Determination of Avian Testicular Development of Ross 308 Broiler Breeder Males in Relation to Age and Weight

Abstract

The research was conducted in several batches of Ross 308 broiler breeders in order to determine the testicular development of broiler breeder males and its relation to the live weight of the animal in different weeks. The broiler breeders studied here were treated under the same parameters of feeding and management, and were between 15 and 62 weeks of life. For sample taking purposes, males were desensitized with a modified environment chamber to avoid suffering and then sacrificed. Then, the testes of males were removed and weighed. Data from weighing were tabulated and entered into the Statgraphics® Centurion XV program, version 2.15.06. To make the appropriate statistical analysis, two prediction equations were developed: one to predict the weight of the animal according to the week of life, and another to predict male testicular weight according to live weight. A table was designed in which the testicular weight of broiler breeder males was recorded according to their live weight in each week. It was concluded that the live weight of the animal and testicular weight are directly proportional. Gonadal development in breeding males from the onset of sexual maturity until they left the farm was also observed.