PHYSIOLOGY AND REPRODUCTION Reproductive Performance of Broiler Breeders Maintained in Cages or on Floors Through 59 Weeks of Age1'2

ABSTRACT Semen characteristics and egg production of male and female commercial broiler breeders maintained in cages or on litter floors were evaluated over a 24-week period. Semen was collected from males caged singly or in pairs on a schedule of 3, 5, and 10 times (3X, 5X, and 10X) weekly from 36 through 59 weeks of age. Semen volume and concentration were determined once weekly for each male. Fertility and hatchability data of semen from males of the various treatment groups were obtained at 4 week intervals. Body weights and leg and foot problems were recorded at 28-day intervals and mortalities noted. No significant differences in semen volume, sperm concentration, percent fertility, and percent hatchability were found between males ejaculated 3X and 5X weekly or between males caged individually or as pairs. Total sperm per ejaculate was highest in birds ejaculated 5X weekly. Males ejaculated 10X weekly showed excessive cumulative mortality. The data suggest that although frequent semen collection (10X weekly) is feasible for up to 15 consecutive weeks, intensive use of males will be dependent upon proper management conditions. Broiler breeders, 36 through 59 weeks of age, were maintained on litter floors in groups based on male to female ratios of 1:25, 2:25, and 3:25 in individual pens. Fertility and hatchability data were obtained at 4 week intervals from hatching eggs produced by natural mating. Percent egg production, mortality, and female body weights at 28-day intervals were recorded. Percent fertility and hatchability were not significantly different among male to female ratios of 1:25, 2:25, an