EFFECT OF RESTRICTED AND AD-LIBITUM FEEDING ON SEMEN PRODUCTION AND FERTILITY IN BROILER BREEDER MALES

1. The effect of food restriction on the quality of semen production a nd 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/b ird/d; group 3 = 130 g/bird/d; group 4 = ad libitum. 3. Body weight, s perm 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 si milar in all the restricted groups. 5. Males fed ad libitum produced s emen with the best motility and percentage of live cells. Groups 3 and 4 showed the best fertility percentage (79%) against group 1 and 2 (5 9 and 72% respectively).