Seasonal variation in semen characteristics of White Leghorn, New Hampshire and indigenous chicken in Iraq

Abstract

1. The effects of season, temperature, humidity and light on semen volume, pH, concentration, motility and the proportions of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were investigated on White Leghorn, New Hampshire and Iraqi cockerels. 2. All semen characteristics, with the exception of pH, were significantly influenced by season. 3. The semen quality of the Iraqi breed was similar to that of the New Hampshire breed.