previously elaborated by the authors for freezing the White Koluda gander semen. Semen was collected from five to eight Greylag ganders, twice a week during three succeeding reproductive cycles, by dorso-abdominal massage. Semen samples were diluted in the ratio of 1:1 or 2:1 (two parts semen: one part diluent) with EK diluent, supplemented by 6% DMF, equilibrated and pre-frozen to -140 degrees C at a rate 60 degrees C/min, before being transferred into liquid nitrogen container. Semen samples thawed in a water bath of 60 degrees C were used for twice a week insemination in a volume of 200 microl. Three Greylag and three White Koluda geese were involved in frozen-thawed semen fertilizing ability test. The reproductive cycle of wild geese lasts usually about 6-7 weeks. The ejaculate volume (30-140 microl) and sperm concentration (10x10(6) to 150x10(6) ml(-1)) are much lower than these of domestic ganders, but spermatozoa morphology is similar, particularly while compared to 1-year-old White Koluda ganders semen. There are about 90% of live spermatozoa and about 30% of live morphologically normal cells in Greylag gander fresh semen. The Greylag gander spermatozoa susceptibility to cryopreservation procedure is as high as in domestic ganders. Dilution ratio 2:1 resulted in higher number of live spermatozoa, which withstood cryoinjury stress. In relation to fresh semen about 60% of spermatozoa remained intact (on the basis of light microscope examination) in the frozen-thawed semen. Insemination of frozen-thawed semen resulted in 37.5% of fertile eggs in Greylag and 25.0% in White Koluda geese. Low fertility rate was caused by an insufficient number of live normal spermatozoa used for insemination (about three million in every dose).