Effect of Eruca sativa Seeds on Semen Quality in Lohmann Roosters

Background and Objective:The poultryindustry plays a very important role in improving the standard of life worldwide due to its concern aboutfightinghunger. Improving fertility, hence, productivity is themain goal in poultry production. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Eruca sativa (Rocket salad) on semen quality in cockerels’ chicken. Materialsand Methods:The Eruca sativaseeds were provided to fifteen cocks of Lohmann chicken breed (age seven months) at a concentration of 0.0% (control), 0.01%, and 0.02% as a feed additive for nine weeks. The cocks' sperm were collected using an abdominal massage technique. The semen volume, concentration, motility, live/dead ratio and normal/abnormal ratio were determined weekly over the experiment period. Data were statistically analyzed by a one-way ANOVA test using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 16). Results:Concentration of 0.02% Eruca sativasignificantly (p < 0.05) increased semen volume, motility, live/dead ratio. The other characteristics were also numerically increased in response to this concentration. Although it was not significantly different from the control group, 0.01% ofEruca sativaimprove semen characteristics. Conclusion:Eruca sativaimproved the reproductive potentiality in cock by optimizing the semen quality. Generally, 0.02% Eruca sativaimproved semen quality better than 0.01%.Original Research Article