Characteristics Of Turkey Semen In Different Genetic Groups

A major problem that hampers profitability in turkey production is the reproductive inefficiency which is attributed to unsatisfactory fertility level due to sexual dimorphism witnessed in body size. Extremely heavy tom turkeys show poor fertility when confronted with female, half of their body size. Hence, if measures could be devised that take care of the problem of physical incompatibility existent between turkey males and females, satisfactory level of fertility and thereby higher levels of hatchability can be ensured in turkey production, thus removing the major irritant in adoption of the same as a viable enterprise. Artificial insemination offers such a possibility for which evaluation of physical characteristics of semen quality forms the basis. The technique of freezing turkey semen, may prove to be of interest and value to the future turkey industry.